Effects of Anethum graveolens L. (Dill) essential oil on the intensity of retained intestinal gas, flatulence and pain after cesarean section: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial

AimRetained intestinal gas (bloating) and flatulence commonly occur after cesarean section (C-section), leading to complications such as pain and dehiscent sutures. To manage this complication, prescription medications are often used that have potential side effects for both mothers and their infants. The present study evaluated the effect of an herbal medicine, the essential oil of Anethum graveolens (dill), on the intensity of bloating and flatulence after C-section.MethodsA total of 118 eligible women who had delivered via C-section were enrolled in this double blind, placebo-controlled study to receive either dill essential oil (n = 60) or placebo (n = 58). After discontinuation of intravenous fluids, mothers received an oral dose of 40 drops of either dill essential oil (equivalent to 10.8 to 14.8 mg carvone) or a placebo oil, once every 20 min for one hour (i.e. three doses). A visual analogue scale (VAS) form was used to evaluate the intensity of bloating, flatulence and pain at baseline and then at intervals of 20 min after each dose was given.ResultsThe participant demographics, and values for intensity of flatulence and severity of pain, were comparable between the two groups at baseline. Compared to baseline values, a 33% reduction in intensity of flatulence was reported in the dill group versus a 12% decrease in the placebo group 20 min after the third dose of the intervention had been administered (P = 0.001). Although the rate of the reported severe intestinal pain significantly decreased in both study groups from baseline to the 20 min after the third dose of the intervention, this decrease was approximately three times greater in the dill group (10%) than that of the placebo (3.5%) (P < 0.001). Participants did not report any side effects either during or after the study.ConclusionDill essential oil was shown to effectively decrease flatulence and relieve intestinal pain after C-section. The results of the study, therefore, suggest that dill essential oil could be safely used to treat post C-section flatulence and abdominal pain as an alternative to prescription medications.