Coriander (Dhaniya)
Also known as
Latin : Coriandrum sativum
English : Coriander
Sanskrit : Dhanyakam
Hindi : Dhaniya
Marathi : Dhane
Tamil : Kottamalli
Telugu : Dhaniyalu
Malayalam : Kottampala
Kannada : Kottambri
The Sanskrit word "Dhanyaka" means "that which evokes praise white being eaten"
How it looks�It is an aromatic, much branched herb with small, white or pinkish purple flowers and yellowish brown, ribbed, 2- seeded fruits.
What we use�Fruits and leaves
What it does�Leaves�aromatic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory
Fruits�aromatic, digestive, carminative, styptic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic
How we use it�
In
excessive thirst�Pasted coriander seeds are soaked in some water for a couple of hours and this water is taken with a little sugar and honey to quench long standing thirst.
In
burning sensation�Water prepared with coriander the same way as above is taken only with sugar in case of burning sensation either on the body or in passing urine.
In
jaundice�Add 2 tsp of coriander seeds to a litre of water and add 2 tsp white cumin seeds to it. Leave this mixture overnight. On the next day, take a glass of this infusion
twice or thrice a day after sweetening it with some palm candy. Repeat this for a couple of weeks until urine colour returns to normal.
In
fever�Take "coriander tea" prepared with coriander decoction, very little milk and sugar. This causes sweating and brings down temperature.
In
gout�Powder equal quantities of coriander and cumin seeds and add a sufficient amount of jaggery to it to make a confectionery. Make small balls of this and eat one
thrice a day to get relief from the pain in gout.
In
indigestion and colicky pain�Make a decoction of coriander seeds and dry ginger and consume thrice a day to stimulate digestion and relieve pain.
In cough and breathing difficulty�Mix a tsp of fine powder of coriander and saunph in a glass of rice wash to relieve cough and difficulty in breathing especially in children.
In
pregnancy�Giving coriander decoction to the pregnant woman from the fifth month onwards promotes flow of urine and prevents oedema or swelling of the feet, usually noticed from
that month of pregnancy onwards.
As a
coolant�During summer, soak aniseeds, coriander seeds and poppy seeds overnight. In the morning, grind the seeds in the same water and filter it to obtain a super coolant
drink for the body.
In
conjunctivitis�Make a decoction of coriander seeds, cool it and use it as a wash for infected eyes to bring down pain and inflammation. Do this twice a day for a noticeable
difference.
In
high BP�To lower high blood pressure take coriander seeds, root'of sarpgandha (Rauwolfia serpentina) and sugar candy in equal amount. Mix them and make powder. Take two
teaspoonfuls with cold water twice a day.
