Coriander
Coriandrum sativum
About Coriander
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is a herb used in the Ayurveda and Mediterranean traditions to help with Digestive Issues, Diabetes, UTI, and Skin Health, among 1 other condition it addresses. The seeds and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.
Botanical background
Coriander (UK: /ˌkɒrɪˈændər/; US: /ˈkɔːriˌændər/ or /ˌkɔːriˈændər/; Coriandrum sativum), also known as cilantro (/sɪˈlɑːntroʊ/) or Chinese parsley, is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts most traditionally used in cooking.
Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Coriander in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Coriander into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Coriander into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Topical / Poultice
- Mash fresh Coriander or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
- Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
Infused Oil
- Fill a jar with dried Coriander.
- Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
- Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
- Use topically or as a salve base.
Herbal Bath
- Brew 4–6 tbsp of Coriander in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Coriander in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Coriander itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Use CautionThis herb may affect blood sugar levels. Given the importance of stable glucose control in pregnancy, herbs in this category are generally used only under medical guidance, particularly alongside any gestational diabetes monitoring — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionGenerally used cautiously during breastfeeding, particularly if managing blood sugar medically.
Children
Use CautionChildren are more sensitive to blood-sugar swings given their smaller body size — these herbs are generally used cautiously and under guidance.
As a member of the Apiaceae (carrot/celery) family, this herb is a known cross-reactivity group with birch pollen ("oral allergy syndrome") — use caution with a birch pollen or celery allergy.
Contraindications
- Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function
- CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
- Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely
Warnings
⛔ Diabetes Medications
May enhance the blood sugar–lowering effect of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Monitor blood glucose closely.
⚠️ Sedatives & Antidepressants
May potentiate the effects of sedative, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medications. Use with caution alongside any CNS-active drugs.
⚠️ Kidney Disease
Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
May affect blood sugar
Watch for: Insulin and oral diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas)
Additive blood-sugar-lowering effects can risk hypoglycemia — monitor glucose closely.
May have a diuretic effect
Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium
Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.
May have a calming/sedative effect
Watch for: Benzodiazepines, sleep medications, other sedative herbs, and alcohol
Combined CNS-depressant effects can cause excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.
Where to find in nature
Native region
India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh
Climate
Tropical and subtropical monsoon
Habitat
Forests, riverbanks, cultivated medicinal gardens, and the foothills of the Himalayas
🌿 To see Coriander growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Indian grocery and spice shops (e.g. Patel Brothers, India Bazaar)
- Ayurvedic medicine practitioners and Ayurvedic pharmacies
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Coriander, look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.