Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a member of the Apiaceae family, native to South Asia, Middle East, and Central Asia. Traditionally, its seeds, fruits, and leaves have been used for infusions, decoctions, and culinary uses.

This herb is particularly valued for its carminative, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, european herbal medicine, and mediterranean herbal traditions.

Dill (Anethum graveolens) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Dill (Anethum graveolens) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Dill
Scientific Name	Anethum graveolens
Plant Family	Apiaceae
Genus	Anethum
Species	graveolens
Native Range	South Asia, Middle East, Central Asia
Plant Parts Used	Seeds, Fruits, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Carminative, Antispasmodic, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Culinary Use

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Anethum graveolens
Common Name: Dill
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Aniseed, Common Dill, Fennel
Plant Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Anethum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Annual herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Bipinnate leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Small, yellow flowers arranged in umbels, actinomorphic, with four花瓣 and a single pistil surrounded by four stamens.
Stems: Cylindrical, hollow, ridged, aromatic, herbaceous, branching at nodes, opposite, glabrous, terete, erect.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Culinary Use
Oil Infusion

Medicinal Actions

Carminative: Traditionally described as a mild carminative, within digestive system contexts.
Antispasmodic: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate antispasmodic, in spasm-related situations.
Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a gentle anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Expectorant: As described in traditional systems, a cooling expectorant, in chest-related herbal contexts.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A mixture of naturally occurring compounds responsible for plant aroma.
Coumarin: Naturally occurring lactone compounds distributed across various plant tissues.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.
Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Culinary Use: Leaves, flowers, or roots are used as ingredients in culinary preparations.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.