Homemade Coriander Powder

Coriander, popularly known as Dhania is an aromatic spice that is extensively found and stocked up in almost all kitchen cabinets throughout the globe. Be it in the form of small round seeds, fresh leaves, or the grounded powder, this traditional herb has found its way in several Indian cuisines, pickles, vegetable curries, or as spice mixes used for tadka in sambar or dal. Although its unique taste enhances the flavor of several cuisines, little did we know that these tiny seeds of wonder, offer a plethora of health benefits and increase the nutritional value of the food. While the fresh leaves are used for garnishing or added directly to curries, the small round yellowish-brown seeds are either used as whole or grounded into powder for cooking. The unique lemony citrus flavor of the seed powder comes from the essential oils that are present in the hollow cavities of the plump brown seeds. The holistic science of Ayurveda preaches the use of coriander seeds or seed powder to cure stomach-related ailments like constipation, indigestion, abdominal pain etc. Ayurvedic scriptures of Charaka Samhita categorizes coriander as a Trushnaprashamana (that which relieves excessive thirst) and Sheetaprashmana (that which relieves excessive cold) herb. Regular use of this super seed powder by infusing it in lukewarm water can even provide relief from abdominal cramps during menstrual flow.