Ayurveda and Science

Dhaniya/धनिया/Coriandrum Sativum/Coriander/Dhanyaka

AYURVEDIC & MEDICINAL PLANTS

Dhaniya - Coriander
Hindi Name: Dhaniya
Sanskrit Name: Dhanyaka
English Name: Coriander
Latin Name: Coriandrum sativum Linn
An annual herb cultivated extensively in many parts of world as a spice crop. Leaves and fruits of the plant have medicinal properties too.

Coriander Benefits & Uses

Fresh leaves and seeds have been an integral parts of Indian dietetics. Chopped leaves and powdered coriander are used for garnishing various food items in India. Primarily both of them have a significant effect on the digestive process. Coriander prevents flatulence and controls spasmodic pain as recommended by Ayurveda. Extract of coriander seeds has a marked antispasmodic activity.

There are numerous Dhaniya or Coriander benefits and uses as follows:

  • Reduces Skin Inflammation

    Coriander contains both Cineole and linoleic acid. These elements pose antirheumatic and antiarthritic properties which help reduce skin inflammations.

  • Controls Blood Pressure

    Consuming coriander has been shown to positively reduce blood pressure in many patients suffering from hypertension. It helps reduce the chances of having a heart attack.

  • Rich Source of Calcium

    Coriander is a rich source of calcium which is an important element for bone health. It helps with bone regrowth and increases bone durability.

  • Controls Diabetes

    Coriander benefits include controlling diabetes. It helps stimulate the endocrine glands increasing the secretion of insulin. This whole process helps in the proper breakdown of sugar in the body controlling diabetes.

  • Diuretic Properties

    Dhaniya is also diuretic in nature which means that it helps increase the volume and frequency of urination flushing out the toxins from the body.

  • Treats Wounds & Mouth Ulcers

    Dhaniya contains Citronellol which is a great antiseptic. It helps speed up the healing process of mouth ulcers and also prevents bad breaths.

  • Aids Digestion

    Coriander is rich in borneol and linalool which helps digestion. It is also useful in the prevention of diarrhea.

  • Treat Osteoporosis

    Dhaniya contains vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin K, and carotene. All these elements help prevent Osteoporosis.

  • Prevents Anemia

    Coriander seeds are a rich source of iron. Deficiency of iron causes Anemia and hence it is recommended to include coriander seeds in your daily diet.

  • Reduces Cholesterol

    Coriander uses also include reducing bad cholesterol from the body without affecting the good cholesterol minimizing the risk of heart-related disorders.

  • Prevents Arthritis

    Coriander seeds have compounds such as linoleic acid and cineole which are well known for their antiarthritic and antirheumatic properties.

Chemical Composition

Fruit contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, phosphorus and iron. Leaves are reported to be a good source of vitamin C and carotene. The odor of the fruit is due to an essential oil present in it. This oil possesses linalool and pinene.

Effect on
Doshas

Balances thridoshas.
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