Photo: Forest and Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 us
Dhania धनिया
Coriandrum sativum
Part used: Seed (Fruit), Seed, Fruit
| Rasa (taste) | Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter), Madhura |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Unctuous) |
| Virya (potency) | Sheeta (Cold) |
| Vipaka | Madhura (Sweet) |
| Dosha | Balances all three Doshas (Tridoshic) |
| Prabhava | Trishnanigrahana (Thirst-quenching) |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Coriandrum sativum
- Part used: Seed (Fruit), Seed, Fruit
- Dosha action: Balances all three Doshas (Tridoshic)
- Typical dose: Seed powder: 3-6g.
Dhania in other languages
Introduction
Dhania (Coriander) is a common kitchen spice with profound medicinal value. It is one of the gentlest yet most effective herbs for cooling the digestive tract and pacifying Pitta dosha.
Classification
From the Apiaceae family, Dhania is classed under the Haritakyadi Varga in Bhavaprakash Nighantu. It is uniquely Tridoshic, balancing Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Uses & benefits
Used to relieve excessive thirst, burning urination, fever, and hyperacidity. Cold infusion of Dhania (Hima) is a classical remedy for burning sensations and Pitta-related indigestion.
Dhania for cooling digestion
Coriander is a superb Pitta-pacifying herb. It cools the digestive tract, relieves acidity, and manages excessive thirst and burning sensations.
Dhania for urinary tract health
Its diuretic properties help cleanse the urinary tract, easing burning micturition (urination) and mild infections.
Dosage — how much to take
Seed powder: 3-6g. Cold infusion (Hima): 20-40ml.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Dhania?
The citations held for Dhania in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthana 4 — Trishnanigrahana); Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthana 46 — Annapana Vidhi); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Haritakyadi Varga — Dhanyaka).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Dhania?
Listed among the drugs relieving thirst. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4 — Trishnanigrahana.
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Dhania?
Coriander described among the dietary aromatics that aid digestion. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana 46 — Annapana Vidhi.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Dhania?
Madhura-tikta rasa, sheeta virya; deepana, pachana and trishnahara. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga — Dhanyaka.
What is Dhania traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Used to relieve excessive thirst, burning urination, fever, and hyperacidity. Cold infusion of Dhania (Hima) is a classical remedy for burning sensations and Pitta-related indigestion.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Dhania?
Rasa Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter), Madhura, Guna Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Unctuous), Virya Sheeta (Cold), Vipaka Madhura (Sweet). Dosha action: Balances all three Doshas (Tridoshic). Prabhava: Trishnanigrahana (Thirst-quenching).
Why is Dhania classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Dhania carries Sheeta (Cold) virya and Madhura (Sweet) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances all three Doshas (Tridoshic).
Which part of Dhania is used medicinally?
The part used is Seed (Fruit), Seed, Fruit.
How much Dhania is taken, and how?
Seed powder: 3-6g. Cold infusion (Hima): 20-40ml. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Dhania be avoided?
Extremely safe for all ages, including pregnant women and children. Can be consumed daily as a culinary spice or medicinal tea.
Where does Dhania grow?
Widely cultivated across India as a culinary spice and medicinal plant.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga — Dhanyaka
Madhura-tikta rasa, sheeta virya; deepana, pachana and trishnahara. - Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4 — Trishnanigrahana
Listed among the drugs relieving thirst. - Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana 46 — Annapana Vidhi
Coriander described among the dietary aromatics that aid digestion.
Safety & precautions
Extremely safe for all ages, including pregnant women and children. Can be consumed daily as a culinary spice or medicinal tea.
Where it grows
Widely cultivated across India as a culinary spice and medicinal plant.
Frequently asked questions
Can Dhania water be taken daily?
Yes, soaking Dhania seeds overnight and drinking the water in the morning is a classic, safe remedy for Pitta imbalance.
