What Are the Side Effects of Coriander Seeds Soaked in Water?

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

While popularly hailed for its digestive benefits and rich antioxidant content, consuming coriander seeds soaked in water can pose certain health risks for some individuals, particularly when taken in excessive amounts. This traditional remedy, known as dhaniya water in some cultures, may have unintended consequences that warrant careful consideration before regular use.

Quick Summary

Potential health risks from drinking soaked coriander seed water include digestive problems, low blood pressure, allergic reactions, and interactions with certain medications. Excessive intake can negatively impact liver function and increase sun sensitivity.

Key Points

Digestive Upset: Excessive intake of soaked coriander seeds can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and bloating due to its mild laxative properties.
Risk of Hypoglycemia: Coriander seeds can lower blood sugar. Diabetics taking medication should be cautious, as it could cause dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Allergic Reactions: Individuals with allergies to other plants in the Apiaceae family (e.g., fennel, celery) may experience allergic reactions, including skin rashes and breathing issues.
Lowered Blood Pressure: Coriander's diuretic properties can lower blood pressure. Those with hypotension or on blood pressure medication should monitor their levels carefully.
Increased Sun Sensitivity: Overconsumption has been linked to increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can raise the risk of sunburn and other skin reactions.
Hormonal Disruption: The phytoestrogens in coriander can potentially disrupt hormonal balance, and excessive use is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Understanding the Potential Side Effects of Soaked Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum) are widely recognized for their aromatic flavor and medicinal properties, with many people drinking water infused with them to aid digestion and support overall health. The act of soaking the seeds overnight is believed to maximize the extraction of their beneficial compounds into the water. However, just as with any herbal remedy, overconsumption or pre-existing sensitivities can lead to a range of side effects. A comprehensive understanding of these risks is essential for responsible consumption.

Gastrointestinal Distress

One of the most frequently reported side effects of drinking coriander seed water, especially in large quantities, is gastrointestinal discomfort.

Diarrhea and stomach cramps: The seeds have a natural, mild laxative effect. Excessive intake can overstimulate the digestive tract, leading to diarrhea, cramping, and nausea.
Bloating and gas: For sensitive individuals, the fermentation process in the gut can be exacerbated by excessive coriander water, resulting in increased gas and bloating.
Aggravated acid reflux: In some cases, the seeds can stimulate stomach acid production, which may worsen symptoms for those already prone to acid reflux and heartburn.

Impact on Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure

While known for their potential to help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, these effects can become problematic when not monitored, especially for individuals on medication.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Coriander can lower blood sugar levels. For diabetics taking medication to control their glucose levels, consuming coriander water could cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar.
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): The seeds have diuretic properties and can help reduce blood pressure. If you already have low blood pressure or take antihypertensive drugs, excessive intake could cause your blood pressure to become dangerously low.

Allergic Reactions and Skin Sensitivity

For some people, even moderate consumption can trigger adverse reactions, especially if they have sensitivities to other plants in the same botanical family.

Allergic symptoms: This can include skin rashes, itching, hives, swelling of the face or throat, and difficulty breathing. Individuals allergic to mugwort, aniseed, fennel, or celery may be more susceptible due to cross-reactivity.
Increased sun sensitivity: In rare cases, consuming large amounts of coriander can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, raising the risk of sunburn and photosensitive skin reactions.

Other Potential Concerns

Liver Strain

Excessive and prolonged use of coriander seeds may lead to adverse effects on the liver. Some studies suggest that very high consumption can increase bile secretion to abnormal levels, which can put a strain on liver function over time. This is a more significant concern for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions.

Hormonal and Menstrual Issues

Coriander seeds contain phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that can mimic estrogen. For women, especially those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, overconsumption may interfere with hormonal balance and glandular secretions. Anecdotal reports have also linked excessive intake to irregular or delayed menstruation in some women.

Comparison Table: Benefits vs. Side Effects of Soaked Coriander Water


Feature	Potential Benefits (Moderate Intake)	Potential Side Effects (Excessive Intake)
Digestion	Aids digestion, reduces bloating, and soothes discomfort.	Causes gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, cramps, and nausea.
Blood Sugar	May help lower and regulate high blood sugar levels.	Can cause hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) in diabetics.
Blood Pressure	Acts as a diuretic and may help lower high blood pressure.	Can cause hypotension (excessively low blood pressure).
Skin	Promotes skin health and reduces blemishes due to antioxidants.	Allergic reactions, skin rashes, and increased photosensitivity.
Immunity	Boosts the immune system with antioxidants and vitamins.	Allergic reactions, asthma, and breathing issues.

Important Considerations

Before incorporating soaked coriander seeds into your daily regimen, it's crucial to be aware of your own health status and consider the following:

Dosage is key: The potential for side effects is often tied to dosage. While a small amount is generally safe for most, excessive consumption increases risk. Start with a low dose to assess your body's reaction.
Pre-existing conditions: If you have diabetes, low blood pressure, liver issues, or a history of allergies to related plants, it is imperative to consult a healthcare provider before use.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Due to a lack of reliable safety data, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to exercise caution and consult a doctor.

Conclusion

While drinking water from soaked coriander seeds is a popular herbal practice with several potential health benefits, it is not without risks. Potential side effects range from mild digestive upset to more serious concerns like dangerously low blood sugar, allergic reactions, and liver strain, especially with excessive or prolonged use. Being mindful of these potential drawbacks and consulting with a healthcare professional, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medication, is the best approach to ensuring your safety. By understanding the full spectrum of effects, you can make an informed choice about whether this remedy is right for you. A more in-depth scientific review of coriander's medicinal properties can be found via the National Institutes of Health.

Remember that natural doesn't always mean safe for everyone, and moderation is key to mitigating potential harm.

Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal remedy, especially if you have underlying health issues or are taking medications. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some people can be allergic to coriander. Symptoms may include skin rashes, itching, hives, or swelling. Individuals with known allergies to related plants like fennel or celery should be especially cautious.

Yes, coriander seeds have been shown to lower blood sugar levels. While this can be beneficial for some, it can pose a risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) for people with diabetes, especially those on blood sugar-lowering medications.

There is a lack of reliable information on the safety of consuming coriander in medicinal amounts during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is best to avoid it during these periods and consult a doctor.

Yes, consuming excessive amounts of coriander seed water can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and bloating due to its natural laxative effects.

There is no universally recommended amount, and it depends on individual health. Most advice suggests moderation. Starting with a small amount, such as 1-2 teaspoons of seeds soaked overnight, is prudent to gauge your body's reaction.

Yes, coriander can interact with certain medications, including those for diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood thinners. It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider if you are taking any prescription medication before adding it to your routine.

In some cases, excessive consumption of coriander has been anecdotally linked to increased photosensitivity, which can heighten the risk of sunburn or skin reactions when exposed to sunlight.