Dhaniya / Coriander / Coriandrum Sativum

Coriandrum sativum is the botanical name for Dhaniya, Dhanyaka, or coriander. The coriander plant grows every year, however, depending on the environment, it may do so in the summer or the winter. The plant has a maximum height of 2 feet and a maximum spread of 9 inches. Coriander roots have a tap root system and have a light brown tint. Sympoidal coriander stems have monochasial branches. The coriander plant's inflorescence is seen on every branch. Although the stem is typically green, the season of blossoms causes it to change to red or violet. The leaves of coriander are alternating and create a rosette when gathered. This plant belongs to a diverse family. First, the blade forms are either tripinnatifid or have three lobes. The nodes' leaves, on the other hand, are pinnatifid. Umbel is the name for the compound that exhibits inflorescence. Plants begin to bloom with their initial umbel. The first flower to multiply in each umbellet is the one on the periphery. Protandrous flowers make up the bouquet. The blossoms are pink or occasionally white in hue. The flowers in the center are sterile by nature. This characteristic appears once the fruit has reached full maturity. There are five petals on the flower. The center blossoms are spherical in shape, while the outer ones are somewhat asymmetrical.

Definition of Coriander

In numerous ancient texts, Dhanyaka is mentioned. This is one of the primary ingredients in Indian cuisine. Coriandrum sativum, also referred to as dhaniya or coriander, is the official scientific name for dhanyaka. Additionally, it is well-known as cilantro seeds. Dhanyaka itself refers to both a plant and a fruit.

The Umbelliferae family includes this plant. When coriander becomes brown and its leaves start to dry up, it is ready to be harvested. It is a product of the Mediterranean area. As the fresh plant has a sweet flavor and the dried form of this plant has a bitter flavor, it can have either a bitter or a sweet flavor.

This plant is well-known for being effective in treating a variety of illnesses. It has a variety of beneficial effects, including those that are carminative, stimulant, aromatic, diuretic, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, sedative, anti-microbial, anti-convulsant, and anthelmintic. So used to treat conditions like low blood sugar, high cholesterol, swellings, chicken pox, diarrhea, digestion, menstrual problems, mouth ulcers, anemia, eye care, conjunctivitis, and other conditions.

The plant's essential chemical components give it the ability to combat illnesses in the body. Essential oils and fatty oils are two important substances that actively fight disease. Water, lipids, crude proteins, starch, fibers, sugars, fatty acids, and essential oils are all present in this plant.

Linalool, a-pinene, y-terpene, camphor, geraniol, and geranyl acetate are some of the main ingredients in essential oils. Other elements including camphene, b-pinene, myrcene, limonene, dipentene, etc. are present in the essential oil but at lower levels. Petroselinic acid, lenoileic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid are the primary components of fatty oil. Lesser amounts of myristic, stearic, and vaccenic acids are found.

Classification

Kingdom - Plantae

Subkingdom - Tracheobionta

Superdivision - Spermatophyta

Division - Magnoliophyta

Class - Magnoliopsida

Subclass - Rosidae

Order - Apiales

Family - Apiaceae

Genus - Coriandrum

Species - sativum

Habitat

In Italy, Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Mediterranean regions like Egypt and Morocco, dhanyaka is frequently consumed. Additionally, it is commonly grown in Bangladesh, China, England, and India. One of the main producers of essential oils is Ukraine. Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Karnataka are the states where it is most prevalent in India.

Other names of Coriander

Latin name - Coriandrum sativum

Sanskrit name – Dhanika, Dhania Vitunnaka, dhanyaka

Hindi name – dhania, Dhanya

English name – Chinese parsley, collender, coriander

Bengali name - Dhane, Dhania

Marathi name - Dhaue, Kothimbir

Kashmiri name - Dhaniwal, Dhanawal

Punjabi name – Dhania

Tamil name - Kottamalli, Viral dhania

Gujarati name – Dhana

Telugu name - Dhaniyalu

Urdu name - Kishneez

Portuguese name - Coentro

Italian name – Coriandolo

German name – Koriander

Japanese name – Koendoro

Arab name - Kuzbara, kuzbura

Armenian name – Chamem

Chinese name - Yuan sui, husui

Ayurvedic Properties

Particular	Hindi / Sanskrit	English
Rasa (Taste)	Madhur, Tikta,	Sweet, Bitter
Guna (Physical Property)	Laghu, Snigadh	Light, Unctuous
Virya (Potency)	Shita	Cold
Vipaka (Post-Digestive Taste)	Madhur	Sweet

Effect on Doshas

It balances and controls all three doshas pitta, Kapha and Vata.

Classical categorization

Charak Samhita	Vagbhata	Maharsi Caraka	Sushrut Samhita
Trushnaprashamana – herbal remedies for excessive thirst Sheetaprashamana – herbs for treating severe cold	Guduchyadi group of herbs	Rocana – it enhances the taste experience Dipana – which increases appetite	Guduchyadi group of herbs

Practical Uses

• The Dhaniya plant is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and minerals like phosphorus. These can be found in its essential oil, and its leaves also contain beta-carotene. All of the chemical components are beneficial for treating eye tension and visual problems.
• This plant contains a number of compounds and enzymes that treat anorexia, dyspepsia, and peristaltic motions.
• Plants are used to treat a variety of allergies, including hay fever, allergies to food, plants, insects, and more.
• The essential oil's cineole and other acids are the ingredients of the ayurvedic products for skin, which aid in treating skin inflammation. It also has an impact on eczema, dry skin, and fungal infections of the skin.
• Acids included in essential oils and vitamins in the plant lower cholesterol levels and the amount of LDL in heart arteries and veins, which can further cause major illnesses including heart attacks and atherosclerosis. Additionally, it aids in increasing HDL levels.
• Essential oil ingredients can be used to treat mouth ulcers.
• In addition, it is a fantastic source of calcium and helps in bone regeneration
• It maintains regular menstrual cycles and also lessens pain by regulating the activation of endocrine secretions in the body.
• As a result, diabetes and blood sugar levels can be managed by stimulating the right amount of insulin in the circulation.

Parts used

Fruits, Whole plants, and Leaves

Ayumantra Ayurveda Products that contain this Herb as an Ingredient

Dadimastak Powder