Garden dill
Anethum graveolens
Synonyms: Anethum graveolens subsp. sowa, Ferula marathrophylla, Anethum sowa, Anethum graveolens var. copiosum, Selinum anethum, Peucedanum sowa, Anethum graveolens var. parvifolium, Anethum graveolens var. anatolicum, Anethum graveolens subsp. australe, Angelica graveolens, Anethum graveolens var. nanum, Anethum graveolens var. tenerifrons, Anethum graveolens var. submarginatum, Pastinaca anethum, Anethum arvense, Anethum graveolens var. chevallieri, Ferula graveolens, Anethum graveolens var. sowa, Peucedanum anethum, Anethum graveolens var. hortorum, Pastinaca graveolens, Selinum graveolens
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Anethum graveolens, dill, is an aromatic annual (rarely biennial) herb of the carrot family, 40 to 120 cm tall, with a single erect, hollow, finely ridged, blue-green stem. The soft, feathery leaves are several times divided into fine, thread-like segments and clasp the stem at swollen sheathing bases. The tiny yellow flowers are borne in large, flat-topped compound umbels lacking bracts. The fruit is a small, flattened, oval, winged schizocarp (the dill 'seed'), strongly aromatic and ridged, splitting into two halves at maturity. The entire plant has the characteristic warm, sweet-aromatic dill scent owing to its essential oil rich in carvone. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia, dill is cultivated worldwide as a culinary herb and spice and grows readily on cultivated and disturbed ground.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
In both Western and Ayurvedic tradition dill seed is a long-established carminative, given as an infusion or in 'dill water' (gripe water) for flatulence, colic, and infant griping, and to aid digestion (Grieve, A Modern Herbal; Khare, 2007). The leaves and seeds are widely used as a culinary herb and spice.
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.