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Coriander (Dhanyaka)
Dhanyaka
A digestive spice that soothes heat and thirst, much loved for Pitta. How Ayurveda uses coriander seeds and leaves, how to make coriander seed water and what research says.
- PotencyMildly heating as a dry seed in the classical texts; the fresh leaves are cooling
Coriander supports digestion while easing heat, thirst and burning sensations, which makes it one of the best spices for Pitta. Both the seeds (dhanyaka) and the fresh leaves (cilantro) are used.
Coriander in Ayurveda
The Bhavaprakasha describes dried coriander as light, slightly oily, kindling to digestion and balancing all three doshas, and says it relieves thirst, burning sensations, nausea and fever. Fresh coriander is described as sweeter and especially calming for Pitta. In practice coriander is the spice Ayurveda reaches for when digestion needs help but extra heat would be a problem.
Coriander seed water
Soaking crushed coriander seeds overnight makes a mild, cooling drink that is traditionally taken in hot weather, after spicy food and for a sense of internal heat. Online it is credited with everything from weight loss to thyroid and kidney benefits; there is no good human evidence for those claims.
Ayurvedic properties
- Taste · rasa
- Astringent, bitter, slightly pungent
- Potency · virya
- Mildly heating as a dry seed in the classical texts; the fresh leaves are cooling
- After digestion · vipaka
- Sweet (madhura)
Effect on the doshas: Balances all three doshas; especially good for Pitta, because it relieves thirst and burning.
How to use it
- Fresh leaves stirred into dals, curries and salads
- Coriander seed water: soak 1 tsp crushed seeds in a glass of water overnight, strain and drink
- Part of CCF tea with cumin and fennel
- Coriander chutney with mint and lime
- Ground coriander added generously to cooling summer dishes
How to make coriander seed water
- Lightly crush 1 to 2 tsp coriander seeds
- Soak in a glass of water (about 250 ml) overnight
- Strain in the morning and drink at room temperature
- For a quicker version, simmer the seeds for 5 minutes and let the water cool
Benefits
Laboratory and animal studies suggest coriander seed may help with blood sugar, cholesterol and digestion, and small human studies have looked at it for IBS symptoms in combination with other herbs. There is not enough human evidence to recommend it as a treatment. As a food and a gentle daily drink, it is safe and useful.
The Bhavaprakasha (Haritakyadi varga) calls dhanyaka tridoshahara, balancing all three doshas, and lists it for thirst, burning sensations, vomiting, cough and fever. It is also a common ingredient in classical digestive formulas.
Safety
Safe in culinary amounts. People who are allergic to fennel, celery, carrot or other plants in the same family can react to coriander. Large medicinal amounts may lower blood sugar.
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine. This guide is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or qualified practitioner — never stop prescribed treatment based on it.
Questions
Is coriander good in summer?
Yes. It eases heat and thirst, which makes it ideal in hot weather and for Pitta.
Can I drink coriander seed water every day?
Most people can, in normal amounts of a glass or two. Stop if it upsets your stomach.
Does coriander seed water help the thyroid?
There is no good evidence that it does. Thyroid conditions need medical care.
Seeds or leaves?
Both. Seeds are better for digestion and in teas; fresh leaves are more cooling and are best added at the end of cooking.