Anethum graveolens (synonym Peucedanum graveolens), commonly known as dill, is thought to originate from the Mediterranean region. Dill has a long history of medicinal use, with records of dill used by the Egyptians 5,000 years ago. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a charm to protect against witchcraft and spells. Now cultivated worldwide, dill has become a popular herb for food and medicine. The common name dill comes from the Norse ‘Dylla,’ meaning ‘to soothe.’ Teas containing dill were used to soothe colic in babies, and the herb is still used in nursing teas to promote the mother’s milk flow and calm babies.

Dill is used in herbal medicine as a digestive carminative to ease bloating and flatulence. A study demonstrated that ethanol extracts of Anethum graveolens show anti-oxidant activity by scavenging NO. A. graveolens also have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities. The essential oil exhibits a strong inhibitory effect on LPS-induced NO secretion in macrophages.