Anethum graveolens (Apiaceae) Dill, Shepu

One of the key ingredients in Gripe water - Dill is a powerful remedy for Colic, Digestive disorders, Gas and bloating .

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Anethum graveolens L.

Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

Genus: Anethum

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Foeniculum vulgare (Saunf/Fennel): A premier digestive carminative, galactagogue, and eye tonic.

· Coriandrum sativum (Dhanyaka/Cilantro): A cooling digestive herb and blood purifier.

· Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain/Carom): A potent digestive stimulant and antispasmodic for colic and flatulence.

· Cuminum cyminum (Jeera/Cumin): A warming digestive aid and carminative.

The Apiaceae family is renowned for its aromatic, seed-bearing plants that are foundational to digestive health in Ayurvedic and global herbal traditions, most characterized by their distinctive umbel flower clusters.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Anethum graveolens | English: Dill, Dill Weed | Sanskrit: शतपुष्पा (Shatapushpa), शताह्वा (Shatahva) | Hindi: सोया (Soya), शतपुष्प (Shatapushp) | Tamil: சதகுப்பை (Sadakuppai), ஒமம் (Omam) - Note: Often confused with Ajwain. | Telugu: సతపుష్ప (Satapushpa), సోయ (Soya) | Kannada: ಸಬ್ಬಸಿಗೆ (Sabbasige), ಶತಪುಷ್ಪ (Shatapushpa) | Malayalam: ചതകുപ്പ (Chatakuppa) | Marathi: शेपू (Shepu), बडीशेप (Badishep) | Bengali: শুলফা (Shulfa) | German: Dill | French: Aneth | Arabic: Shibith (شِبِت) |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Carminative, Digestive Stimulant, Antispasmodic, Galactagogue, Diuretic, Sedative (mild, for infants), Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial.

Medicinal Parts:

The seeds (fruits) and fresh leaves (dill weed) are used medicinally.

· Seeds (Shatapushpa): The primary medicinal part in Ayurveda, used for digestive and respiratory issues.

· Fresh Leaves & Stems (Dill Weed): Used primarily in cooking and for milder medicinal effects.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Volatile Oil (Carvone, Dillapiole, Limonene): Carvone is the main constituent, responsible for the characteristic aroma and key Carminative, Antispasmodic, and Antimicrobial actions. Dillapiole may contribute to Galactagogue effects.

Flavonoids (Kaempferol, Vicenin): Provide Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory support.

Coumarins: May contribute to mild Sedative and Antispasmodic effects.

Phenolic Acids: Enhance the overall Antioxidant capacity.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Agnimandya (Weak Digestion) & Anaha (Bloating)

Formulation: Shatapushpa Churna (seed powder) with warm water.

Preparation & Use: A teaspoon of crushed dill seeds is steeped in a cup of hot water and consumed after meals to relieve gas, bloating, and colicky pain. It is a classic remedy for infant colic (Grahani).

Reasoning: The carminative oils relax the smooth muscles of the GI tract, expel trapped gas, and stimulate gentle peristalsis, easing discomfort.

Hikka (Hiccups) & Chardi (Vomiting)

Formulation: Seed decoction or fresh leaf juice.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the seeds is sipped slowly to stop stubborn hiccups. The fresh juice of leaves or a weak seed infusion is given to alleviate nausea and vomiting.

Reasoning: Its antispasmodic action calms the spasms of the diaphragm (for hiccups) and soothes the irritated gastric lining.

Stanyajanana (Galactagogue) & Stanyashodhana (Purifies Breast Milk)

Formulation: Seed decoction or as a dietary vegetable.

Preparation & Use: Nursing mothers consume dill seeds or incorporate the fresh herb into their diet to promote milk flow. It is also believed to purify breast milk, preventing digestive issues in the infant.

Reasoning: Its diuretic and carminative properties are thought to balance bodily fluids and reduce Ama (toxins) that could pass into milk.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Jwara (Fever)

Formulation: Seed infusion.

Preparation & Use: A mild diuretic infusion helps in painful urination. A warm infusion can induce mild sweating, helpful in managing fevers.

Reasoning: The diuretic action helps flush the urinary tract, while its diaphoretic effect aids in fever management.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

A widely used culinary herb. Fresh leaves (dill weed) flavor salads, sauces (like tzatziki), fish, and potatoes. Seeds are used in pickling, breads, and stews.

Digestive & Anti-colic Infusion (for Adults)

Purpose: To relieve post-meal bloating and gas.

Preparation & Use:

1. Crush 1 teaspoon of dill seeds lightly.

2. Steep in 1 cup of freshly boiled water for 5-10 minutes.

3. Strain and sip warm after a meal.

Gripe Water for Infant Colic (Traditional Recipe)

Purpose: To relieve gas and colic in infants. Use with extreme caution and pediatric consultation.

Preparation & Use:

1. Steep 1-2 crushed dill seeds in 1 cup of hot water for 15-20 minutes.

2. Strain thoroughly and cool completely.

3. Administer only 1-2 drops to the infant's tongue or mix with breast milk. Modern, commercially prepared gripe water is safer.

7. Disclaimer:

Anethum graveolens is very safe when used in common culinary amounts. Medicinal doses are also generally safe for most adults. However, the essential oil is highly concentrated and should not be taken internally without professional guidance. Due to its traditional use as an emmenagogue, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid therapeutic doses of the seed or oil, though culinary use is fine. Always consult a pediatrician before giving any herbal preparation to an infant. This information is for educational purposes only.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Bhava Prakasha Nighantu (Classical Ayurvedic Text)

· Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

· The Complete German Commission E Monographs

· Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand & Young

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Foeniculum vulgare (Saunf/Fennel)

· Species: Foeniculum vulgare | Family: Apiaceae | Genus: Foeniculum

· Similarities: Both are sweet, aromatic carminatives and galactagogues used extensively for digestive issues and infant colic. They are often combined. Fennel is sweeter and more cooling, while Dill is slightly more pungent.

2. Mentha spicata (Pudina/Spearmint)

· Species: Mentha spicata | Family: Lamiaceae | Genus: Mentha

· Similarities: Both are carminative herbs that provide a cooling sensation and are used to relieve nausea, bloating, and hiccups. While spearmint is more cooling and used in beverages, dill has a stronger association with lactation and infant care.

3. Illicium verum (Star Anise, Chakra Phool)

· Species: Illicium verum | Family: Schisandraceae | Genus: Illicium

· Similarities: Both contain anethole, a compound with carminative and galactagogue properties. They share a sweet, aromatic profile and are used to flavor foods and aid digestion, though star anise is stronger and also a key source of shikimic acid.

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