Dhanyaka

Sanskrit: धान्यक Botanical: Coriandrum sativum Linn.

Unique in that though Ushna Virya, it also has cooling and soothing effects due to Madhura Vipaka. Fresh leaves have more cooling properties than dried seeds.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya), Bitter (Tikta), Sweet (Madhura), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Essential oil (0.5-1%), Linalool/Coriandrol (45-55%), Geraniol, Pinene
Also Known As
Sanskrit: धान्यक, कुस्तुम्बरी, धानी
Hindi: धनिया

What is Dhanyaka / Coriander?

Unique in that though Ushna Virya, it also has cooling and soothing effects due to Madhura Vipaka. Fresh leaves have more cooling properties than dried seeds.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Deepana (appetizer)
  • Pachana (digestive)
  • Trishna hara (quenches thirst)
  • Daha hara (relieves burning)
  • Mutrala (diuretic)
  • Jwara hara (antipyretic)
  • Tridosha Shamaka

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

References in Astanga Hridaya

107 आ का त तमधुरा मू ला न च प तकृत ् Ardrika (coriander) is bitter and sweet in taste, diuretic and does not increase pitta.

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food

Shuka Dhanya Varga – Group of corns with spikes – अथ शूकधा य वगः र तो महान ् सकलम तूणकः शकुना तः सारामख ु ो द घशक ु ो रो शूकः सग ु ि धकः १ पु ः पा डुः पु डर कः मोदो गौरसा रवौ का चनो म हषः शूको द ूषकः कुसुमा डकः २ ला गला लोहवाला याः कदमाः शीतभी काः पत गा तपनीया च ये चा ये शालयः शुभाः ३ Types of rice – Rakta (red), mahan (big sized rice), kalama, turnaka, shakunahruta, saaramukha, deerghashuka (having long sharp spike at the ends), sugandhika (having good smell), rodhrashuka, pundra, pandu,

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food

– 10 – 11 Truna dhanya Varga – group of grains produced by grass like plants – क गक ु ो वनीवार यामाका द हमं लघु ११ त ृणधा यं पवनकृ लेखनं कफ प त त ् Kangu, Kodrava, Neevara, Shyamaka and other grains are cold in potency, easily digestible, increases Vata, Lekhana (scraping, scarificient) and balance Kapha and Pitta.

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food

21-24 योषकटवीवरा श ु वड गा त वषाि थराः ह गुस ौवचलाजाजीयवानीधा य च काः नशी ब ृह यौ हपुषा पाठामूलं च के बुकात ् एषां चूण मधु घ ृतं तैलं च सदशांशकम ् स तु भः षोडशगुणैयु तं पीतं नहि त तत ् अ त थौ या दकान ् सवा ोगान यां च त वधान ् ोगकामलाि व वासकासगल हान ् बु मेधा म ृ तकरं स न या ने च द पनम ् Powder of Vyosha- (Trikatu – pepper, long pepper and ginger), Katvi, Vara (Triphala), Shigru (drum stick), Vidanga (False black pepper – Embelia ribes), Ativisha, Sthira (Desmodium gangeticum), Hingu – (A

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 14: Dvividha Upakramaneeya

it should be neglected and allowed to remain inside for the night; Next morning he is made to drink warm water either processed with ginger and coriander or plain.

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 19: Vasti Vidhi Enema

Source: Astanga Hridaya, Ch. 6, Ch. 6, Ch. 6, Ch. 14, Ch. 19

Dhanyaka by Condition

Explore how Dhanyaka is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.