Dill

Anethum graveolens

ApiaceaeSouthwest Asia (Iran, Afghanistan) and Mediterranean Europe; widely cultivated globally; naturalized in temperate regions

Description

overall appearance

An erect annual or biennial herb 40–150 cm tall, with feathery, finely divided foliage and flat-topped yellow flower clusters (umbels). Has a distinctive aromatic, fennel-like but sharper scent. A delicate, airy appearance in herb gardens. Readily self-seeds in favorable conditions.

roots

Slender taproot 5–15 cm long, white to pale brown; fine lateral roots; not deep-rooting; easily transplanted when young

stem

Single hollow, erect stem; smooth, glabrous, glaucous (bluish-green); finely striated; 40–130 cm tall; branching in upper half

leaves

2–4 times pinnate; finely divided into thread-like (filiform) segments 0.5–2 mm wide; gray-green to blue-green; lower leaves larger with long sheaths; leaves 5–30 cm long

flowers

Tiny, yellow, 1–2 mm wide; in large compound umbels 10–20 cm across with 15–40 rays; blooms June–August

fruits/seeds

Flat, oval schizocarp 3–5 mm long by 2–3 mm wide; two flat-faced mericarps with 3 dorsal ribs and 2 winged marginal ribs; tan to brown; highly aromatic

Active Compounds

Carvone (25–60% of essential oil; same compound as in spearmint but in S-carvone form)Limonene (15–45%)Alpha-phellandrene (2–30%)Dillapiole (seed essential oil)EugenolFlavonoids (quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, vicenin-2)Coumarins (scopoletin, umbelliferone)Fatty acids in seed: petroselinic acid (50–65% of seed oil)

Traditional Uses

Ancient Egyptian medical texts (Ebers Papyrus, 1550 BCE) mention dill as a soothing herb for digestive pain
Ancient Greek and Roman physicians used dill as a carminative, digestive aid, and galactagogue (to promote milk flow in nursing mothers)
Traditional Ayurvedic use (shatapushpa) for digestive complaints, hiccups, flatulence, and to increase milk production in nursing women
Traditional use throughout the Middle East and South Asia for infant colic in gripe water-type preparations
Medieval European folk medicine used dill seed tea as a diuretic, to treat insomnia, and to stimulate appetite
Traditional European use of dill seed for menstrual irregularities and as a mild emmenagogue
Slavic folk medicine used dill for kidney stones and urinary tract infections
Traditional use in Iran (shevid) for diabetes management and as a galactagogue

Modern Applications

Carminative and digestive aid: carvone reduces intestinal smooth muscle spasm; evidenced use for gas, bloating, and IBS symptoms
Galactagogue: dopaminergic activity of carvone and flavonoids may stimulate prolactin release; traditional use supported by limited clinical data
Antimicrobial: seed essential oil inhibits E. coli, Staphylococcus, Listeria, and Candida; used as natural food preservative
Anti-diabetic: dill seed extract reduces blood glucose and improves lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic animal models and one human pilot study
Anti-inflammatory: flavonoids and carvone reduce COX-2 and inflammatory cytokines in vitro
Antioxidant: vicenin-2 and flavonoid fraction show significant DPPH scavenging
Anxiolytic and sedative: carvone shows sedative properties in animal models at moderate doses
Bone health: Vitamin C and calcium content support nutritional contribution to bone metabolism

⚠️ Safety Information

Contraindications

Pregnancy in therapeutic doses: emmenagogue and potential uterotonic effects of seed oil; culinary use is safe
Allergy to Apiaceae (celery, carrot, parsley family): cross-reactivity risk; can cause severe allergic reactions
Breastfeeding (high-dose essential oil): while traditionally used as galactagogue, concentrated essential oil may harm infant
Liver disease: coumarins and essential oil constituents metabolized by liver; caution with hepatic impairment
Pre-surgical: mild antiplatelet effects; discontinue 1 week before surgery

Side Effects

Photosensitivity: furanocoumarins in dill cause phototoxic dermatitis; avoid sun exposure after handling fresh plant
Allergic reactions: cross-reactivity with other Apiaceae members can cause urticaria or anaphylaxis
Gastrointestinal upset with excessive seed consumption
Rare skin sensitization and contact dermatitis with fresh plant juice
Hypoglycemia risk when combined with antidiabetic drugs

Drug Interactions

Anticoagulants (warfarin): mild antiplatelet flavonoid effects; monitor INR with high intake
Antidiabetic medications: additive blood glucose lowering; risk of hypoglycemia
Diuretics: additive effect; monitor hydration and electrolytes
CYP2C9 substrates: furanocoumarins may inhibit CYP2C9 enzyme; potential for elevated plasma drug levels

Parts Used

Aerial parts (leaves, stems — 'dill weed')
Seeds
Essential oil
Seed oil

Preparation Methods

Dill seed tea: 1–2 teaspoons (2–3 g) crushed seeds in 250 ml boiling water, steep 10 minutes; 2–3 cups/day for digestive complaints

Dill weed tea: 2–4 g fresh or dried herb in 250 ml boiling water, steep 5 minutes; milder flavor and action than seed

Gripe water for infants: traditionally 1 teaspoon dill seed in 1 cup water, simmered 15 minutes, strained; 5–10 ml given to infants (use with caution, consult pediatrician)

Essential oil (topical): 1–2% diluted in carrier oil for muscle cramps and skin infections

Tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol, seeds): 2–4 ml three times daily

Seed extract capsules: 300–500 mg twice daily with meals