Coriander
Sanskrit: Dhanyaka
Coriandrum sativum
Seed and leaf from the same familiar kitchen plant, used in cooling infusions and everyday cooking across India.
Also known as
Coriander · Dhaniya · Dhanyaka · Cilantro (fresh leaf)
- hindi:
- Dhaniya
- tamil:
- Kothamalli
- telugu:
- Dhaniyalu
- bengali:
- Dhone
- marathi:
- Kothimbir
- gujarati:
- Dhana
Parts used
- Dried seeds
- Fresh leaves
- Aromatic volatile oil in the seed
Traditional overview
- Seeds soaked overnight in water and sipped as a cooling drink
- Part of the classic cumin-coriander-fennel after-meal tea
- Fresh leaves blended with mint as a light summer infusion
- Ground seed used daily in curries and spice blends
Common traditional forms
- seed soak water
- decoction
- fresh leaf infusion
- culinary use
Wellness tags
- cooling drink
- digestive comfort
- summer routine
Body focus
- stomach
- intestines
- urinary tract
Concerns
- bloating
- indigestion
- heat discomfort
- acidity
What to know before use
Steep a teaspoon of seeds in hot water, or soak overnight and strain in the morning. Keep to one or two cups a day. Persistent digestive discomfort, weight loss or blood in the stool needs medical assessment, not a home drink.
Important cautions
A common food spice that suits most people in kitchen amounts. Concentrated seed extracts and essential oil are stronger and are not part of ordinary home use.
Who should avoid it
- Anyone with a known coriander or celery-family allergy
- People who have had skin reactions to fresh coriander leaf
Medicine interactions
- Concentrated coriander preparations may add to the effect of blood sugar or blood pressure medicines — stay with food amounts if you take these
PregnancyCulinary use is customary. Avoid concentrated extracts or essential oil in pregnancy unless your doctor agrees.
ChildrenFood amounts and mild infusions are generally well tolerated. Introduce any new drink slowly in small children.
Quality and buying guidance
Whole seeds should be pale brown, round, light and strongly fragrant when crushed. Avoid musty or discoloured seeds. Fresh leaves should be crisp and green — wash well, as leafy produce carries soil and residue.
What does the evidence say?
This is primarily an established food with a long record of ordinary dietary use; nutritional information is better documented than medicinal claims.
Traditional wellness information only — not medical advice. Start small, and check with a qualified practitioner if you are pregnant, nursing, treating a child, or managing a medical condition.