Table of Contents
Chapter 3: Dhaniya
Introduction:
We all have heard stories of our mothers, their mothers, and their mothers using coriander leaves in every dish they prepared. Whether it was lentils, vegetables, soups, or for that matter, a simple Paratha, everything dish contains coriander leaves.
Undoubtedly, recognize the aroma of the Dhaniya, but do we truly understand its significance. My daughter isn’t quite fond of coriander leaves. I still make her eat it, as any other mother would. Yesterday, while preparing her meal she asked, “Mom, why is it so important for you to put coriander leaves in everything we eat?”
Well, the explanation I gave to her was quite precise. I’ll share a detailed explanation here for you all.
Coriander Leaves
Dhaniya, Dhanyaka, Vitannaka, Coriander, and Kustumburu are different names of Coriander used in the ancient Ayurvedic texts. Dhanyak falls under Shitprashamana and Trishnanigrahniyagana according to Charak classification. It cures several bodily diseases including Jvara (fever), Ajirna (indigestion), kasa (cough), shwas (breathlessness), Agnimandya (loss of appetite), Chardi (vomiting), and Aruchi (anorexia), krimighna. Fresh leaves specially pacify pitta (Pitta nashak). It pacifies all three doshas and balances dosha equilibrium.
Properties of Dhaniya
Coriander is a herb that is used in food for its culinary and medicinal benefits. In ancient times, Dhaniya was primarily used to balance the food aroma and facilitate digestion. Eventually, as generations came, it become an essential part of the food, especially in India. Today, as we know of it, it’s a well-known source of Vitamin C, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, and Calcium.
Benefits of Dhaniya
Dhaniya is a herb that offers multiple benefits if consumed regularly. I have mentioned some of them below for your reference.
Coriander Uses
Many cultures around the world prefer Dhaniya differently for different uses. Dhaniya is famously known to act on indigestion, body toxins, and urinary tract issues. Dhaniya, as a herb, cures innumerable diseases and health issues. Some of them are mentioned in the image below.
Active properties in Dhaniya include Ushnavirya (hot potency), snigdha, laghu, madhurvipaka (sweet taste after digestion) and tikta, kashayrasa. All these balance the three doshas present in one’s body. It further removes the excessive Ama accumulated in one’s body over the years.
Dhaniya has a different effect on different bodies depending on the impaired doshas and health issues. Let’s discuss some of the diseases and how they can be cured by Dhaniya.
Indigestion
Dhaniya is considered to be one of the best herbs for curing indigestion. Dhaniyais primarily used for strengthening Agni and eliminating pitta accumulated over time. It rekindles Agni while not aggravating acidity, unlike other herbs.
People suffering from weak digestion for a long time can add Dhaniya to their everyday routine. However, an ayurvedic consultation is required before adding it to your everyday routine.
How To Consume It?
- Roast coriander seeds and consume them with warm water after lunch for flatulence and bloating.
- Soak Coriander overnight and drink it in the morning to get rid of acidity, indigestion, and burning micturition problems.
- Take 1tsp of Dhaniya seeds, ½ tsp of cumin seeds, a piece of ginger, a pinch of rock salt, and 4 cups of water. Boil it until it reduces to ½ cup Kadha or decoction. Drink it every day to improve impaired digestion.
Allergy & Skin Rashes
One can treat allergies and rashes by either applying Coriander paste, or by drinking coriander tea. When applied to the skin, it relieves the burning sensation and gives the skin a cool and calming effect; however, when taken internally, one can purify one’s blood to get rid of excess Ama that causes external reactions and allergies.
Dhaniya is strongly recommended for people looking to improve their overall skin and hair problems. Its antibacterial and antioxidative properties help in getting rid of pimples, acne, and boils. It is also advised for hair fall problems. It’s useful for treating the scalp with dandruff and itching. In addition to that, Dhaniya, if taken regularly bestows a glowing complexion and prevents premature ageing.
How To Consume It?
- Have a fresh juice of Coriander daily for noticeable results.
- Boil water, mix a teaspoon of coriander powder with it, and consume it daily as a detox tea.
- Create a paste of the pulp of the leaves and apply it to the skin to get rid of skin allergies, boils, and rashes.
- Use cumin, coriander, turmeric, and other herbs in regular cooking to strengthen the liver and improve digestion.
Dark Lips
Dark lips can be the result of excessive use of Lipsticks and lip balms. One of the major causes of dark lips is smoking. One can easily reduce the darkness of lips by using Dhaniya every day.
How To Use It?
- Take 2 tsp of Dhaniya powder and 1 tsp of lemon juice, mix it well.
- Apply it every night before going to bed.
- Daily application of Dhaniya can reduce the blackness of lips, however, additional care is also required
Pitta Formation
People suffer from excess Pitta accumulation in the body resulting in acidity and burning. It can be due to excessive consumption of hot beverages like tea and coffee. One can get rid of accumulated Pitta by decoction or Kadha including coriander as its main ingredient.
How To Consume It?
- Take ½ tsp of Dhaniya seeds, ½ tsp of Amla powder, sugar, and 4 cups of water.
- Let it boil until it is reduced to ½ cup and sieve it properly.
Drink it once a day to eliminate excessive Pitta accumulated in the body.
Kidney Function
Dhanyak being neutral in nature has the ability to improve the flow and volume of urine. It thus eliminates the excess pitta, toxins, or mala from the body. This keeps the upcoming urinary tract infections and other health issues like urinary stones and swelling at bay. Dhanyakimproves the water filtration rate of the Kidney enabling rapid urine generation. This helps to lower the water retention rate and eliminate excess Ama accumulated in the body. Dhanyak helps to keep the urine system clean. For strengthening the urinary tract seeds, and leaves of coriander proves beneficial.
How To Consume It?
- Water boiled or soaked with Coriander seeds should be consumed to facilitate easy passing of urine and prevent urinary tract infections.
Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Some women complain about excessive bleeding and painful menstrual cycle. It can be due to hormonal imbalance or change in the environment. One can reduce menstrual bleeding by consuming Dhaniya powder with rice water.
How To Consume It?
- Soak 2 tsp of rice in water for 2 hours.
- Crush them with your hands and sieve them properly and your rice water is ready.
- Take 1 tsp of Dhaniya powder and gulp it down with a glass of rice water.
Fever
During high fever patients generally face problems in passing urine and sweating. Medicated water containing Coriander facilitates urine, sweat formation, and stool, gradually reducing the high body temperature.
How To Consume It?
Boil water and add Dhaniya seeds to it. Once boiled properly, sieve it and drink it slowly.
Eye Problems
People living in hot climates and/or working near the fire and chemical-based industries generally complain of irritation in the eyes and itching or redness of eyes. Dhanyak has a cooling and soothing effect on one’s eyes relieving eye redness and irritation gradually.
How To Use It?
- Dip your eye pad into fresh coriander juice and keep it on your eyes for some time to reduce the strain, eye redness, and irritation.
- In the case of Conjunctivitis, one can wash their eyes with cold coriander water twice a day. It reduces eye irritation, swelling, and the formation of excessive sticky discharge.
Dhaniya is an essential herb that when mixed with other herbs can be a great remedy for treating health issues and chronic diseases. However, before adding it to your everyday regime, please take Ayurvedic consultation.
Also Read: Seasoning your health with coriander