Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only

Coriander known as Dhanyaka or Kustumburu in Ayurveda consists of the dried ripe fruits of Coriandrum sativum. It possesses Pungent Bitter Sweet and Astringent tastes with Light and Unctuous qualities. Despite its Hot potency or Ushna Virya it acts as a Tridoshahara balancing Vata Pitta and Kapha. It is a potent digestive stimulant Dipana and digestive agent Pachana that uniquely alleviates burning sensations Daha and excessive thirst Trishna making it useful in fever Jvara. It acts as an absorbent Grahi for diarrhea Atisara and a diuretic Mutrala. Clinical indications include indigestion respiratory disorders and worm infestations. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 1 to 3 grams of the powder often taken as a cold infusion.
Coriander, known in Ayurveda as Dhanyaka, consists of the dried ripe fruits of Coriandrum sativum. It is a staple spice in Indian cuisine and a potent medicinal herb used to treat digestive disorders, fever, and excessive thirst. It is unique because it balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and acts as both a digestive stimulant and a cooling agent for burning sensations.
Coriander is a slender, branched, annual herb that grows 30-90 cm high. The entire plant gives off a characteristic aroma when rubbed. While the fresh leaves are used as a garnish, the dried fruits (seeds) are the primary part used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is highly valued for its ability to digest toxins (Ama) while not being overly heating, making it suitable for delicate digestion.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Coriander possesses the following qualities:
Coriander is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Coriander is generally considered safe and is a common dietary ingredient. It is well-tolerated by people of all constitutions (Prakriti).
• WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Includes therapeutic uses, safety, and pharmacology of Coriandrum sativum
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Government of India – Official monograph of Dhanyaka
https://www.ayush.gov.in/site/Page/388
• Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI), Government of India – Classical formulations containing Dhanyaka
https://www.ayush.gov.in/site/Page/389
• ICMR – Quality Standards of Indian Medicinal Plants (Coriandrum sativum monograph)
https://main.icmr.nic.in/content/quality-standards-indian-medicinal-plants
• Laribi B. et al. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and its bioactive constituents. Fitoterapia.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23395783/
• Asgarpanah J., Kazemivash N. Phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Coriandrum sativum. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746564/
• Sahib N.G. et al. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): A potential source of high-value components for functional foods and nutraceuticals. Phytotherapy Research.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22416028/
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, it is a standard spice used daily in Indian cooking to aid digestion.
Q. When should it be taken?
Powdered coriander can be taken with food. For therapeutic use (like for thirst or fever), it is often boiled in water or soaked overnight and taken in the morning.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. It is commonly taken with warm water for digestion or as a cold infusion for burning sensations. It can also be taken with buttermilk (Takra) for digestive issues.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only

Coriander known as Dhanyaka or Kustumburu in Ayurveda consists of the dried ripe fruits of Coriandrum sativum. It possesses Pungent Bitter Sweet and Astringent tastes with Light and Unctuous qualities. Despite its Hot potency or Ushna Virya it acts as a Tridoshahara balancing Vata Pitta and Kapha. It is a potent digestive stimulant Dipana and digestive agent Pachana that uniquely alleviates burning sensations Daha and excessive thirst Trishna making it useful in fever Jvara. It acts as an absorbent Grahi for diarrhea Atisara and a diuretic Mutrala. Clinical indications include indigestion respiratory disorders and worm infestations. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 1 to 3 grams of the powder often taken as a cold infusion.
Coriander, known in Ayurveda as Dhanyaka, consists of the dried ripe fruits of Coriandrum sativum. It is a staple spice in Indian cuisine and a potent medicinal herb used to treat digestive disorders, fever, and excessive thirst. It is unique because it balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and acts as both a digestive stimulant and a cooling agent for burning sensations.
Coriander is a slender, branched, annual herb that grows 30-90 cm high. The entire plant gives off a characteristic aroma when rubbed. While the fresh leaves are used as a garnish, the dried fruits (seeds) are the primary part used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is highly valued for its ability to digest toxins (Ama) while not being overly heating, making it suitable for delicate digestion.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Coriander possesses the following qualities:
Coriander is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Coriander is generally considered safe and is a common dietary ingredient. It is well-tolerated by people of all constitutions (Prakriti).
• WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Includes therapeutic uses, safety, and pharmacology of Coriandrum sativum
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Government of India – Official monograph of Dhanyaka
https://www.ayush.gov.in/site/Page/388
• Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI), Government of India – Classical formulations containing Dhanyaka
https://www.ayush.gov.in/site/Page/389
• ICMR – Quality Standards of Indian Medicinal Plants (Coriandrum sativum monograph)
https://main.icmr.nic.in/content/quality-standards-indian-medicinal-plants
• Laribi B. et al. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and its bioactive constituents. Fitoterapia.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23395783/
• Asgarpanah J., Kazemivash N. Phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Coriandrum sativum. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746564/
• Sahib N.G. et al. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): A potential source of high-value components for functional foods and nutraceuticals. Phytotherapy Research.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22416028/
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, it is a standard spice used daily in Indian cooking to aid digestion.
Q. When should it be taken?
Powdered coriander can be taken with food. For therapeutic use (like for thirst or fever), it is often boiled in water or soaked overnight and taken in the morning.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. It is commonly taken with warm water for digestion or as a cold infusion for burning sensations. It can also be taken with buttermilk (Takra) for digestive issues.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem