Fact Check: Can Coriander Water Cure Hypothyroidism?
An Instagram reel claims that coriander water can cure Hypothyroidism. The claim by the user is FALSE.
Claim
In an Instagram reel it is claimed that coriander water can cure Hypothyroidism. The reel by the user kaleshariyasavita is captioned, "Thyroid को ठीक करने के घरेलू उपाय" where she says, "We can cure thyroid problems, contrary to the common belief that one has to rely on pills for life. Many people think that no matter what happens, they cannot stop taking their pills every morning, but this is not entirely true. In only about 1% of cases, thyroid issues cannot be resolved, and that is usually when the thyroid gland has stopped functioning completely. The thyroid gland either secretes too much or too little, which leads to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The best drug for thyroid problem is coriander seeds, particularly whole coriander seeds. For hypothyroidism, which is typically associated with weight gain, coriander works well. Here’s what you need to do: take one spoonful of whole coriander seeds and boil them in a glass of water. Strain the mixture and drink the water every morning on an empty stomach. Sip the warm water slowly, much like sipping hot tea, ensuring it does not get cold. The water should be sipped gently so that it remains warm, allowing it to have the desired soothing and therapeutic effects. By consistently following this simple routine, it is believed that thyroid conditions can be effectively managed."
The reel has garnered 1.1 million views, 25,968 likes, 324 comments, and 34.7K shares. You can access it here.
Fact Check
The claim in the reel is False. Coriander provides certain health benefits but there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim that coriander water can cure Hypothyroidism.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, meaning it does not produce enough thyroid hormone to support the body's normal functions. This deficiency leads to slowed metabolic processes and various symptoms. Common causes of hypothyroidism include autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, surgical removal of the thyroid gland, and radiation therapy. Insufficient levels of thyroid hormone in the blood can affect overall health, requiring medical evaluation and management. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.
Can Hypothyroidism Be Cured?
Hypothyroidism cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed in nearly all patients. Treatment involves replacing the deficient thyroid hormone with synthetic thyroxine (T4) to normalize T4 and TSH levels. This approach restores the body’s thyroid hormone levels and its functions. Synthetic T4 pills are identical to the hormone produced by the thyroid gland.
Dr Srinath Aswathiah, Consultant - Diabetologist & Endocrinologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital Kengeri Bengaluru said, "Hypothyroidism is typically a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. In most cases, it cannot be completely cured, but it can be effectively controlled with appropriate treatment. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland. While medication such as levothyroxine helps maintain normal thyroid hormone levels, lifestyle modifications, including a balanced diet and stress management, can support thyroid function. However, claims of complete cure through natural remedies should be approached with caution, as stopping prescribed treatment can lead to severe health complications. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment plan."
Dr. Vrinda Agrawal, Consultant Endocrinology at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad also added, "Hypothyroidism, in essence, refers to an underactive thyroid gland failing to produce sufficient thyroid hormones necessary for metabolism regulation in the body. While lifelong prescription of synthetic hormone replacement therapy cannot undo the underlying cause rendering the gland underactive, it does allow for largely effective management enabling patients to sustain normal bodily functioning and live healthy lives when closely monitored by a doctor."
What are the Health Benefits of Coriander?
Coriander is a widely used culinary spice with numerous health benefits attributed to its bioactive phytochemicals. These compounds may provide powerful antioxidant, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects, potentially reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting cancer cell growth, and supporting brain health by alleviating anxiety, migraines, and neurodegenerative conditions. Coriander is also beneficial for metabolic health, with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties that help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Can coriander water cure Hypothyroidism?
The claim that coriander water can cure hypothyroidism is false. While coriander seeds are known for their potential health benefits, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that coriander water can cure hypothyroidism, which is a complex endocrine disorder requiring proper medical treatment.
Coriander, a popular culinary herb, is gaining recognition for its impressive health benefits. A study by Muhammad Jawad Iqbal et. al. highlights coriander's remarkable properties, including its anti-inflammatory, blood sugar-regulating, and cholesterol-lowering effects, along with its efficacy in addressing gastrointestinal issues.
Similarly, an article published in Nutrition Today, found that Coriander acts as an antibiotic, may alleviate respiratory conditions and pain, and help improve appetite.
Coriander is also a globally acclaimed spice celebrated for its extensive health benefits. Research by Veda Prachayasittikul et. al. has highlighted its diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, neuroprotective, migraine-relieving, cholesterol-lowering, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Coriander has certain health benefits; however, the claim by the user that coriander water can cure hypothyroidism is false as there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim.
Responding to the claim Dr Akhil Krishna, Associate Consultant (Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes) Kimshealth, Trivandrum explained, "Coriander water, derived from the seeds and leaves of Coriandrum sativum, is often promoted for its potential role in supporting thyroid health, particularly in cases of hypothyroidism. While traditional medicine and anecdotal reports suggest benefits, scientific evidence remains scarce. Coriander is a rich source of antioxidants and essential vitamins such as A, C, and K, which contribute to overall cellular protection against oxidative stress. Some research indicates that coriander seeds may exhibit anti-thyroid properties, influencing hormone levels like TSH, T3, and T4, as observed in animal studies. Additionally, coriander water may aid in weight regulation and cholesterol balance, factors that are commonly affected in hypothyroid patients. However, these findings are preliminary and robust clinical studies in humans are necessary to validate its efficacy. It is important to recognize that while coriander water may serve as a beneficial dietary supplement, it is not a replacement for standard hypothyroidism treatments, such as levothyroxine therapy. While coriander water may offer supportive health benefits, it should not be considered a primary therapeutic option for hypothyroidism."
Dr Srinath Aswathiah, Consultant - Diabetologist & Endocrinologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital Kengeri Bengaluru further explained, "There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that coriander water can cure hypothyroidism. While coriander contains antioxidants and may have certain health benefits, it does not replace the need for proper medical treatment. Hypothyroidism is a complex endocrine disorder that requires appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment under the guidance of an endocrinologist. Relying solely on home remedies like coriander water without medical supervision can lead to worsening symptoms and complications. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment plan."
Dr. Vrinda Agrawal, Consultant Endocrinology at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad also said, "There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that coriander water can cure hypothyroidism. While coriander seeds possess antioxidant properties, they do not address the underlying hormonal deficiencies characteristic of hypothyroidism. Relying solely on such remedies may delay essential medical treatment. It's crucial for patients to consult with healthcare professionals for evidence-based management of thyroid disorders."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
Coriander has mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but the claim that it cures hypothyroidism is unsupported by scientific evidence. Hypothyroidism is a chronic condition requiring medical intervention, typically in the form of hormone replacement therapy.
Hence, the user's claim is FALSE.
