Dill (Shatapushpa (Shatahva))

About

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an herb with a long history of traditional use, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine. It's used both as a culinary spice and for its medicinal properties, known for its digestive and carminative benefits.

Properties

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Gastric mucosal protective, Smooth muscle relaxant, Anti-hyperlipidemic

Dosage

There is no standard recommended dosage for dill. It is important to consult a healthcare provider or an Ayurvedic practitioner for appropriate dosage recommendations.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Katu (pungent)
• Virya: ["Ushna (heating)"]
• Vipaka: ["Katu (pungent)"]

Benefits

• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Shoolahara (pain reliever)
• Vatahara (anti-vata)
• Kapha hara (anti-kapha)

Traditional uses

• Ajirna (indigestion)
• Adhmana (flatulence)
• Shoola (colic)
• Gulma (abdominal tumor)
• Vata roga (vata disorders)

Dosha effects

• vata: decreasing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Infusion: Dill can be used in the form of an infusion.
• Whole Seed: The whole seed can be eaten.
• Dill Water: Dill water can be prepared by soaking dill leaves in water overnight, then boiling and straining the mixture.
• Essential Oil: Dill is also used as an extracted essential oil. The essential oil is extracted from the seeds, leaves, and stems of the plant.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to dill, its active components, or other plants in the same family (Apiaceae/Umbelliferae), such as asafoetida, caraway, celery, coriander, and fennel
• Fluid or electrolyte imbalance
• Not recommended during pregnancy as it might cause bleeding and potentially lead to miscarriage.
• Its use is also not advised during breastfeeding.
• Avoid in conditions with Pitta dominance, such as gastritis, as it may increase Pitta.
• It is best to avoid its use during menstrual periods.
• Dill extract might lower blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and consult with a physician before using dill in medicinal amounts.
• Discontinue dill use at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery, as it may interfere with blood sugar control during and after the procedure.
• Dill might lower thyroid hormone levels, potentially worsening symptoms in people with underactive thyroid.
• Dill should be given to children only under medical supervision. Pure essential oil should not be given to infants and young children.
• Dill may cause allergic reactions in people allergic to plants in the carrot family.

Side effects

• Allergic Reactions: Dill may cause allergic reactions, especially in individuals allergic to plants in the carrot family (such as asafoetida, caraway, celery, coriander, and fennel).
• Photosensitivity: Dill may increase sensitivity to sunlight.
• Blood Sugar Levels: Dill might lower blood glucose levels if taken in amounts higher than food quantity. Diabetics should consult a physician before using dill.
• Pregnancy: Dill is not recommended during pregnancy as it might cause bleeding and potentially lead to miscarriage. It is advisable to avoid dill or consult a physician before using it during pregnancy.
• Other possible side effects include swelling in the throat.

Interactions

• Dill may interact with certain medications. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before using dill, especially if you are taking any medications.

Active compounds

• Carvone
• Limonene
• α-phellandrene
• Pinene
• Diterpene
• Dihydrocarvone
• Cineole
• Myrcene
• Paramyrcene
• Dillapiole
• Isomyristicin
• Myristicin
• Myristin
• Apiol

Clinical evidence

Meta-analyses of up to 15 RCTs and databases tracking 20+ RCTs show potential benefits of dill in managing hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes. Dill extracts have demonstrated improvements in lipid profiles, fasting glucose, and thyroid hormone levels. However, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Shoolahara (pain reliever)
• Vatahara (anti-vata)
• Kapha hara (anti-kapha)

Classical clinical indications

• Ajirna (indigestion)
• Adhmana (flatulence)
• Shoola (colic)
• Gulma (abdominal tumor)
• Vata roga (vata disorders)

Frequently asked questions