Coriandrum sativum

Dhania is very popularly known as coriander/ Chinese parsley. In America, it is called cilantro and kothmir in India. It is cultivated worldwide and available throughout the year; Dhania can readily available in the grocery shop. All parts of the plant are edible; the leaves have citrus, the taste and plunged smell, seeds have an earthy flavor. Traditionally, the dried seeds, stalks, and green leaves used in cooking in Indian cuisine

Dhania have been used for sabji garnishing and making chutneys, salads, and rarely juices and soups. Dhania leaves give color as well as flavor to food items. It also acts as an anti-food poisoning agent. the leaves are variable in shape, broad at the base and slender, higher feathery on flowering stems.

The fresh Dhania leaves are firm, deep green colored with a thin stem called a stalk. It has got special attention from ayurvedic peoples due to its various health benefits. It is loaded with multiple nutrients and antioxidants. It grows in 4-5 weeks after it is sowing. Coriander is a fast-growing plant and grows up to 30-60 cm tall, dhania seeds are soaked in water, and it is used to manage several health issues.

Other Names for Dhania

It is commonly known with different names like Kothimbir, Dhanwal, Dhaniyal, Dhanya, Coriander sativum, Chinese parsley, Cilantro, Kishneez.

Nutritional constituents of Dhania

Cilantro is rich in vitamins, such as vitamins A, K, and E, while coriander seed contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, and iron predominantly; coriander seeds contain 8.9% water, while fresh cilantro contains 92.2% water.

Other bioactive components of Dhania:

Dhania leaves contain tocopherols, terpinene, and quercetin, whereas seed contains ascorbic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid.

Health benefits of Dhania

• Dhania reduces blood sugar, infections and thereby promotes heart, brain, skin, and digestive health.
• Dhania sharbat is prepared by soaking its seeds into the water for the whole night; it helps to soften seeds and leaching out nutrients into the water; drinking of this sharbat keeps thyroid function in order due to its high mineral and vitamin content.
• Because of its diuretic property, Dhania helps excretes sodium and water through urine; this may lower blood pressure.
• Dhania plays a vital role in severe spasmodic pain of the abdomen due to its antispasmodic property.
• It is good to consume dhania seeds for getting relief from menstrual symptoms.
• Dhania seeds consumption enhances milk production in lactating mothers.
• Dhania plays a significant role in collagen production, wound healing.
• Vitamin C and iron content of Dhania strengthen the body’s immune system.
• Dhania may help to prevent Alzheimer’s, cancer, smallpox, and diabetes.

Dhania for heart 

Dhania leaves and seeds contain vitamin K, which is used to help blood clotting, and further, it lowers the risks of heart diseases. Dhania, because of its diuretic property, lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol, thus providing a shield for heart disease protection.

Dhania for eye  

Dhania contains vitamin A, Vitamin C, phosphorus, and different antioxidants. Vitamin A nourishes retinas, keeps eye moisture, and protects the eye from conjunctivitis, a vision disorder. In older age people, degenerative vision disorders can reverse due to β-carotene, which is one of the extraordinary and magical qualities of Dhania. Therefore, it is used in the preparations, which can be used for treating eye disorders.

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Dhania for the GI system

Dhania leaves easily digested due to their carminative property, and thus it effective for intestinal gas, diarrhea. Dhania also helps in relieving spasmodic menstrual pain.

Dhania for skin

Dhania is more effective for skin problems. It has excellent properties like antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant. These properties protect the skin from many germs and enhance skin glow. Vitamin C in Dhania leaves helps to maintain skin smoothness. Dhania can prevent aging signs such as pigmentation, wrinkles, and loose skin due to its high amount of vitamin A, which fights with free radicals in the body.

Recommended Dosage of Dhania

The ayurvedic dosage of Dhania varies according to its variants. Different forms of Dhania products

Side effects and Precautions While Using Dhania

• Excess intake of Dhania seeds can lead to different side effects like headaches, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, dizziness, and gas.
• Excess intake of Dhania can drastically decrease the blood sugar levels below severe levels in people with diabetes. Therefore, it should be taken with proper caution while taking other antidiabetic drugs. It is better to consult a physician before its use. It is advisable to monitor blood pressure.
• It is suggested to take Dhania in appropriate amounts, and its excessive intake can cause skin inflammation, darkened skin, or skin irritation.
• Individuals sensitive to dill, fennel, aniseed, mugwort, caraway plants might have allergic reactions to Dhania.
• There is not sufficient Dhania information on the pregnant lady and lactating mothers. Therefore it is advised to consider physician before its use.

FAQs

Is Dhania a good Appetite stimulant?

Yes, Dhania is a good Appetite stimulant. Dhania seeds contain a fair number of flavonoids, and they are known to provide a stimulating appetite. Dhania also has Linalool which helps to increase the consumption of food or hunger for food. Regular consumption of Dhania in diet can increase the activity of neurotransmitters that are directly involved in stimulating appetite.

Can Dhania consumption provide relief from worm problems?

Yes, Dhania can help in managing the worm problems. Dhania leaves and the seed has a bioactive component with the anthelmintic property that can inhibit the hatching of the worm eggs. This property of Dhania can directly help in reducing the worm count.

Is Dhania suitable for heart problems?

Yes, Dhania is helpful in heart problems by lowering the blood pressure level. But it is also essential to monitor the blood pressure levels while consuming Dhania and the other antihypertensive drugs.

Can Dhania consumption lower cholesterol problems?

Yes, Dhania consumption on a regular diet can help to lower cholesterol problems. There is a direct relation between Dhania consumption and breakdown and excretion of cholesterol through stools. Consumption of Dhania can reduce the level of bad cholesterol and, on the other side, increases the level of good cholesterol level in the body.

Is Dhania suitable for the digestive system?

Yes, Dhania powder is good for improving digestive health. Dhania powder contains the essential bioactive components, i.e. Linalool, which can act as carminative, stomachic, and antispasmodic. Dhania can also help to manage indigestion, flatulence, dyspepsia, and other digestive disorders.

Summary

Dhania is a plant that has both leaves and fruit (seeds). Dhania leaves and seeds are used as food and medicine. Dhania is used for treating long-term disorders such as stomach pain, constipation, gas problems, diarrhea, and athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis), and many other conditions. Dhania is used as a spice, and it can also help in preventing food poisoning.

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Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.