Side Effects Of Coriander Seeds You Should Know

A gorgeously fresh bunch of green coriander leaves or a generous splatter of coriander seeds as the final seasoning adds that perfect hint of zing and flavor to our food! While we use them pretty often in gravies and chutneys, we may not be aware of the side effects of coriander seeds. Though generally safe and beneficial to consume, there are a few things you should keep in mind while using coriander seeds. Let’s read on to know more!

Know The Flip Side: Coriander Seeds

Short-Term Effects
Rashes, trouble breathing, dizziness, sun sensitivity, joint pain, dehydration, and nausea.

Long-term Effects
May lead to excessive bile secretion and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Drug Interactions
May interact with diabetes medications and severely reduce blood glucose levels

When To See A Doctor
If you experience difficulty breathing, hernia, worms, and very low blood sugar levels (especially if you have diabetes).

Side Effects Of Coriander Seeds

Undoubtedly, coriander seeds can benefit your health in several ways. But they are also associated with some side effects, Check out coriander seeds’ side effects which are given below:

1. Liver Problems

Excessive and prolonged use of coriander seeds can cause liver problems.

Oil components present in coriander seeds are usually helpful in treating liver problems, but its excessive use give rise to excessive bile secretion and causes abnormal conditions (1), (2).

Fun Fact

Coriander got its name from a Greek word that means ‘bug,’ as the smell of bruised coriander is similar to a stink bug.

2. Allergic Reactions

Some people might get allergic reactions like skin rashes, breathing difficulty, itching, swelling on the face/throat, dizziness, etc. from the usage of coriander seeds (3), (4). Also, anecdotal evidence suggests that a few individuals may have also experienced skin problems such as eczema and hives. Individuals with allergies to other plants in the Apiaceae family, such as carrots and celery, may also experience allergic reactions to coriander seeds. This phenomenon, known as cross-reactivity, occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins in coriander seeds as allergens found in other Apiaceae plants. This can trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or even more severe symptoms in some cases. If you are prone to these problems, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before using these flavoring agents.

3. Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Here comes one of the serious side effects of coriander seeds that women should beware of! Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use coriander seeds in limited amounts because of their effect on gland secretion, especially thyroid gland, which can cause damage to the mother and fetus as well as reproductive glands (5).

4. Breathing Problem

Prolonged and excessive use of coriander seeds can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma accompanied by chest pain, throat dryness, and throat tightening (6). Anecdotal evidence suggests that some individuals may also experience irregular heartbeats. If you face any such problems, quick medical attention is required.

5. Sun Sensitivity

Sometimes, the use of coriander seeds may cause sun sensitivity, increasing the risk of sunburns and skin cancer.

If you suffer from sun allergy or sensitivity, it is advisable to use it minimally, and that too after talking with your doctor.

6. Skin Problems

Some people might experience skin problems like inflammation, itching, irritation, dermatitisⁱ  A common skin condition characterized by inflammation, rashes, itchiness, and dry and cracked skin. , and skin darkening after using coriander seeds (7), (8). Medical advice is recommended in such a case and the use should be discontinued if any of these symptoms are observed.

7. Gastrointestinal Issues

Prolonged or excess use of coriander seeds may cause digestive problems, such as diarrhea, stomach ache, IBSⁱ  Irritable bowel syndrome; a chronic intestinal disorder that causes symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. , loss of appetite, and dehydration (7). Further, anecdotal evidence suggests that individuals might also experience bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence, and vomiting.

8. Lapse Of Menstruation

Generally, coriander seeds are used to treat menstrual disorders, but some women might experience lapses of menstruation as a result of their usage. If you are facing any such issue, you need to check your dosage (9).

9. Hypoglycemia Or Low Blood Sugar

Coriander seeds have been used in the treatment of diabetes as they have the ability to lower blood sugar level. If you are undergoing treatment for diabetes, you should monitor your blood sugar level before using coriander as its supplementation may reduce your blood sugar level drastically (10).

Nilofar Pendhari, a certified clinical nutritionist, says, “Coriander seeds should be used cautiously if you have low blood pressure or are taking medications for the same. Coriander might lower blood sugar and might interfere with blood sugar control during surgery. Stop using coriander at least 2 weeks before surgery.”

10. Other Side Effects

Several other coriander seeds side effects that you may encounter due to its consumption are toothaches, joint pain, worms, nausea, herniaⁱ  A bulging of a tissue or an organ through an abnormal opening of the abdominal cavity and may cause pain and swelling. . Although these problems are not very common, one should be careful and consult a doctor in any case.

Did You Know?

Coriander seeds are also ground to make coriander powder used in several ways, especially for culinary purposes and to thicken sauces.

Infographic: Most Common Unexpected Side Effects Of Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds have been used in various dishes to make delicious food, powders, chutneys, and gravies. But overconsumption of these seeds can cause a lot of health issues, some more common than others.

Check out the infographic below to learn the most common side effects of eating too many coriander seeds.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we drink coriander seed water daily?

Coriander seeds are loaded with many health-promoting properties. Hence, we can drink coriander seed water daily.

Do coriander seeds cause heat in the body or cool it down?

Coriander seeds can keep the body cool and lower body temperature.

Is coriander good for periods?

Coriander seeds exhibit emmenagogueⁱ  A substance or herb that stimulates, increases, and regulates menstrual flow due to hormonal disorders. properties and are the most effective remedy for irregular periods.

Illustration: Unexpected Side Effects Of Coriander Seeds

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover seven incredible coriander substitutes that will elevate your culinary creations. From fragrant herbs to zesty spices, check out the video below for these alternatives that will bring new flavors to your dishes.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Garima SinghMSc (Nutrition), DNHE, DDHN

   

Garima Singh is a certified nutritionist and dietitian with over 7 years of experience. She provides both in-office and virtual consultations and works with individuals, groups, offices, and schools. She has a passion for cooking foods in a way to make them healthy as well as palatable.

Read full bio of Garima Singh

• 
  Nilofar PendhariCertified Clinical Nutritionist Nilofar Pendhari is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist with 9 years of experience in dietetics. She specializes in weight loss and management and charts out effective diet plans to help her clients meet their fitness and weight loss goals.
  
  Nilofar Pendhari is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist with 9 years of experience in dietetics. She specializes in weight loss and management and charts out effective diet plans to help her clients meet their fitness and weight loss goals.

Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.

Read full bio of Tanya Choudhary

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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