Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentWhat to AvoidFood AlternativesWhen to Seek CareFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
What to Avoid
Food Alternatives
When to Seek Care
Frequently Asked Questions
A cilantro allergy—your immune system’s overreaction to what it suspects is a foreign substance—is rare, but it can happen.Anaphylaxisdue to cilantro has also been identified.
Some people report that cilantro tastes like soap, but this is likely due to genetics and not allergies.
This article discusses the symptoms of a cilantro allergy, its complications, diagnosis, and what to do in the event of a reaction.
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Those with an allergy to cilantro may experience a variety of symptoms, including cough, itching in the mouth, and rashes.
Like other allergies to food, these symptoms typically occur within seconds to minutes of consuming cilantro.
Other possible symptoms include:
Complications
In severe cases, an allergy to cilantro can result in anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can appear suddenly and can cause a person to rapidly deteriorate.
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
This is considered a medical emergency. In the event of anaphylaxis, use an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) immediately if available and call 911.
What If Cilantro Tastes Like Soap?Some people have reported that cilantro tastes like soap. This interesting taste discrepancy is not related to allergies.
What If Cilantro Tastes Like Soap?
Some people have reported that cilantro tastes like soap. This interesting taste discrepancy is not related to allergies.
What to Do in a Severe Allergic Reaction to Cilantro
There are a number of steps that should be taken if experiencing a severe allergic reaction.
It is helpful to understand how to distinguish between a mild and severe reaction.
A mild reaction will cause only mild symptoms that impact only one system of the body.
A severe reaction is one that:
Severe symptoms may include:
It is possible that a severe allergic reaction can develop into life-threatening anaphylaxis. Given this, it is important to treat severe reactions straightaway withepinephrine.
Epinephrine is a life-saving treatment for anaphylaxis. If it seems like anaphylaxis is likely and a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector is available, it should be administered as directed.
Once the epinephrine has been administered, call 911.
When requesting an ambulance, explain that epinephrine has been used to treat a suspected anaphylactic reaction. Ask for an ambulance that has epinephrine.
An allergist will be able to make a diagnosis of food allergy using a variety of tests and taking a medical history.
In some cases, a suspected food allergy may actually turn out to be a food intolerance, which is a difficulty in digesting certain foods.
Tests ordered to diagnose a food allergy may include a skin prick test or blood test.
There is no cure for food allergies. Treatment involves strict avoidance of a diagnosed allergen (like cilantro).
There are no medications to prevent reactions, but antihistamines can help in the event of a mild reaction.
To manage allergies, it is important to read food labels and ask questions about ingredients when dining out.
For those with severe allergies, it is essential to carry an auto-injectable EpiPen at all times.
If diagnosed with a cilantro allergy, it is essential to strictly avoid consuming any foods that contain cilantro.
Cilantro is an ingredient in many Latin American and Asian dishes. If dining out at restaurants that serve this kind of food, it may be beneficial to speak to the chef about cilantro allergies.
Cilantro may be featured in a variety of Asian or Latin American dishes. It is sometimes referred to as Mexican parsley or Chinese parsley.
Both parsley and cilantro come from the same plant family, called Apiaceae.
Parsleymay be a useful alternative for those who can’t eat or don’t like cilantro.
Other plants in the Apiaceae family include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you suspect you may have an allergy to cilantro, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. They will be able to refer you for testing to confirm if you do have an allergy.
If you or someone near you is experiencing a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, always call 911 immediately.
Summary
An allergy to cilantro is not common, however, there have been reports of anaphylaxis due to cilantro.
Symptoms of an allergy to cilantro may include itching, swelling in the mouth, cough, and a rash.
A Word From Verywell
If you think you have an allergy to cilantro, consider making an appointment with a healthcare provider as a first step. They will be able to refer you for testing and help to determine if you have an allergy.
Frequently Asked QuestionsAn allergy to cilantro is believed to be uncommon.However, cases of anaphylaxis due to cilantro have been reported.Exactly what causes food allergies is unknown. Those with an immediate family member with an allergic condition like asthma, eczema, or food allergy are at an increased risk of developing a food allergy of their own.Those who had eczema as a child are also at an increased risk of developing a food allergy.An allergy to cilantro is diagnosed in the same way as other food allergies. This may involve a skin prick test, a blood test, or a food challenge in the presence of an allergist.Some people have reported experiencing a taste of soap, dirt, bugs, or mold when eating cilantro. This is believed to be due to genetics.
An allergy to cilantro is believed to be uncommon.However, cases of anaphylaxis due to cilantro have been reported.
Exactly what causes food allergies is unknown. Those with an immediate family member with an allergic condition like asthma, eczema, or food allergy are at an increased risk of developing a food allergy of their own.Those who had eczema as a child are also at an increased risk of developing a food allergy.
Exactly what causes food allergies is unknown. Those with an immediate family member with an allergic condition like asthma, eczema, or food allergy are at an increased risk of developing a food allergy of their own.
Those who had eczema as a child are also at an increased risk of developing a food allergy.
An allergy to cilantro is diagnosed in the same way as other food allergies. This may involve a skin prick test, a blood test, or a food challenge in the presence of an allergist.
Some people have reported experiencing a taste of soap, dirt, bugs, or mold when eating cilantro. This is believed to be due to genetics.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Can spices cause allergic reactions?Colorado Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence.Cilantro.Mauer, L., El-Sohemy, A.Prevalence of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) disliking among different ethnocultural groups.Flavour1, 8 (2012). doi:10.1186/2044-7248-1-8NHS.Symptoms - Food allergy.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Anaphylaxis.FARE.Recognizing and treating reaction symptoms.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Food allergy.Seattle Children’s.Food allergy.NHS.Causes - food allergy.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Can spices cause allergic reactions?Colorado Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence.Cilantro.Mauer, L., El-Sohemy, A.Prevalence of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) disliking among different ethnocultural groups.Flavour1, 8 (2012). doi:10.1186/2044-7248-1-8NHS.Symptoms - Food allergy.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Anaphylaxis.FARE.Recognizing and treating reaction symptoms.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Food allergy.Seattle Children’s.Food allergy.NHS.Causes - food allergy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Can spices cause allergic reactions?Colorado Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence.Cilantro.Mauer, L., El-Sohemy, A.Prevalence of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) disliking among different ethnocultural groups.Flavour1, 8 (2012). doi:10.1186/2044-7248-1-8NHS.Symptoms - Food allergy.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Anaphylaxis.FARE.Recognizing and treating reaction symptoms.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Food allergy.Seattle Children’s.Food allergy.NHS.Causes - food allergy.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Can spices cause allergic reactions?
Colorado Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence.Cilantro.
Mauer, L., El-Sohemy, A.Prevalence of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) disliking among different ethnocultural groups.Flavour1, 8 (2012). doi:10.1186/2044-7248-1-8
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
FARE.Recognizing and treating reaction symptoms.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Food allergy.
Seattle Children’s.Food allergy.
NHS.Causes - food allergy.
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