Coriander Seed
A carminative spice used for bloating and cramping. The two supporting trials both tested coriander inside multi-herb formulas, so the effect cannot be attributed to coriander itself.
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What the science says
- Functional dyspepsia Limited evidence
A double-blind randomised trial in 90 patients gave 500 mg twice daily of a formula combining Bunium persicum and Coriandrum sativum and reported significant improvement in dyspepsia severity and quality of life over 4 weeks. Coriander was one of two herbs, so its individual contribution is unknown.
- IBS pain and bloating Limited evidence
A small pilot study of Carmint, a formula of coriander, lemon balm and mint, reported reduced abdominal pain and bloating in IBS patients. It was a pilot, on a combination product, and has not been replicated.
- Coriander seed alone Limited evidence
No placebo-controlled trial has tested isolated coriander seed or its oil for any digestive outcome in humans; the rationale is traditional use and antispasmodic activity in isolated tissue.
Dosage & safety
How to take it
Interactions
With medications
- diabetes medication
High supplemental doses may add to blood-sugar lowering. monitor your blood sugar if you take insulin or a sulfonylurea
- sedatives and sleep medication
High doses may add to drowsiness. be cautious with the combination, especially before driving
With other supplements
- valerian, melatonin and other sedating supplements
Possible additive drowsiness at high herbal doses. start low if you combine them
Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.
Frequently asked questions
Does coriander seed help with bloating and indigestion?
Coriander seed has limited evidence for digestion: the two supporting trials tested it inside multi-herb formulas, so the effect cannot be attributed to coriander. No placebo-controlled trial has tested coriander seed alone for any digestive outcome in humans.
Does coriander help IBS?
The only IBS evidence for coriander is a small pilot study of Carmint, a formula of coriander, lemon balm and mint, which reported less abdominal pain and bloating. It was a pilot on a combination product and has not been replicated, so the evidence is limited.
How much coriander seed should I take?
Typical label doses of coriander seed are 500–1000 mg of seed powder, or 1–2 g brewed as a tea after meals; no dose-finding work exists. The dyspepsia trial used 500 mg of a combined herbal powder twice daily, not coriander alone.
Can you be allergic to coriander seed?
Yes, coriander is a known contact and occasionally systemic allergen, and people allergic to celery, fennel, carrot or mugwort may cross-react. At high doses coriander may also add to diabetes medication and sedatives.
Scientific references
- The Efficacy of the Herbal Formula of Bunium persicum and Coriandrum sativum on Clinical Symptoms of Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
- The efficacy of an herbal medicine, Carmint, on the relief of abdominal pain and bloating in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study
Related in Gut health
- Probiotics Moderate evidence
- Psyllium Husk (fiber) Strong evidence
- L-Glutamine Limited evidence
- Oregano Oil Limited evidence
- Ginger Moderate evidence
- Inulin (Prebiotic Fiber) Moderate evidence