Coriander seeds are one of the kitchen spices frequently used in various Indonesian dishes. Coriander, scientifically known as Coriandrum Sativum, has a fairly strong aroma. It is a popular spice plant. Its small seeds are dried and traded, both ground and whole. Coriander is a popular spice plant with various uses besides being a kitchen ingredient; it is also used in traditional herbal medicine (Nugroho, 2015). In addition to enhancing the taste and aroma of a dish, coriander is considered a healthy food because it offers many benefits. Coriander is a nutritious food and herb that can be processed into herbal drinks or teas. Despite its small size, this spice has incredible benefits, ranging from treating flu and coughs to reducing the risk of heart disease (Ray, 2016).

Some of the components found in coriander include antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and thiamin. One of the components of coriander seeds is Flavonoids, which have beneficial effects as antihypertensive and diuretic agents (Momin, 2012). Coriander has significant benefits for human life. It can be prepared as a beneficial beverage for daily consumption when used internally, and as an external remedy, it can be applied to alleviate headaches (Faradiba, 2021). Some well-known benefits of coriander include lowering blood sugar levels, boosting immunity, promoting heart health, protecting brain health, improving digestion and gut health, fighting infections, and benefiting skin and hair health. For women, coriander has diverse benefits, such as regulating menstrual cycles and addressing fertility issues like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), preventing anemia, delaying skin aging, making hair shinier and softer, preventing and slowing down breast cancer, reducing anxiety, lowering cholesterol, and reducing blood sugar levels (Faradiba, 2021).

To consume coriander, you can use it in two ways. First, you can incorporate coriander into your food. Second, you can make coriander tea. With more people turning to herbal remedies, coriander can be a choice for specific conditions, provided it is used in the right quantities. Many references discuss the use of coriander as a herbal remedy. According to DTPH, as of August 23, 2022, coriander water is generally safe to consume as an herbal remedy for maintaining overall health. However, herbal drinks are not without side effects, especially if you are taking diabetes medication that lowers blood sugar levels. Consuming coriander water along with diabetes medication can potentially lead to a significant drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) contains antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and thiamin. Besides being a popular kitchen spice, coriander can be used for various health conditions according to the needs and appropriate dosages.

Author : Dara Amelia, A.Md.

References:

DTPH, 2022. Manfaat air rebusan “Ketumbar (Coriandrum Sativum)” bagi Kesehatan

Faradiba, N (2021, September 19). Khasiat Ketumbar untuk Wanita

Momin, 2012. Jurnal Keperawatan Soedirman (The Soedirman Journal of Nursing), Volume 11, No.3 November 2016), 11(3), 174–185.

Nugroho, O. 2015. Efek Ekstrak Biji Ketumbar ( Coriandrum sativum L .) terhadap Histologi Pankreas Mencit ( Mus musculus L .) (November 2014).

Ray, R. 2016 Manfaat ajaib Ketumbar dan Merica, si kecil berkhasiat besar