Ayurveda

Coriander: Your
in-house doctor

The power-packed green, that must-have sprinkle of chopped green leaves that zings up your bowl of steaming soup or your favorite pav-bhaji, and also packs a lot of medicinal punch – coriander! All the parts ranging from leaves to stems, seeds and roots are used and each offers a different flavor. It is extensively used around the world as a condiment, garnish, or decoration on culinary dishes. Use of coriander in food preparation is famously described as the tip of the iceberg. In Ayurveda, it has been known as 'Kustumbur' which means a herb that alleviates various diseases.

Benefits of coriander

  • The picture-pretty leaves are powerful natural cleansing agent
  • Coriander has eleven components of essential oils, six types of acids (including ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin C), minerals and vitamins
  • Coriander is believed to be antipyretic, diuretic, stimulant, demulcent, antioxidant and antibiotic
  • Antioxidants are the "clean-up crew" in your body that counteracts the damaging effects of poor nutrition, pollution, and stress. Coriander’s antioxidant properties effectively help cleanse heavy metals and toxic agents from the body
  • Coriander builds up immunity with two great immunity boosting nutrients - Vitamin A and Vitamin C
  • Its medicinal properties help treat allergy, burning micturition (burning sensation while passing urine) and allergic dermatitis
  • It improves vitality and decreases pain
  • Coriander increases the nutritive value of food with the presence of nutrients like iron, folic acid, and other vitamins like A, B, and K
  • Coriander supports blood coagulation process and prevents anemia due to high contents of Vitamin K and iron respectively
  • Increases digestibility of food and aids in weight loss by controlling appetite
  • Some of the acids present in coriander are very effective in regulating the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and raising the level of good cholesterol (LDL) in blood
  • Due to its multiple benefits, coriander is considered as one of the best foods during pregnancy

5 ways to use coriander in your daily diet

  • Chop and garnish your dishes
  • Add to your curries and gravies
  • Make healthy juices or soups
  • Use powdered coriander seeds in your cooking
  • Make chutneys and store for daily use in sandwiches or with a meal as an accompaniment

This piece is based on expert inputs given by Dr. Jyothi and Dr. Hari, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Sciences and Research Hospital.