Recently, I was complaining about bloating and unease in the intestinal area to my Mother. I said that I had been trying different herbs to ease the discomfort, but nothing seemed to be working.

Did you try Dill? Remember we used to give gripe water, made of dill and fennel, to your colicky little one? Why don’t you try it too? I don’t want you to gripe any more!

I made a face, thanking my lucky stars that we were talking over the phone and not face to face so she couldn’t see my exasperated expression. No matter how old I get, I don’t doubt my mother’s wisdom! I figured I may as well give her gas and bloating home remedy a whirl.

I bought dill and fennel seeds from the local Indian store for my Gas & Bloating Home Remedy…

My Mother recommended that I chew on both dill and fennel seeds taken in equal amounts, after every meal, including breakfast. I also tried taking a drop of dill essential oil in a glass of water. And now, no more bloating, gas or intestinal discomfort! I also noticed reduced PMS during the monthly cycle. The only (good) side effect is no more “warning signs”,  such as heavy breasts for the impending monthly cycle!

Dill, scientifically known as Anethum Graveolens, also known as Indian dill, Shepu, Madhura or Shatapushpa, has been used in many culinary dishes and as medicine for centuries throughout the world. Dill seeds, leaves and essential oil can be used in many ways.

Dill has powerful monoterpenes, like limonene, carvone and anethofuran. It also contains flavonoids like vicenin and kaempfeerol. Dill is a good source of vitamin A and C . It has trace amount of folate, iron and manganese. Dill is a good source of calcium.

According to Ayurveda, dill has a Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) taste. It is ushna, or hot, in nature. It balances Vata and Kapha, but consumed in excess amount increases Pitta dosha.

How to use Dill as a Gas & Bloating Home Remedy

• Eat 1/2 teaspoon of dill seeds after any meal. Mix with equal amount of fennel seeds if desired.
• Add one Tablespoon each Dill and fennel seeds to one cup boiling water. Reduce the water level to half (½ cup). Let it cool down. Drink 2-3 tablespoon of this water after the meals.
• Add a drop of dill essential oil to one cup water. Sip as needed.
• Dill leaves are used as an herb in soups, salads or as a vegetable by itself with Moong Dahl.

How to prepare Gripe water for infants:

• ½ tablespoon Dill seeds
• ½ tablespoon Fennel seeds

1. Grind together and add to three cups of filtered boiling water.
2. Boil till the water level reduced to half or to 1 ½ cups.
3. Let cool.
4. Strain and store in a clean container.
5. Give one tablespoon before or after feeding infants.
6. Use within twenty four hours.

Note: Check with your paediatrician before using any remedies for infants.

Caution: Since Dill increases pitta, please use caution and avoid excess use if you have gastritis during the menstrual cycle.

10 Health Benefits of Dill

1. Digestion: The essential oils present in Dill are stimulating. They activate the digestive juices and bile. Dill relieves constipation, removes excess gas (carminative), relieves intestinal cramps, colic (antispasmodic), and stops diarrhoea and dysentery by inhibiting microbial and fungal infections. Dill is useful for hiccups.
2. Dill and fennel seeds are used as mouth fresheners. They also maintain health of gums and teeth by reducing inflammation.
3. Arthritis: Dill is an anti-inflammatory herb and used since the ancient times in the inflammatory diseases and pain associated with them, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout etc.
4. Respiratory Disorders: Flavonoids and Monoterpenes in the dill essential oil act like antihistamines and anti-congestive. Thus, they help clear the nasal congestion due to histamines, allergies or coughs and colds.
5. Menstrual Disorders: The flavonoids in the essential oil of dill stimulate the secretion of certain hormones in females that help maintain proper menstrual cycle.
6. Bone Health: Calcium in dill helps maintain the bone health.
7. Diabetes: Although the research on effects of Dill in managing the insulin levels in diabetics is in its preliminary stage, studies have shown that Dill can help reduce fluctuations of insulin levels and serum lipids in Type 2 diabetes.
8. Dill increases strength, is a relaxant, and helps remove toxins through increased urination.
9. The antioxidants in Dill may help prevent cancer.
10. Dill can be used by lactating mothers because it increases the flow of milk.

How do you use Dill? Let us know in the comments below!

About the Author

Manju Joshi

Manju Joshi, MA, ERYT500, Diploma in Health and Nutrition, Ayurveda and Holistic coach. Co-founder of Gurukul Yoga Holistic Center in New Jersey. Currently residing in Austin TX. Sharing classical Yoga and Holistic living with the community since 1991.