Anethum graveolens
Parts Used : Seeds.
Collection : The seeds should be
collected when fully ripe, that is when they have turned brown. They should be spread out to dry, not in artificial heat.
Constituents :
- Volatile oil, consisting mainly of carvone with dihydrocarvone, limonene, a- and
b-phellandrene, eugenol, anethole, myristicin, carveole, x-pinene.
- Flavonoids: kaempferol and its blucuronide,
vicenin.
- Coumarins such as scopoletin, esculetin, bergapten, umbelliferone.
- Xanthone derivatives such as dillanoside
-
Miscellaneous; triterpenes, phenolic acids, protein, fixed oil.
Actions : Carminative, aromatic, anti-spasmodic,
anti-inflammatory, galactogogue.
Indications : Dill is an excellent remedy for flatulence and the colic that is sometimes
associated with it. This is the herb of choice in the colic of children. It will stimulate the flow of milk in nursing mothers. Chewing the seeds
will help clear bad breath.
King's Dispensatory describes it thus: Carminative and stomachic and used in the preparation
of dill-water. The natives of India use the fruit largely in medicine and cookery. Flatulent colic and singultus, when due to disordered digestion,
are relieved by the administration of dill-water or the oil of dill; the former in 1 or 2 drachm doses, the latter in from 2 to 5 drop dosses on sugar.
It possesses no advantages over the other aromatic seeds.
Preparation and dosage : Infusion: pour a cup of boiling
water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the gently crushed seeds and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. For the treatment of flatulence take a cup before meals.
Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.