Dill / Anethum graveolens

The Basics

What is Dill / Anethum graveolens?

Popular herb widely used as a spice and also yields essential oil.

Brand names for Dill / Anethum graveolens

Na

How Dill / Anethum graveolens is classified

Complementary Therapies, Phytotherapy, Plants, Medicinal

Dill / Anethum graveolens During Pregnancy

Dill / Anethum graveolens pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Dill / Anethum graveolens while pregnant

N/A

Taking Dill / Anethum graveolens While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Dill / Anethum graveolens?

Dill (Anethum graveolens) seeds contain essential oil rich in carvone and limonene, in addition to phenolics, such as trans-anethole, and flavonoids. Dill is a purported galactogogue.[1][2][3][4] No scientifically valid clinical trials support this use, and one small, old study found no galactogogue effect of a primary dill component, d-carvone.[5] Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[6] Two studies found small, but measurable amounts of d-carvone in the milk of mothers given the chemical experimentally. Dill is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is generally well tolerated, but occasional allergic skin reactions have been reported, especially after contact with fresh dill. In two studies, nursing mothers were given d-carvone. No adverse effects were noted in the mothers or infants. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Dill (Anethum graveolens) seeds contain essential oil rich in carvone and limonene, in addition to phenolics, such as trans-anethole, and flavonoids. Dill is a purported galactogogue.[1][2][3][4] No scientifically valid clinical trials support this use, and one small, old study found no galactogogue effect of a primary dill component, d-carvone.[5] Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[6] Two studies found small, but measurable amounts of d-carvone in the milk of mothers given the chemical experimentally. Dill is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is generally well tolerated, but occasional allergic skin reactions have been reported, especially after contact with fresh dill. In two studies, nursing mothers were given d-carvone. No adverse effects were noted in the mothers or infants. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Possible effects of Dill / Anethum graveolens on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Dill / Anethum graveolens

None listed