The Go-To Summer Spice

Welcome to Spice Saturday, a space where we explore the wisdom of individual spices and how they can support balance in the body through the lens of Ayurveda.

I hope you’re enjoying summer. I certainly am. I took a few weeks away from writing to spend more time in nature with Hailey, my dog. Early morning beach walks, sitting beneath the tree in our front yard, and catching up with friends have filled many of my days.

And somehow, that brings me right back to the kitchen and to this week’s spice: coriander.

Coriander is a staple in culinary traditions around the world. In Ayurveda, it is traditionally considered tri-doshic, meaning it can help support balance for all three doshas, a rare quality in a spice.

And here’s a fun fact: the leaves of the coriander plant are what we know as cilantro. If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy cilantro because of its soapy taste, stick around! We’re talking about the seeds today. Coriander seeds have a warm, earthy, slightly nutty flavor that is quite different from the leaves.

Ayurvedic Profile

From an Ayurvedic perspective, coriander carries the following qualities:

• Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
• Family: Umbelliferae
• Taste (Rasa): Pungent and bitter
• Energetics: Cooling
• Dosha Impact: Traditionally considered balancing for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

Why Is Coriander a Go-To Summer Spice?

Summer is Pitta season, a time when heat naturally builds in the environment and, sometimes, within us. We may notice that heat as feeling flushed, more easily irritated, or experiencing digestive discomfort such as acid reflux.

This is where coriander can be a wonderful kitchen companion.

Because of its cooling nature, coriander is traditionally used to help cool and soothe the body and digestive system. It can also be refreshing when we’re feeling thirsty or overheated.

For me, coriander is one of those simple reminders that Ayurveda doesn’t always require a complicated remedy. Sometimes the support we need is already sitting in the spice cabinet.

My First Introduction to Coriander

The first time I was introduced to coriander, from a Ayurvedic perspective, was through Cumin, Coriander, and Fennel tea (CCF Tea) at a yoga class social event.

The tea is made by steeping the seeds of all three spices together. I remember being surprised by how comforting the combination was. It has a warming, earthy quality while still feeling refreshing, making it something I enjoy in both winter and summer.

You may remember that cumin was the focus of an earlier Spice Saturday. Coriander is one of the spices that makes CCF tea so special, and fennel will eventually get its own Saturday too!

How I Use Coriander in My Kitchen

During Pitta season, one of my favorite ways to use coriander is coriander water.

I soak one teaspoon of coriander seeds in about 20 ounces of water overnight. In the morning, I strain the seeds and sip the water throughout the day.

A quick tip: if you want to lightly crush the seeds first, give them just one very quick pulse in a coffee grinder. You don’t want to turn them into powder, just open them up a little.

I also enjoy CCF tea at room temperature during the warmer months. It’s a simple ritual that feels both refreshing and nourishing.

Bringing Coriander Into the Kitchen

This is where the wisdom of spices truly comes to life.

You’ll see coriander featured in this week’s Balance in Every Bite, where its cooling qualities become part of a simple, nourishing meal.

And if you’re following along with Spice Saturday, you’ll begin to see how the individual spices we explore can come together in the foods we prepare every day.

Try It Yourself

Take a moment this week to notice how your body responds to coriander.

If summer has you feeling a little overheated, try making a simple coriander water and see how it feels. You might also experiment with CCF tea, served at room temperature rather than piping hot.

Sometimes balance begins with something as simple as paying attention.

If you’re curious about bringing more Ayurvedic wisdom into your daily life, I invite you to reach out or follow along.

Until next time, may you find balance gently and trust the transformation along the way.