10 Wonderful Benefits of Dill Essential Oil

by Meenakshi Nagdeve last updated -

The health benefits of Dill essential oil can be attributed to its potential properties as an antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, disinfectant, galactagogue, sedative, stomachic and sudorific substance.

Dill essential oil is extracted through steam distillation of dried seeds and the whole plant of dill, botanically known as Anethum Sowa. The basic components of dill essential oil are D-Carvone, Dillapiol, Eugenol, Limonene, Terpinene, and Myristicin. Since ancient times, dill seeds have been associated with magical healing powers.

Health Benefits of Dill Essential Oil

It actually isn’t magic, just science, but let’s explore some of the impressive health benefits of dill essential. Here are some of the health disorders for which dill oil is quite effective:

May Relieve Spasms

Spasms can be very irritating and in extreme cases, can even be fatal. Spasms are cases of unwanted and abnormal contractions, either in the respiratory tracts, intestines,  muscles, or nerves. These spasms may result in non-stop coughs, hiccups, cramps, muscle pulls, convulsions, or epileptic attacks. In extreme cases, a patient may have acute pain in the intestines or may run out of breath in cases of coughs and hiccups and may even collapse. Such attacks of spasms can be pacified with the help of dill essential oil. It is known to have a relaxing effect on nerves, muscles, intestines, and the respiratory system and pacifies spasmodic attacks, providing quick relief.

May Prevent Infections

Dill oil is also known for its potential disinfectant properties. Added in food items, it may protect them from getting spoiled from infection by microbes. When consumed, it can cure microbial infection in the colon, urinary tract, kidneys, and genitals. Finally, when applied externally, it protects the skin and wounds from infections and helps them heal quickly. It can be used in a diluted form for applying on the scalp to protect hair from various infections and even lice.

Dill essential oil in a bottle and dill herb on a table

Dill essential oil helps to improve the flavor of salads. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Might Facilitate Digestion

Dill seeds have been in use as a remedy to facilitate digestion for thousands of years. This potential digestive property of dill seeds comes from their essential oils. Dill oil may promote digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices like gastric juices, acids, and bile in the stomach. Its aroma also stimulates the salivary glands and thus aids in the primary digestion of the food in the mouth.

Further, it can stimulate the peristaltic movement of the intestines and may help the ingested food to advance through them, thereby facilitating digestion and preventing conditions like constipation and piles.

May Remove Flatulence

Dill essential oil can efficiently handle gas trouble. It may not only help to remove gas from the intestine but also stops further gas from forming. Moreover, it gives the gases a safe downward passage by relaxing the muscles in the abdominal region.

May Treat Breast Milk Deficiency

An infographic on the health benefits of dill essential oil

Dill essential oil helps to improve your health in many ways. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

A galactagogue is a substance or an agent that may increase the formation of milk in the breasts. It can also enhance the quality of the milk. This property is known to be very helpful for lactating mothers and the baby’s overall health. Dill oil is a well known Galactogogue. Apart from increasing milk secretion, it also helps babies in another way. Babies who are fed on their mother’s milk often suffer from flatulence, indigestion, and gas. The carminative and digestive properties of dill oil are absorbed in the milk and can indirectly help the baby get rid of such problems.

May Reduce Stomach Disorders

Dill oil is a potential stomachic, being a stomachic means being an agent that can act as a tonic to keep the stomach healthy, toned, and functioning properly. It may keep the stomach in proper shape, regulates the secretion of digestive juices and bile into it, keeps it safe from infections, and also helps the healing process of ulcers or wounds, if any, in the stomach.

May Heal Wounds

Dill essential oil can act as a vulnerary by possibly promoting the quick healing of wounds, either external or internal and protecting them from infections.

Might Prevent Candida

Dill essential oil may help to prevent fungal diseases such as candida. Research suggests that it induces apoptosis in the pathogen Candida albicans. [1]

May Relieve Anxiety

Dill oil has beneficial sedating and calming effects on the nerves and the brain, making a person feel relaxed and satisfied. It is useful for getting rid of anxiety, tension, anger, depression, and even hypertension. It also helps you to have a good night’s sleep at the end of the day.

May Aid in Skin Care

Dill oil brings about sweating, thereby creating a feeling of lightness. This may also help to remove excess water, salt, and toxic substances from the body, the lowering of blood pressure, a reduction of swelling, and the protection of the skin’s overall health. Perspiration, except when it is abnormally heavy, is seen as a sign of good health.

Other Benefits and Uses

It may help ease constipation and cures colic. Apart from being beneficial in treating many diseases it is also extensively used in agriculture to protect the crops such as rapeseed from infection. The use of dill oil helps to effectively prevent oilseed crops fungal disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. [2]

Few Words of Caution

Dill essential oil should be avoided during pregnancy but is appropriate for nursing mothers.

Blending

Dill essential oil blends well with Lime, Lemon, Orange and other citrus oils as well as Bergamot, Caraway, and Nutmeg essential oils.

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About the Author

Meenakshi Nagdeve, Co-Founder, Organic Facts is a health and wellness enthusiast and is responsible for managing it. She has completed the Nutrition And Healthy Living Cornell Certificate Program, Cornell University, US. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore and B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from IIT Bombay. Prior to this, she worked for a few years in IT and Financial services. An ardent follower of naturopathy, she believes in healing with foods. In her free time, she loves to travel and taste different types of teas.

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