Coriander leaves (Eryngium foetidum), also known as coriander, are a familiar spice in Vietnamese cuisine and many Southeast Asian countries. The plant belongs to the annual herb group, about 20 - 50 cm high. The leaves grow close to the ground, forming a rosette, narrow lanceolate, 7 - 15 cm long, with evenly serrated edges, hard and sharp, both sides are almost the same green color.
With its characteristic, slightly pungent aroma, coriander leaves are often used in soups, hot pots, salads, dipping sauces or seafood dishes. Not only acting as a spice, this leaf has also been used as a medicinal herb by folk and traditional medicine for a long time thanks to its many beneficial biological compounds. Modern medicine also recognizes coriander as having nutritional value and anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and digestive-aiding properties.
1. Nutritional composition and biological compounds
- 1. Nutritional composition and biological compounds
- 2. Effects of coriander leaves
- 3. How to use coriander leaves
- 4. Who should limit the use of coriander leaves?
- 5. Some folk remedies from coriander leaves
- 6. Notes when using coriander leaves
Coriander leaves contain a lot of vitamin A, C, iron, calcium and other minerals such as manganese and magnesium. Thanks to that, this vegetable contributes to strengthening resistance, supporting strong bones and protecting cells from the harmful effects of free radicals thanks to antioxidant compounds.
Coriander essential oil contains notable active ingredients such as eryngial, β-caryophyllene and camphor, which have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects. Phenolic compounds help reduce inflammation, aid digestion and contribute to improving liver and kidney function when used in the right dosage.
Modern research shows that eryngium citrate leaf extract has the ability to inhibit the growth of certain intestinal bacteria and yeasts, while supporting the balance of intestinal microflora. Thanks to that, eryngium citrate leaves not only have culinary value but also contribute to promoting digestive health.

Not only used as a spice, coriander leaves have also been used as medicine by folk and Eastern medicine for a long time...
2. Effects of coriander leaves
According to traditional medicine, eryngium has a spicy taste, warm properties, and affects the spleen, stomach, and kidney meridians. Some commonly noted effects include:
- Relieves colds and reduces mild fever: When used to boil warm water or prepare as soup, coriander leaves can help reduce mild cold symptoms such as dry cough, stuffy nose, and fatigue.
- Aids digestion: Coriander helps reduce bloating and indigestion thanks to its properties of stimulating digestive enzymes and increasing mild intestinal motility.
- Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects: External use: Crushed fresh leaves applied to skin areas with insect bites or mild rashes helps relieve symptoms.
- Supports body detoxification: Coriander leaf water has a mild diuretic effect, contributes to detoxification through the urinary tract and helps maintain body water balance.
The combination of eryngium with herbs such as ginger, perilla, and Vietnamese balm is used by people to increase the effectiveness of cold relief and improve digestive function.
3. How to use coriander leaves
In cooking: Wash, chop, use in soup, hot pot, salad, seafood or dipping sauce; can be used fresh or dried; dried leaves retain their aroma but are lighter than fresh leaves.
Drink form: Use 1 handful of fresh coriander leaves, wash, boil with 500 - 600 ml of water for 5 - 10 minutes; drink warm, no more than 2-3 cups/day, avoid stimulating digestion or excessive urination; can be combined with ginger or perilla to increase the effect of relieving colds and reducing bloating.
For external use: Crush fresh coriander leaves and apply to areas of skin affected by insect bites or rashes; you can add a little coconut oil or olive oil to avoid irritation.
Tips for use: Dry for long-term preservation, but the aroma will be reduced. Combine with ginger, perilla, and Vietnamese balm to increase the effectiveness of supporting digestion and relieving colds. Do not use as a substitute for medication, because Vietnamese coriander only has a supportive effect.
4. Who should limit the use of coriander leaves?
Despite its many health benefits, this leaf is not suitable for everyone. Here are some groups of people to be aware of:
- Pregnant women: Some documents show that eryngium can affect the activity of female reproductive glands. Therefore, pregnant women should limit use to avoid unwanted risks.
- People with respiratory diseases: People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or acute respiratory infections may experience dry throat and difficulty breathing if they use too much coriander.
- People with stomach problems: Although it helps with digestion, using too much coriander can cause bloating and indigestion, especially in people with stomach problems.
- People with liver disease: Coriander helps support some liver functions, but overuse can cause excessive bile secretion, adversely affecting the liver.
- People with allergies: Essential oils and compounds in coriander leaves can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. This group of people should avoid contact or test a small amount before regular use.
5. Some folk remedies from coriander leaves
- Treating colds and indigestion: 10g dried coriander, 6g licorice; boil with 300ml water for 15 minutes, divide into 3 doses to drink during the day, drink while hot.
- Treat mild fever: 30g coriander, 50g chopped beef, a few slices of fresh ginger; cook with 600 ml of water, add a little pepper; eat hot and cover with a blanket to sweat.
- Expectorant: Use coriander to make a decoction to help expel phlegm stuck in the throat when having a cold or runny nose.
- Treat conjunctivitis: Dry the eryngium leaves in a cool place, boil the water to wash the eyes for mild conjunctivitis.
- Remedy for melasma: Soak chopped coriander leaves in warm water for 2 hours, filter out the residue, use the water to apply on face for 15-20 minutes, twice a day.
- Treat red pimples and itchy rashes in children: Crush fresh coriander leaves, squeeze out the juice and apply directly. If irritation occurs, rinse immediately.
- Cure bad breath: Boil coriander leaves, add a few grains of salt, gargle many times a day for 5-6 days.
6. Notes when using coriander leaves
- Do not use too much, especially in decoction or extract form.
- Avoid eating with pork or animal organs because it can easily cause bloating and indigestion.
- People with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women, and children should consult a specialist before regular use.
- People with kidney disease or taking diuretics should exercise caution as eryngium has a mild diuretic effect.
Coriander leaves are a familiar spice but also a medicinal ingredient with many health benefits such as supporting digestion, mild antibacterial, relieving colds and purifying the body. However, the use must be appropriate for each subject and a certain dosage to ensure safety. With reasonable use, coriander is both a delicious spice and can become a "natural herb" to support daily health.
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Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/la-mui-tau-co-tac-dung-gi-169251205154743147.htm










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