Shatapushpa - versatile spice and a herb with medicinal qualitites

Shatapushpa ( Anethum graveolens) means hundred flowers. It is one of the most important plant origin drugs, which has been mentioned for its varied benefits in the literature of Ayurveda.
Shatapushpa is a plant with a wide range of chemical constituents with many pharmacological effects.

Many Acharyas were very well-known about its therapeutic uses. Acharya Kashyapa gave a separate chapter and highlighted it in gynecological disorders very scientifically. In the modern era natural remedy with Shatapushpa will stand strong against many health issues of females.

As herb and spice, Shatapushpa (dill) leaves are commonly used to elevate the flavor of various dishes. It’s often paired with salmon, potatoes, and yogurt-based sauces. Shatapushpa is rich in several nutrients and has traditionally been used to treat various ailments, including digestive issues, colic in infants, and bad breath.

Ayurvedic Action

Rasa (Taste)	Katu, Thiktha
Virya (Energy)	Heating
Vipak (Post-digestive effect)	Katu
Guna (Quality)	Light , Teekshna
Doshic Effect	Balance V-K and increase pitta

Health Benefits

Digestive Health

Deepan (carminative) property of Dill seeds helps to cure indigestion and bloating and loss of appetite.

Menopausal management

Shatapuspa possesses intrinsic estrogen activity that is useful in reducing the menopausal sign and symptoms (like hot flush, vaginitis, anxiety and osteoporosis).

Vaginal dryness

Yoni Shushkta (dryness of vagina) is mainly due to decrease in estrogens level in such condition pichu (tampon) of Shatapushpa taila is very useful.

Menstrual Health - Irregular menstrual cycle and weight gain.

Because of its Hypolipidemic & Hypocholesterolemic action it helps to maintain BMI and may help in regulation of HPO axis and in correction of menstrual cycle. Anti-hyperlipidemic effects can also improve the biological antioxidant status by reducing lipid peroxidation in the liver and modulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes in rats fed with a high fat diet.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Presence of haemorrhagic or other discharges from yoni (vagina) is overcome by the contribution of tannin. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions.

Apium graveolens showed a broad spectrum antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. typhimurium, Shigella flexneri and Salmonella typhi, helping to cure the PID.

Postpartum hemorrhage

Limonene and anethole showed contractive effect on uterine myometrium. Due to its contractive characteristic, seed extract after delivery decreases postpartum hemorrhage.

Dosage and side effects (only after consultation with an ayurvedic doctor).

Part Used: Fruit, Leaf, Flower, oil

Fruit powder - 1-3 gm/day

Essential oil 1-3 drops

Overdose can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and stomach.

Avoid during - Pregnancy and lactation., During menstrual period and gastritis.