Can you eat too much coriander? Understanding the risks and benefits

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

While most people use coriander (also known as cilantro) in small, safe quantities for cooking, excessive consumption, particularly in medicinal amounts, can lead to side effects like digestive upset and medication interactions. The question of whether you can eat too much coriander is important for understanding responsible use.

Quick Summary

Excessive intake of coriander, especially in concentrated forms like supplements, can trigger digestive upset, allergic reactions, and may interfere with certain medications. Those with pre-existing health conditions or allergies should be particularly cautious.

Key Points

Moderation is key: While harmless in food amounts, excessive coriander intake, especially in concentrated forms, can cause negative health effects.
Digestive issues are common: Overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal problems, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Medication interactions are possible: Coriander can lower blood sugar and blood pressure, potentially interfering with diabetes and antihypertensive medications.
Allergic reactions can occur: Some individuals, particularly those with existing allergies to related plants, may experience allergic symptoms or skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Vulnerable groups should be cautious: Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with bleeding disorders or low blood pressure, need to be particularly careful with their coriander intake.

The Fine Line Between Spice and Excess

Coriander, from the plant Coriandrum sativum, is a staple in global cuisine, with both its leaves (cilantro) and seeds used extensively. While celebrated for its flavor and potential health benefits—including antioxidant properties—the phrase "too much of a good thing" can apply. For most healthy individuals, normal culinary use is safe. The risks emerge when consuming coriander in medicinal or unusually large quantities, which can affect various bodily systems.

Potential Digestive Distress

One of the most immediate side effects of consuming too much coriander is gastrointestinal distress.

Bloating and Gas: Large amounts of coriander seeds can act as a mild laxative and diuretic, irritating the digestive system and causing discomfort.
Diarrhea and Stomach Pain: As reported by RxList, there are anecdotal accounts of severe digestive issues, including diarrhea and abdominal pain, from high-dose extract consumption.
Excessive Bile Secretion: Long-term, excessive use of coriander seeds may potentially cause liver problems due to over-secretion of bile.

Medication Interactions and Health Risks

For individuals with pre-existing conditions, consuming large amounts of coriander can pose significant health risks due to its potent compounds.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Coriander can activate enzymes that help lower blood sugar. This is beneficial for many, but a risk for those with diabetes on medication or people with hypoglycemia, as it could drop blood sugar levels too low.
Blood Pressure Fluctuation: The herb has diuretic properties and can cause blood vessels to dilate, which lowers blood pressure. People with low blood pressure or those on anti-hypertensive drugs should use caution, as it could cause blood pressure to drop too much.
Bleeding Disorders: Coriander may slow down blood clotting. Excessive intake increases the risk of bleeding for those with bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery.

Allergic Reactions and Skin Sensitivity

While less common, allergic reactions to coriander are possible, especially for those sensitive to other plants in the Apiaceae family (like mugwort or aniseed).

Allergic Symptoms: Reactions can range from mild (itching, hives, nasal swelling) to severe (swelling of the face or throat, anaphylaxis).
Photosensitivity: Coriander contains psoralen, which can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, raising the risk of sunburns. Prolonged exposure could potentially increase the risk of skin cancer.

Special Populations and Consumption

Certain groups should be more cautious about their coriander intake:

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Due to a lack of reliable information, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to stick to food-level amounts and avoid medicinal doses. High consumption may pose risks due to its bioactive compounds.
Children: The effects of coriander supplements on young children are not well-known, so they should be avoided.

Moderate vs. Excessive Coriander Consumption

To better understand the difference, consider the following table:


Aspect	Moderate (Culinary) Consumption	Excessive (Medicinal/High Dose) Consumption
Typical Amount	A few sprigs of leaves or teaspoons of seeds in a meal	Large, concentrated quantities like supplements or extracts
Health Impact	Generally safe; provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals	Increases risk of digestive issues, allergic reactions, and complications for vulnerable individuals
Blood Sugar	Negligible effect	Can cause blood sugar to drop significantly
Blood Pressure	Negligible effect	Can lower blood pressure excessively
Medication Risk	Minimal	High risk of dangerous interactions, especially with diabetes or blood pressure meds

Conclusion

While adding flavor and nutrients to countless dishes, there are legitimate health considerations when it comes to consuming too much coriander. For most, enjoying it in typical food amounts is completely safe and healthy. However, anyone considering using high doses, such as in supplements or herbal remedies, must proceed with caution. Individuals with diabetes, low blood pressure, bleeding disorders, or known allergies, as well as pregnant women, should consult a healthcare provider to ensure safety. Ultimately, the key is moderation and being aware of your own health profile. You can find more details on interactions and side effects on sites like WebMD.

Considerations for Safe Consumption

Know your body: If you have known allergies to related plants, be extra cautious with coriander.
Stick to culinary amounts: Avoid high-dose supplements unless under medical supervision.
Monitor medications: If you take medication for blood pressure or diabetes, track your levels and discuss consumption with your doctor.
Don't ignore symptoms: If you experience any unusual symptoms after eating a significant amount of coriander, reduce intake and seek professional advice.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Coriander Overconsumption

In summary, while it is difficult to reach a toxic level of coriander through normal cooking, overconsumption of large, concentrated amounts can lead to several health issues. These risks predominantly affect individuals with certain health conditions or those taking specific medications. Mindful consumption and awareness of potential interactions are essential for enjoying this versatile herb safely.

More information on coriander's side effects and safety can be found on WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common side effects include digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. In some cases, it can cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes or swelling.

Yes, coriander can have diuretic properties and might lower blood pressure. People with low blood pressure or those taking antihypertensive medication should be cautious, as excessive intake could cause an undesirable drop.

There is not enough reliable information on the safety of consuming medicinal or excessive amounts of coriander during pregnancy. It is recommended for pregnant women to stick to normal food quantities and consult a doctor.

Yes, some people may experience allergic reactions to coriander, with symptoms ranging from mild (itching, hives) to severe (anaphylaxis). Those with allergies to related plants like aniseed or dill may be at higher risk.

Yes, coriander can lower blood sugar levels. Taking it in large amounts alongside diabetes medication could cause blood sugar to drop too low (hypoglycemia), so it's important to monitor levels closely.

Overconsumption, especially of coriander seeds, can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea due to its mild laxative effect. In rare cases, liver issues from excessive bile secretion have also been reported.

Yes, coriander contains compounds that can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburns. This effect, called photosensitivity, is more likely with high intake.