Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, which includes several aromatic plants used as spices, such as anise, parsley, caraway, coriander, cumin, and fennel.
Botanical Description
Dill has a dark green stem with a bluish hue, thread-like leaves surrounding the stem, and yellow umbel-shaped flowers. The root is thick, white, and taprooted. The plant can grow over half a meter tall. Dill seeds, or fruits, are brown with five prominent ridges.
Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses
Oral and gum health: Dill seeds are natural antiseptics with a pleasant aroma. They help kill bacteria in the mouth and prevent infections, ensuring fresh breath.
Antimicrobial properties: Dill seeds contain methanol, which is effective against microbes, especially bacteria, making them a natural antibacterial agent.
Bone health support: Dill seeds are rich in calcium, which is essential for bone strength, preventing osteoporosis, and accelerating bone healing.
Menstrual cycle regulation: Dill seeds help women regulate their menstrual cycles and reduce menstrual pain.
Relieving insomnia and fatigue: Dill infusion acts as a natural sedative, helping to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.
Cultivation Methods
Soil preparation: Dill requires fertile, well-drained soil, preferably sandy-loamy soil enriched with organic matter.
Seed planting: Dill seeds should be sown in straight rows at a depth of about 0.5–1 cm in an area receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Spacing of 15–20 cm between seeds ensures proper growth.
Watering and germination: The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Dill seeds typically germinate within 10–14 days.
Parts Used as Medicine
Both leaves and seeds are used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes due to their essential oils and active compounds.
Planting Season
Dill is typically grown in the Mediterranean region at the beginning of winter, around November. Wild varieties also begin to grow during this period.
Active Compounds
Dill fruits contain an essential oil known as dill oil, which makes up 3–4% of the fruit’s weight. The primary components include carvone (constituting more than half of the oil), along with limonene and phellandrene.
Export Details Worldwide
Drying: Natural sun drying and industrial drying
Packaging: Bags
Package Weight: 20 kg
Container: 20-foot container
Sorting and Packing: Automated
