Dhania

The name dhania comes from the Sanskrit word dhanyaka, and the herb is commonly known in English as coriander, botanically classified as Coriandrum sativum of the Apiaceae family (Mahleyuddin et al., 2022). It is native to Southern Europe, North Africa, and South-West Asia, and is now cultivated widely, including across India, for its leaves, seeds, and, less commonly, its roots (Mahleyuddin et al., 2022).

In Ayurveda, dhania is traditionally described as having a pungent-sweet taste (katu-madhura rasa), a cooling potency (sheeta virya), and a sweet post-digestive effect (madhura vipaka), and is generally considered balancing for Pitta and Kapha doshas. Modern research on its essential oils, flavonoids, and antioxidant compounds has investigated some of these traditional uses (Nadeem et al., 2013).

Dhania is known by several names across languages and cuisines (Mahleyuddin et al., 2022):

• English: Coriander
• Hindi: Dhaniya
• Sanskrit: Dhanyaka
• Marathi: Kothmir
• Tamil: Malli / Kothamalli
• Punjabi: Dhania or Dhanya
• Haryanvi: Dhania or Dhanya
• Urdu: Dhania or Dhanya
• Kashmiri: Dhaniwal or Dhanawal
• Dogri: Biyoon
• Gujarati / Kachchhi: Dhana
• Konkani: Kottambari
• Bengali: Dhone or Dhoniya
• Odia: Dhania
• Assamese: Dhaniya or Gondhowa-Shak

The figures below are per 100 g of fresh coriander leaves and are consistent with USDA reference data for "Coriander (cilantro) leaves, raw" (USDA FoodData Central, 2019):

Dhania leaves and seeds contain a range of compounds that have been studied for their biological activity (Nadeem et al., 2013; Mahleyuddin et al., 2022):

• Linalool, the main aromatic compound in coriander seed essential oil
• Alpha-pinene, camphor, and limonene, other essential-oil components found in the seeds
• Decenal and (E)-2-dodecenal, aldehydes that give the fresh leaves their characteristic aroma
• Carotenoids, including beta-carotene, found mainly in the leaves
• Flavonoids such as quercetin, and other phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity
• Vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals such as iron, calcium, and manganese

Dhania is described in both traditional and modern literature as having several potential biological actions. These are supported to varying degrees by laboratory and animal research, with more limited human clinical evidence (Nadeem et al., 2013; Mahleyuddin et al., 2022):

• Carminative: may help relieve trapped gas and bloating
• Antispasmodic: may help ease mild digestive cramping
• Antimicrobial: laboratory studies show activity against certain bacteria and fungi
• Antioxidant: contains polyphenols and flavonoids that have antioxidant activity
• Anti-inflammatory: may help reduce markers of inflammation in laboratory studies
• Mild diuretic: traditionally used to support healthy fluid balance
• Digestive stimulant: may help support appetite and digestive secretions
• Hypoglycaemic activity: animal studies show a blood-sugar-lowering effect (Gray & Flatt, 1999); human evidence is still limited

Dhania may support digestive comfort, appetite, occasional muscle discomfort and joint comfort. It also has compounds studied for anti-inflammatory and other biological activities. These potential benefits should not replace medical assessment or treatment for persistent, severe or diagnosed conditions.

Support for Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms

Dhania's carminative and antispasmodic qualities may help ease bloating, gas, and mild abdominal discomfort linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Nadeem et al., 2013). Drinking dhania water may offer some symptom relief for mild digestive upset. It provides symptomatic support only; persistent or severe IBS symptoms need assessment by a doctor. 

Support for appetite

Dhania is traditionally used as a mild appetite stimulant, thought to work by supporting digestive secretions (Nadeem et al., 2013). It may help people with reduced appetite from minor illness. Poor appetite linked to a serious condition, such as an eating disorder, needs medical nd psychological care, not herbal self-treatment. 

Support for occasional muscle discomfort

Coriander has traditionally been used to ease mild muscle discomfort, possibly linked to its anti-inflammatory activity (Mahleyuddin et al., 2022). Some people use coriander seed preparations for occasional cramping after exercise or dehydration. Ongoing or severe muscle pain needs proper medical assessment rather than home remedies alone. 

Support for joint comfort

Coriander's anti-inflammatory compounds are traditionally thought to help ease mild joint stiffness and discomfort (Mahleyuddin et al., 2022). Some people use coriander oil topically, or coriander seed preparations orally, for general joint comfort. It is not a substitute for prescribed arthritis treatment, and ongoing or worsening joint pain needs review by a doctor. 

Dhania is traditionally used in cooking and traditional preparations for digestive, respiratory, skin and general wellness support. It may also be included in traditional routines for fluid balance, blood sugar and heart health, although evidence for several of these uses is limited. These uses are mainly culinary or traditional and should not replace prescribed treatment for diagnosed conditions.

Culinary and digestive support use

• Used as a spice in curries, chutneys, and pickles, adding flavour while traditionally supporting digestion of the meal
• Dhania water, made by soaking seeds overnight, is a traditional home remedy taken to help ease mild bloating and support regular digestion
• Fresh leaves are used as a garnish and are traditionally believed to add a mild digestive benefit to meals

Traditional use for mild respiratory discomfort

• Dhania seed preparations are traditionally used to help ease the discomfort of an occasional mild cough or blocked nose

Traditional use for skin comfort

• A paste of crushed coriander leaves is traditionally applied to help soothe minor skin irritation and redness
• Coriander's antioxidant content is traditionally associated with supporting healthy-looking skin, as part of an overall skincare routine
• This is cosmetic and symptomatic support only; it is not a treatment for skin infections, eczema, or other diagnosed skin conditions

Traditional use for calm and focus

• Coriander extracts are being studied for a possible calming, anti-stress effect, though most evidence so far comes from laboratory and animal research (Mahleyuddin et al., 2022)
• Dhania is traditionally taken as part of a wider calming routine, alongside adequate sleep and rest
• It is not a treatment for anxiety disorders or other diagnosed mental health conditions, which need assessment by a doctor or mental health professional

Traditional use for eye comfort

• Coriander leaves are a source of vitamin A, a nutrient linked to normal vision (USDA FoodData Central, 2019)
• Cooled, diluted coriander leaf water is traditionally dabbed around the closed eyelid to help ease minor irritation

Traditional use to support fluid balance

• Dhania is traditionally regarded as a mild diuretic and is taken as dhania water to help support the body's natural fluid balance
• People with kidney disease should use coriander only after speaking with their doctor, given its diuretic action

Traditional use for blood sugar support

• Animal studies suggest coriander seed extract may help lower blood glucose levels and support insulin activity (Gray & Flatt, 1999)
• Human evidence for this effect is limited, and dhania must never replace prescribed diabetes medicine or insulin
• People with diabetes should consider dhania a dietary addition rather than a treatment and use it alongside their prescribed care. They should also monitor their blood glucose as advised by their treating doctor.

Traditional use as a food-safety aid

• Coriander's essential oils show antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi in laboratory studies (Nadeem et al., 2013)
• It is traditionally added to pickles and preserved foods partly for this reason, alongside proper food-safety practice
• This laboratory activity does not mean dhania can treat an active infection; a suspected infection needs medical diagnosis and treatment

Traditional use for heart and cholesterol support

• Some studies suggest coriander seed extract may help support healthy cholesterol levels, as part of an overall heart-healthy diet (Mahleyuddin et al., 2022)
• It should not be used as a replacement for prescribed cholesterol-lowering or heart medicine
• People with diagnosed heart disease or high cholesterol should discuss any dietary changes with their doctor

The following precautions apply before using dhania beyond its normal use as a cooking spice.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Speak with your doctor before using dhania in medicinal amounts, beyond normal cooking use, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
• Diabetes: Dhania may lower blood glucose. People taking diabetes medicine should monitor their blood glucose closely and consult their doctor before regular medicinal use
• Low blood pressure: Dhania may further lower blood pressure. People with low blood pressure, or those taking blood-pressure-lowering medicine, should use it cautiously and seek medical advice
• Kidney disease: Because dhania has a mild diuretic effect, people with kidney disease should use it only after consulting their doctor
• Alcohol: There is limited evidence on how dhania interacts with alcohol; as a general precaution, people who drink alcohol regularly should avoid taking large medicinal amounts of dhania without medical advice
• General: Dhania is not a substitute for prescribed medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease

Dhania can be used in a few different forms; each is prepared slightly differently.

Using dhania as a cooking spice

• Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dhania powder to curries, soups, or marinades during cooking
• Use fresh coriander leaves as a garnish on salads, lentils, and buttermilk
• Add whole or crushed seeds while tempering dals and vegetables for flavour and to support digestion

Preparing dhania (coriander) water

• Soak 1 to 2 teaspoons of coriander seeds in a glass of water overnight
• Strain the water in the morning and drink it, if it suits you
• This is generally taken once daily; check with an Ayurvedic practitioner for a routine suited to you

Applying a coriander leaf paste to the skin

• Crush a handful of fresh coriander leaves into a smooth paste
• Apply a thin layer to clean skin and leave for 10 to 15 minutes
• Rinse off with cool water; discontinue if any redness, itching, or irritation develops

Using coriander essential oil

• Coriander essential oil is generally diluted in a carrier oil before use for massage or topical application
• It should not be applied undiluted to the skin, or taken internally, without guidance from a qualified practitioner

Herbs Traditionally Used With Dhania

Dhania is commonly combined with other digestive herbs in Ayurvedic and everyday kitchen use. A few common pairings are set out below.

General serving amounts are set out below by age group. These can vary between individuals and preparations, so please also read the disclaimer that follows.

Disclaimer: These amounts are general information only and are not a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified doctor or Ayurvedic physician. Do not exceed the amount your practitioner recommends.

Dhania is generally safe for most people in normal food amounts. The side effects below can occur, mainly with larger, medicinal amounts.

Allergic reactions

Some people may develop an allergic reaction to dhania, such as skin rashes or itching. Discontinue use and seek medical help if a reaction occurs.

Low blood pressure

Because dhania may lower blood pressure, taking too much can cause symptoms such as dizziness or fainting, particularly in people who already have low blood pressure or take blood-pressure-lowering medicine.

Gastrointestinal discomfort

Taking dhania in large amounts may occasionally cause stomach cramps or diarrhoea in some people. Reducing the amount used usually resolves this.

Dhania may interact with certain medicines. Medical advice should be sought before combining regular medicinal use of dhania with any of the medicines below.

Diabetes medicines and insulin

Dhania may add to the blood-sugar-lowering effect of diabetes medicine or insulin, increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) (Gray & Flatt, 1999). People on these medicines should monitor their blood sugar closely and speak with their doctor before regular medicinal use of dhania. 

Blood pressure medicines

Dhania may have a mild blood-pressure-lowering effect. Taking it alongside antihypertensive medicine could increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low. Monitor blood pressure and consult a doctor before combined use. 

Blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medicines

There is limited evidence that coriander may affect blood clotting. As a precaution, people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine, such as warfarin or aspirin, should consult their doctor before taking dhania in medicinal amounts. 

Photosensitising medicines

Coriander is not well established as a photosensitising agent in humans. Anyone taking a medicine known to cause photosensitivity should take normal sun-protection precautions and consult their doctor if they notice unusual skin reactions.

Storage of Dhania

Store dhania (coriander) seed powder and whole seeds in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and moisture, in a cool, dry place; check the product label for its best-before date. Fresh coriander leaves should be washed, dried, wrapped loosely, and kept in the refrigerator, where they usually stay fresh for about a week. Discard any leaves that develop a slimy texture or an off smell.

• Dhania (coriander) is a widely used culinary herb with a long history in Ayurveda and traditional food practice.
• It is traditionally associated with digestive comfort, mild diuretic action, and support for healthy-looking skin, with some properties studied in laboratory and animal research.
• Any effect on blood sugar or blood pressure means people on related medicines should get medical advice before regular medicinal use.
• Side effects are uncommon but can include allergic reactions, low blood pressure, or mild stomach upset in some people.
• Dhania is not a substitute for medical treatment; anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a health condition should consult a doctor or Ayurvedic physician before using it medicinally.