Chelation is a Greek word meaning claws. Chelation therapy is a process in which a chelating agent literally grabs onto and pulls lead or other heavy metals from the blood and arteries, and gets rid of them through the process of natural elimination. This is commonly done intravenously with a chemical agent called EDTA.

Chelation therapy using EDTA was found to remove not only lead but mercury and aluminum. The theory is that getting rid of these heavy metals within the body allows the elimination of millions of free radicals (disrupted cell structures}, which in turn allows the body to heal itself.

Chelation therapy can also be done orally, which consists of taking a scheduled dosage of supplements which remove the heavy metals from the body. This, however, can be almost as costly as intravenous chelation.

However, Dr. Yoshiaki Omura has reported a huge success using the common herb cilantro, better known as coriander, as a chelation agent. He claims that fresh cilantro can remove heavy metals from the body in less than two weeks.

His study also indicated that patients using cilantro as a chelator had fewer incidences of colds and flu after removing the heavy metals. This could be because viruses and bacteria tend to accumulate in organs which have high levels of heavy metal. Cilantro was also found to be beneficial in preventing herpes outbreaks.

Cilantro is a Mexican and Middle Eastern spice. To be used as a chelating agent it must be used fresh. The leaves are preferable as the stems tend to taste bitter. Salads and salsas are a good way to introduce cilantro into the diet.

A tablespoon of cilantro a day keeps the doctor away! Cilantro or intravenous chelation? Well, I am really not that thrilled with needles, so cilantro salsa, here I come!