Coriander, known as dhaniya in Hindi, is a herb that has been cherished for centuries in the kitchens and medicine cabinets of many cultures. But its significance goes far beyond its culinary versatility. In the ancient science of Ayurveda, coriander holds a special place for its unique ability to balance the body’s internal energies, offering both cooling and warming properties depending on its form.
The Cooling Nature of Fresh Coriander
Fresh coriander leaves, with their vibrant green hue and refreshing aroma, are a staple in many cuisines. In Ayurveda, they are prized for their cooling properties. These leaves are often used to balance excess pitta—one of the three doshas (biological energies) that governs heat, metabolism, and transformation in the body. When pitta is aggravated, it can lead to conditions like inflammation, acid reflux, skin rashes, and excessive body heat.
Incorporating fresh coriander into your diet can help soothe and calm this fiery energy. Whether added to salads, blended into chutneys, or sprinkled over a steaming bowl of curry, fresh coriander leaves work as a natural coolant, bringing down the body’s temperature and easing heat-related imbalances. They are also known for their ability to support digestion without aggravating the body’s internal heat, making them ideal for summer or for individuals with a pitta-dominant constitution.
The Warming Nature of Coriander Seeds
While the fresh leaves are cooling, coriander seeds offer a contrasting effect. These small, tan-coloured seeds are known for their warm, slightly spicy flavour, and they play a different role in Ayurveda. Coriander seeds are considered warming and are often used to kindle the digestive fire, known as agni. This makes them particularly beneficial for individuals with a predominance of vata (air and space elements) or kapha (water and earth elements), who may experience sluggish digestion or cold-related ailments.
Coriander seeds are commonly used in digestive teas, spice blends, and Ayurvedic formulations to stimulate appetite, improve digestion, and relieve symptoms like bloating and gas. The warmth of coriander seeds helps to balance the cold, heavy qualities of kapha and the erratic, airy nature of vata, promoting a more balanced and harmonious state of being.
Balancing the Duality of Coriander
The dual nature of coriander—cooling when fresh and warming when dried—reflects the nuanced wisdom of Ayurveda. This ancient practice teaches us that every element in nature has its unique qualities, and understanding these can help us create balance within our bodies. By incorporating both fresh coriander leaves and coriander seeds into your diet, you can harness their complementary effects to maintain equilibrium, regardless of the season or your doshic constitution.
Whether you are enjoying a cooling coriander chutney on a hot summer day or sipping on a warm coriander seed tea during the colder months, this humble herb offers a simple yet profound way to support your health and well-being through the timeless principles of Ayurveda.
But wait, before you hunt down spices of questionable quality, here's a secret...
At Sobhna's, we source only the freshest, most flavourful ingredients. Imagine the difference premium spices can make in your dishes! Take your taste buds on a journey – we guarantee it will elevate your meals from ordinary to extraordinary.
So ditch the online searching gamble and head over to our shop by clicking here.
We’re also available at Woolworths and Farro Fresh - New Zealand!
Comments