What Does Cilantro Do to Blood Pressure?

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to several studies, the herb cilantro contains compounds that may help lower blood pressure by acting as a diuretic and relaxing blood vessels. This article delves into what cilantro does to blood pressure, explaining the mechanisms behind its potential antihypertensive effects and outlining how to incorporate it into a heart-healthy diet.

Quick Summary

This article explores cilantro's impact on blood pressure, detailing its diuretic and vasodilatory properties. It covers the herb's antioxidant content, safe consumption methods, and potential interactions with medications, emphasizing that it is a dietary supplement and not a cure for hypertension.

Key Points

Diuretic Effect: Cilantro acts as a natural diuretic, helping the body expel excess sodium and water, which reduces overall blood pressure.
Blood Vessel Relaxation: Compounds in cilantro promote vasodilation, relaxing blood vessels and lowering resistance to blood flow.
Antioxidant Power: Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, cilantro protects heart health by fighting inflammation and oxidative stress.
Not a Cure: Cilantro is a supportive dietary component, not a replacement for high blood pressure medication.
Dietary Integration: Easily add cilantro to salsas, smoothies, soups, and salads to reap its potential heart health benefits.
Consult a Professional: Individuals with low blood pressure or those on medication should consult a doctor before increasing their cilantro intake.

The Antihypertensive Properties of Cilantro

Cilantro, the fresh leaves of the Coriandrum sativum plant, has been recognized in traditional medicine for centuries for its various health benefits, including its potential role in managing high blood pressure. Modern scientific research has begun to shed light on the specific mechanisms behind these effects, primarily focusing on the herb's antioxidant-rich composition and its influence on the body's cardiovascular system.

The Mechanism Behind Cilantro's Effect

Research indicates that cilantro's ability to lower blood pressure is not due to a single compound but a combination of synergistic effects.

Diuretic Action: Cilantro acts as a natural diuretic, which helps the body eliminate excess sodium and water. This is a key mechanism for reducing blood pressure, as excess fluid and sodium can put strain on the heart and blood vessels. This effect is particularly noted in studies using cilantro extracts.
Vasodilation: Studies on animal models have shown that compounds in cilantro can cause blood vessels to relax and expand. This process, known as vasodilation, reduces the resistance to blood flow, thereby lowering overall blood pressure.
Calcium Ion Interaction: Some research suggests that cilantro's constituents may interact with calcium ions and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. These interactions contribute to the relaxation of blood vessels, further enhancing its hypotensive effect.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Impact

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are known contributors to hypertension and heart disease. Cilantro is rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids like rutin and quercetin, which combat these damaging processes.

Combating Oxidative Stress: Antioxidants in cilantro help neutralize harmful free radicals, protecting blood vessel walls from damage and promoting better heart health over time.
Reducing Inflammation: By reducing inflammation, cilantro helps prevent the stiffening of arteries that can lead to increased blood pressure.

Cilantro vs. Blood Pressure Medication

It is critical to understand that while cilantro can be a supportive dietary component, it is not a substitute for prescribed blood pressure medication. Anyone on medication for high blood pressure should consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, as cilantro could potentially interact with or amplify the effects of these drugs.

Comparison Table: Cilantro vs. Prescription Medication

Incorporating Cilantro into Your Diet

Adding more cilantro to your diet is both simple and delicious. The fresh leaves and stems are often used in Mexican, Thai, and Indian cuisines, but they can be integrated into many other dishes.

Here are several ways to boost your cilantro intake:

Salsas and Guacamole: Freshly chopped cilantro is a staple ingredient in many salsas and guacamole, adding a bright, zesty flavor.
Smoothies: A handful of cilantro leaves can be added to your morning green smoothie for a nutritious and refreshing boost.
Soups and Curries: Stir fresh cilantro into soups, stews, and curries just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor and nutritional value.
Salads: Toss fresh cilantro leaves into salads for an extra layer of flavor.
Cilantro Pesto: Replace traditional basil with cilantro to create a unique and flavorful pesto for pasta or sandwiches.

Risks and Considerations

While largely safe, there are some precautions to consider. Individuals with low blood pressure should be cautious, as cilantro's hypotensive effects could cause their blood pressure to drop too low. Furthermore, some people have a genetic aversion to cilantro, perceiving its taste as soapy. If you have a known allergy to other plants in the Apiaceae family, such as caraway or fennel, you may also have an allergic reaction to cilantro. Always consult with a healthcare professional before significantly changing your diet, especially if you are managing a pre-existing medical condition.

Conclusion

Cilantro has been shown to offer potential benefits for blood pressure management through its diuretic effects, blood vessel relaxation properties, and rich antioxidant content. While it can be a valuable addition to a heart-healthy lifestyle, it should be seen as a complementary dietary tool, not a replacement for medical treatment. By incorporating this flavorful herb into your meals, you can take a proactive step towards supporting your cardiovascular health. Always speak with a doctor to discuss any dietary changes and their potential impact on your health. For further reading on the cardiovascular effects of this plant, a study published on the National Institutes of Health website provides detailed information.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not stop taking prescribed medication and should always consult with your doctor before making any significant changes to your treatment plan. Cilantro is a supportive dietary element, not a cure.

Cilantro's effects on blood pressure are generally considered to be gradual and supportive as part of a regular healthy diet, not an immediate or rapid change.

Cilantro refers to the leaves of the Coriandrum sativum plant, while coriander refers to the seeds. Both parts of the plant contain compounds with similar beneficial properties, including effects on blood pressure.

While generally safe, individuals with low blood pressure should be cautious, and those with allergies to related plants like caraway or fennel may experience allergic reactions. Large amounts may interact with blood pressure or diabetes medications.

Incorporating fresh cilantro into your daily diet is ideal. Adding it to salsas, salads, smoothies, or curries allows you to benefit from its nutrients and antioxidants.

To preserve its delicate fresh flavor and nutrients, it is best to add cilantro toward the end of cooking or use it raw. High heat can diminish some of its compounds.

While generally safe in food amounts, there is not enough reliable information on using large medicinal amounts of coriander/cilantro during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is best to stick to culinary quantities and consult a doctor.