"Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), commonly known as Dhana in Ayurveda, is a fragrant annual herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. Native to regions spanning Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwestern Asia, it is widely cultivated for both its seeds and fresh leaves. In traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani, and Chinese medicine, it is valued for its digestive, carminative, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties.
"
Coriander Scientific Name
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Apiales
- Family: Apiaceae
- Genus: Coriandrum
- Species: Coriandrum sativum L.
Coriander Common Name
- English: Coriander
- Sanskrit: Dhānyaka, Dhana
- Hindi: Dhania
- Gujarati: Dhana
- Tamil: Kothamalli
- Telugu: Dhaniyalu
- Malayalam: Malli
- Kannada: Kottambari
- Bengali: Dhone
- Marathi: Dhane
Daily Routine & Wellness Uses
- Coriander Infused Water: Soak a few coriander seeds or leaves in a jug of water overnight and drink it in the morning as a gentle detox tonic.
- Coriander Tea: Brew some dried coriander seeds or fresh leaves like herbal tea to support digestion, reduce bloating, and calm the mind.
- Post-Meal Digest Aid: Chew ½ teaspoon of crushed coriander seeds after a heavy meal to help reduce gas and promote digestion.
- Coriander Leaf Paste for Skin: Blend fresh leaves to make a mild paste; apply on face to soothe redness, calm irritation, or manage mild acne.
- Aromatic Cooking Use: Use fresh dhania leaves or coriander seed powder daily in your cooking to naturally benefit from its health properties.
Culinary & Internal Applications
- Coriander in Curries and Dal: The seeds and leaves are widely used in Indian cuisine to flavor curries, dals, and soups.
- Fresh Salads and Chutneys: Coriander leaves (cilantro) are a key ingredient in chutneys, salsa, and salad dressings.
- Spice Blends: Ground coriander seed is a staple in garam masala, curry powders, and spice mixes.
- Baked Goods & Sweets: Coriander’s citrusy, floral aroma can be added to breads, biscuits, or sweet dishes for a refreshing twist.
- Herbal Tonics: Traditional herbal formulations use coriander seed decoction for detox drinks and metabolic tonics.
Who Should Use Coriander & Who Should Be Cautious
Recommended For:
- People with digestive issues like gas or bloating
- Individuals wanting natural antioxidant support
- Those looking for herbal support for blood sugar
- People interested in plant-based dietary detox
- Users wanting a cooling herb in their daily wellness routine
Use With Caution If:
- You have very low blood pressure (because coriander may lower BP)
- You're taking blood sugar-lowering medications — monitor carefully
- You are pregnant — use culinary amounts; avoid very high supplements without guidance
- You have allergy to Apiaceae family (like celery, carrot)
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Digestive Health - Used as a carminative, improving digestion, reducing bloating, flatulence, and acidity.
- Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory Effects - Contains phenolic compounds that combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
- Antimicrobial Activity - Demonstrates antibacterial and antifungal properties, particularly due to linalool in the essential oil.
- Diuretic and Detoxifying - Traditionally used to promote urination, cleanse the urinary tract, and reduce water retention.
- Blood Sugar Management - Studied for its potential hypoglycemic effect, useful in managing early stages of diabetes.
- Menstrual and Reproductive Support - Used in traditional medicine to regulate menstrual flow and relieve associated discomfort.
- Skin Health - Employed externally in Ayurvedic preparations to treat acne, eczema, and skin irritations.
Phytochemical Constituents
Coriandrum sativum is rich in several bioactive phytochemicals that contribute to its therapeutic actions:
- Essential Oils: Linalool, Geraniol, Camphor, Borneol, Limonene
- Flavonoids: Quercetin, Kaempferol, Rutin
- Phenolic Acids: Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acid
- Sterols: β-sitosterol
- Alkaloids: Coriandrin
- Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron, Magnesium
References
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part-I, Vol. I, Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.
- Nadkarni, K.M. (2002). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. I, Bombay Popular Prakashan.
- Laribi, B., Kouki, K., M’Hamdi, M., & Bettaieb, T. (2015). "Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and its bioactive constituents." Fitoterapia, 103, 9–26.
- Sahib, N.G., et al. (2013). "Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): A potential functional food." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 14(2), 2055–2080.
- European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.
- Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi.
- Pandey, G. (1981). Dravyaguna Vigyan (Vol. 2). Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi.
- Review: Coriandrum sativum L. in Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry & Cardiovascular Effects.
- Antioxidant Activity of Coriandrum sativum Seed Extract — in vitro + diabetic rat model.
- Structural Polysaccharides from C. sativum Seeds & Their Hepatoprotective Effect.
- Essential Oil Review: Composition and Biological Activities of Coriander Oil.
- Functional Food Review: Coriander as a Promising Bioactive Herb.
- Pharmacological Evaluation of C. sativum: Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant Properties.
My Account
