Dill

Related Terms

5-[4''-hydroxy-3''-methyl-2''-butenyloxy]-6,7-furocoumarin, 8-hydroxygeraniol, 9-hydroxypiperitone, African dill oil, alkoxy derivatives, alkyl glucoside, allylbenzene, alpha-phellandrene, anethofuran, Anethon of Dioscorides, Anethum graveolens, Anethum sowa, Apiaceae (family), apiol, aromatic compound glucoside, beta-D-glucopyranosides, biphenyl derivative, caffeic acid, carvone, carvone-dihydrocarvone, chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, coumarin, diabole, dihydrocarvone, dill apiol, dillapiole, dilly pillows, East Indian dill, elastin, estragole, European dill oil, falcarindiol, falcarinol, ferulic acid, flavonoids, flavonol glycosides, fructus Anethi, furanocoumarin, gallic acid, Ghoda sowa, Indian dill, kaempferol, limonene, lutein, Lys-lastineT V, lysyl oxidase (LOX), lysyl oxidase-like (LOXL), magnesium, methyleugenol, minerals, monoterpenoid, monoterpenoid glycosides, myristicin, Oman dill herb oil, oxypeucedanin, oxypeucedanin hydrate, parsley apiol, Peucedanum, Peucedanum graveolens, Peucedanum sowa, phenolic acids, phthalides, p-menth-2-ene-1,6-diol, polyacetylenes, polyphenol oxidase, propiophenone, (S)-2-methyl-5-(1-methylethenyl)-2-cyclohexen-1-one, safrole, (S)-d-p-mentha-6-8,(9)-dien-2-one, selenocompounds, soyah (India), sterols, tannic acid, tocopherol, Umbelliferae (family), umbelliferous fruit, vanillic acid, Variyali sowa, vicenin, vitamins, zeaxanthin.

Background

Dill (Anethum graveolens), a hardy, short-lived perennial herb native to the Mediterranean and southern Russia, grows wild in Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Dill's name comes from the Old Norse word dilla, which means "to lull" or "soothe," possibly referring to its antigas and digestive-aiding properties. The ancient Egyptians, Romans, Chinese, and Vikings relied on its stomach-settling properties.
Scientific research on the uses of dill is limited. In preliminary research, dill has demonstrated dose-dependent cholesterol-lowering effects. At this time, clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of dill for any indication is limited.
Both dill seeds and leaves are used as a spice. Dill is listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Some evidence has suggested possible cholesterol-lowering properties of dill, although this has not been well studied in humans. Preliminary human research has shown a lack of significant effect of dill on cholesterol levels and an increase in triglycerides with dill treatment. More research is needed before a definitive conclusion can be made.

 C


Some evidence has suggested possible cholesterol-lowering properties of dill, although this has not been well studied in humans. Preliminary human research has shown a lack of significant effect of dill on cholesterol levels and an increase in triglycerides with dill treatment. More research is needed before a definitive conclusion can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For flatulence, a dill tea has been taken by mouth. The tea has been prepared by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dill in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, cooling it, and then slowly sipping it.
As a digestive aid, up to three cups of dill tea has been used daily. It has been prepared by steeping two teaspoons of crushed dill seeds per cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, and then straining. One-half to one teaspoon of dill tincture has been taken by mouth up to three times daily.
For painful menstruation, a decoction of dill leaves has been taken by mouth three times daily. The decoction has been prepared by boiling 150 milligrams of fresh dill leaves in 250 milliliters of water for 30 minutes, and then straining.
For high cholesterol, an Anethum (dill) tablet (650 milligrams) has been taken by mouth twice daily for six weeks.
For cuts, a dill ointment, prepared by mixing a small amount of petroleum jelly with a strong dill tea, has been applied to the skin on the affected area.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Dill may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Dill may have cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-raising effects. Caution is advised in those taking cholesterol-lowering or lipid-lowering drugs.
Dill may interact with CNS depressants, as the dill constituent carvone may cause depressant effects. Dill may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Dill may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Dill may also interact with antibiotics, anticancer drugs, antifungals, anti-inflammatory agents, gastrointestinal agents, insecticides, and thyroid hormones.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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