Dill: Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Safety
Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the FactoWiki Editorial Team for clarity and source accuracy
Quick summary
Dill is a culinary herb used traditionally for digestion and infant colic (as 'gripe water'). It's a safe, mild kitchen herb with modest traditional support.
What is Dill?
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a feathery culinary herb whose leaves and seeds are used traditionally for digestion, gas and, historically, infant colic.
What Dill is commonly used for
In supplements, Dill is most often included for gut & digestive health, women's bladder & urinary health support. It is used as nutritional support, not as a treatment for any medical condition — the distinction matters, because the claims on a sales page are often stronger than the evidence allows.
How Dill works
Dill's volatile oils have carminative (gas-relieving) and mild antispasmodic and antimicrobial effects, the basis for its digestive uses.
What the evidence says
Here's an honest snapshot of what published research suggests about Dill — including where the evidence is limited.
- Dill's digestive uses are mostly traditional; some early research touches on cholesterol and blood sugar, but evidence is limited. It is a safe culinary herb.
- Study quality and doses vary, and a result seen in research doesn't guarantee the same for any individual — use the sources below to check the current evidence on Dill rather than relying on marketing claims.
Typical dosage used in studies
Culinary amounts and mild teas are common; standardised therapeutic dosing is not established. This is general information from research, not a personal recommendation or a dosing instruction.
Side effects and safety
Dill is very safe as a food; concentrated seed oil is stronger, and medicinal amounts are best moderated in pregnancy. As with any supplement, it's sensible to introduce Dill on its own, use a trusted brand, and stop if you notice any reaction.
Medication interactions and who should avoid Dill
Medication & safety check
Herbs interact with prescription medicines more often than people expect — affecting drug levels, bleeding, blood pressure, blood sugar or sedation — and Dill is no exception. If you take any regular medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or manage a health condition, confirm Dill is appropriate for you before starting.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. If you take any medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition, confirm it's safe to use Dill with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Sources & further reading
For authoritative background and the current research base on Dill, consult:
- PubMed — search the research on Dill
- NCCIH — Herbs at a Glance
- MedlinePlus — herbs & supplements
- MedlinePlus — drugs, herbs & supplements
Frequently asked questions
Does Dill actually work?
Dill's digestive uses are mostly traditional; some early research touches on cholesterol and blood sugar, but evidence is limited. It is a safe culinary herb. As with most supplements, results vary between people and the marketing is often stronger than the evidence — so it's worth checking the research before relying on it.
Is Dill safe to take?
For most healthy adults at normal doses it's generally well tolerated, but there are real cautions. Dill is very safe as a food; concentrated seed oil is stronger, and medicinal amounts are best moderated in pregnancy. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition, check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
What is Dill used for?
In supplements, Dill is mainly included for gut & digestive health, women's bladder & urinary health support — as nutritional support, not as a treatment for any medical condition.
Where you'll find Dill
On FactoWiki, Dill is the kind of ingredient you'll see discussed in these supplement categories. Each category guide breaks down what the evidence does and doesn't support.
Related ingredients to explore
Ingredients often studied or formulated alongside Dill — useful for understanding the full picture of a formula.