Is Dhaniya Water Good for Diabetes? The Science Behind Coriander

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study in The British Journal of Nutrition, extracts from coriander seeds contain compounds that trigger an anti-hyperglycaemic effect. This growing body of research suggests that dhaniya water is potentially good for diabetes management, but it comes with important considerations for those on medication.

Quick Summary

This article explores the scientific evidence behind dhaniya water's potential benefits for diabetes, detailing how compounds in coriander may influence insulin and blood sugar. It also covers preparation, important precautions, and the distinction between coriander seeds and leaves.

Key Points

Blood Sugar Regulation: Dhaniya water, made from coriander seeds, can help manage blood sugar by stimulating insulin secretion and enhancing glucose uptake by cells.
Important Precautions: Due to its potent blood sugar-lowering effect, diabetics should use dhaniya water with extreme caution and under medical supervision to avoid hypoglycemia.
Drug Interactions: Coriander can interact with medications for diabetes and high blood pressure, potentially causing levels to drop too low.
Seed vs. Leaf Potency: While both parts of the plant have benefits, scientific research points to the seeds having a more significant impact on blood glucose levels.
Consult a Doctor: Always talk to a healthcare professional before incorporating dhaniya water into your routine, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are on medication.
Preparation Method: The most common method involves soaking coriander seeds in water overnight and drinking the strained liquid in the morning.
Traditional Use: Coriander has a long history in traditional medicine for treating diabetes, with modern studies supporting these folk uses.

The Scientific Evidence Behind Dhaniya Water for Diabetes

For centuries, coriander, known as dhaniya in Hindi, has been a staple in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda. While often used for its flavouring properties, scientific interest has grown around its potential to assist with blood sugar regulation. The primary active components believed to contribute to this effect are concentrated in the seeds, not the leaves.

How Coriander Seeds Impact Blood Sugar

Research indicates that consuming coriander, particularly from seeds, can have a hypoglycaemic (blood sugar-lowering) effect. Several mechanisms explain how this may happen:

Stimulating Insulin Production: Studies have shown that coriander seed extract can stimulate the release of insulin from the beta-cells in the pancreas. Insulin is the hormone responsible for allowing your body's cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.
Enhancing Glucose Uptake: The compounds in coriander may also increase the activity of enzymes that help remove sugar from the blood and improve glucose uptake by muscle cells.
Inhibiting Alpha-Glucosidase: Some research suggests that coriander may inhibit the activity of the alpha-glucosidase enzyme in the small intestine. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars, meaning inhibition can lead to slower glucose absorption and reduced post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Coriander is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are major contributors to insulin resistance, so reducing them can improve overall metabolic health and sensitivity to insulin.

Comparing Coriander Seeds vs. Leaves for Diabetes

It is important to note that while both parts of the plant are healthy, the seeds are more often associated with robust blood-sugar-lowering effects.


Feature	Coriander Seeds (Dhaniya)	Coriander Leaves (Cilantro)
Preparation	Soaked in water overnight, then strained; or boiled.	Can be infused in water, but also used fresh in cooking.
Active Compounds	Rich in essential oils and ethanol extracts linked to insulin stimulation.	Also contains antioxidants, but research more heavily focuses on seed extracts for hypoglycaemic effects.
Primary Use for Diabetes	Making dhaniya water, known for its potent blood sugar reduction potential.	Primarily used for flavour and its overall health benefits, including inflammation reduction.
Potency	Higher concentration of specific compounds linked to blood sugar control.	While beneficial, may have a milder effect on blood glucose compared to the seeds.

How to Prepare and Consume Dhaniya Water

For those interested in exploring dhaniya water, the following simple preparation is widely recommended:

Take about 1–2 teaspoons of crushed or whole coriander seeds.
Soak the seeds in one glass of water overnight.
In the morning, strain the water to remove the seeds.
Drink the water on an empty stomach.

Alternatively, you can boil the seeds in water for 5-10 minutes, let it cool, and then strain before drinking.

Important Precautions and Potential Side Effects

While dhaniya water shows promise, it is crucial to approach its use with caution, especially for individuals with diabetes.

Risk of Hypoglycemia: Coriander is potent enough to lower blood sugar levels. If you are already taking diabetes medication, combining it with dhaniya water could cause blood sugar to drop too low. Always monitor your blood sugar closely and consult your doctor before adding it to your routine.
Interactions with Medications: Dhaniya water can interact with other medications, including those for high blood pressure, which it also lowers. Its sedative properties can also be enhanced when combined with sedative drugs.
Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or breathing difficulties, particularly those with existing allergies to plants in the Apiaceae family (like fennel or celery).
Consult a Healthcare Professional: It is essential to discuss the use of dhaniya water with a doctor or a qualified healthcare provider. They can provide personalised advice and ensure it is safe for you, especially considering your existing health conditions and medications.

Conclusion

Emerging research and traditional use suggest that dhaniya water, particularly when made from coriander seeds, can be a supportive element in managing diabetes due to its ability to stimulate insulin secretion and enhance glucose metabolism. The bioactive compounds offer a multi-pronged approach to blood sugar control. However, this is not a substitute for conventional medical treatment, and its potency means that careful monitoring and professional medical advice are absolutely necessary to prevent the risk of hypoglycemia and other drug interactions. Incorporating dhaniya water should only be considered as a supplement under a doctor's guidance, alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise. Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any dietary changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Studies show that extracts from coriander seeds can stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas's beta-cells, helping the body to regulate blood sugar levels.

You should not start drinking dhaniya water without consulting your doctor first. Because coriander has a significant blood sugar-lowering effect, combining it with medication could cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

While both parts are beneficial, the seeds contain a higher concentration of the specific compounds linked to blood sugar control. Most studies confirming the hypoglycaemic effect use seed extracts.

Excessive consumption can lead to side effects such as digestive issues like bloating or gas. Allergic reactions, low blood pressure, and photosensitivity are also possible, especially with high doses.

Dhaniya water is known to boost metabolism and improve digestion, which can support weight management efforts. A healthy weight is crucial for managing diabetes effectively.

Consumption should be discussed with a doctor, but general recommendations suggest drinking a glass made from soaked seeds first thing in the morning. It is important to start with small amounts to see how your body reacts.

While coriander has anti-diabetic properties, it cannot prevent diabetes on its own. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, remains the best preventative measure. Research is ongoing, but it is not a cure or proven preventative measure.