Coriander is a widely used herb across the world. It is usually added to any cuisine in the form of garnishing, so is consumed raw and fresh. Dry Coriander seeds (whole and powder) are used in cooking. It grows annually and is found in Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is a common kitchen herb that can be grown at home too.
Botanical and common names of coriander-
Botanical name – Coriandrum Sativum Linn. It is commonly known as Cilantro in English. In Ayurveda, it is known as Dhanyaka. The seeds, as well as leaves, are used for culinary and therapeutic purposes.
Ayurvedic properties and therapeutic benefits-
It has an Astringent dominant and slightly bitter taste which makes it light to digest as per Ayurveda. It is useful to balance all the three Doshas, viz, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, but due to its sweet taste after digestion, it acts better on vitiated Pitta.
Health Benefits of coriander-
It has immense health benefits. It is consumed in the form of herb and spices in cooking as well as used to make herbal formulations in Ayurveda.The below are some of the advantages:
- Diuretic property- helpful to increase urine output and acts as a bladder cleanser.
- It has anti-pyretic and anti-viral action which helps to reduce body temperature in case of fever.
- It is useful to improve digestion and combats malabsorption.
- Using coriander regularly in meals stimulates the taste buds and increases salivation.
- This improves imbalanced Pitta symptoms such as excessive thirst, burning sensation and micturition, skin irritation, etc.
- Coriander leaves are beneficial to reduce the levels of uric acid and improve kidney function.
- The use of coriander in Ayurvedic medicines is seen as beneficial in various formulations which help to treat disorders such as worm infestations and gastric disorders.
- This also improves circulation and hence is a good antioxidant. It also improves skin texture.
Ayurvedic Uses and home remedies of coriander:
- Dry roasted coriander and cumin seeds in powdered form are useful in cooking, this is a typical spice combination that enhances flavour, improves appetite, and promotes digestion.
- Regular intake of infused coriander water helps to increase urine output and reduces burning micturition. It also acts as a detoxifying herb and cleanses the urinary system.
- Coriander seeds, cinnamon, clove and lemongrass-infused tea are useful against cold and prevent seasonal allergies.
