Dill (Anethum Graveolens) is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times and is one of the most important herbs in European cuisine. Dill belongs to the same family as caraway, parsley, and cumin. It can be grown from seed or transplanted from another location. The leaves are an excellent source of vitamin C and iron for those who consume them regularly.
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Common Names
The common names of dill are Garden dill, Aneth Odorant, Aneth, Anethi Fructus, Anethum graveolens, Dill Herb, Anethum sowa, Dillweed, Eneldo, Dilly, Faux Anis, European Dill, Madhura, Satahva, Shatpushpa, Sowa, Sotapa.
Habitat
Dill is native to southern Europe, the Middle East, and northern Africa. It grows wild in Thailand, parts of India, Australia, North America, and South-East Asia.
It grows well in full sunlight or partial shade with moist soil that’s rich in organic matter. However, this plant is a very adaptable member of the carrot family! You can grow it in any kind of soil as long as it’s moist and well-drained.
Description
DILL is a medium-sized plant that can grow up to 40-60 cm tall, with finely divided leaves. The flowers are yellowish-white, typically very slightly drooping on a short stalk, although more upright under some circumstances. Dill does not flower until it has reached at least 30 centimeters tall.
The stem is ribbed, the root system consists of rhizomes or taproots, while its foliage is finely divided leaves giving it a fernlike appearance. The smell resembles that of another in the same family, Queen Anne’s Lace (“wild carrot”), when it smells like sweet hay or crushed anise seeds.
Part used
Part of the plant that is used for medicinal purposes: seed, leaf, stem.
Parts used for culinary purposes are leaves, stems, seeds.
Leaves, stems, and seeds can be used to make oil or tinctures.
For medicinal purposes, dill is harvested fresh or dried before the plant goes to flower (when it starts to turn brown). Some herbalists prefer using the leaf and stem rather than just the seed because they feel that leaf and stem provide more benefits.
Traditional Uses and Benefits
Dill has a long history of food and medicine throughout many cultures spanning centuries, including ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians & Indians. Hippocrates used it for intestinal gas problems (Hoffmann). The seeds are beneficial with digestion and can be made into dill water or tea—a great natural cure for heartburn!
Dill has antioxidant properties that can protect cells from damage within the body. In a study conducted by Finnish researchers, dill was found to reduce blood pressure and LDL cholesterol in humans with high blood pressure. This study indicates that it may help prevent inflammation associated with atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
Dill is also believed to be anti-inflammatory because it contains antioxidants known as polyacetylenes, which reduce oxidative stress – a condition where free radicals overwhelm your body’s natural defenses – triggering an inflammatory response similar to arthritis, asthma, or psoriasis.
Dill essential oil is a popular alternative treatment for treating symptoms of indigestion and stomach upset, including acid reflux. Dillingen Essential Oil contains chemicals that can help soothe an irritated digestive system.
Dill is an excellent source of chromium which helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It also contains magnesium that moderates insulin production and regulates blood sugar levels, so you don’t experience those mid-day energy slumps.
Dill is effective in the treatment of colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. This is because, like other members of the Apiaceae family, such as carrots and parsley contains large amounts of biologically active secondary metabolite.
Dill contains several unique plant nutrients that provide multiple benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting good circulation and healthy bones. It is also beneficial in maintaining joints such as knees and hips due to the presence of D-Fenchone.
Dill can help ease menstrual pain. It is also helpful for irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and menopause issues. Some women have reported that it helped relieve their ovarian cysts or endometriosis pains.
Dill Pickle Recipe
– three cups of vinegar, one tablespoon sugar
– four teaspoons salt, five cloves garlic.
– six bay leaves fresh dill sprigs or two tablespoons dried dill weed.
– twelve small cucumbers, cut into spears.
– two-quart canning jars with lids and rings.
Mix vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic bay leaves, dill sprigs, or dried dill weed in a large saucepan; heat to boiling, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Place one teaspoon of mixed spices on the bottom of each jar (optional).
Pack with cucumber spears leaving a half-inch at the top empty for expansion during the processing process. Fill, leaving only enough room to add brine solution after all jars are filled.
Heat pickling solution again; cool slightly before pouring over packed cucumbers filling, leaving only an eighth of an inch head between the top of the liquid and the lid. Wipe jar rims clean, ensuring any spills on the outside of jars; place lids and screw rings (tightly) onto jars.
Place filled jars into boiling water bath canner. Process for fifteen minutes once there is a rolling boil with one inch of water covering the tops of all jars in the pot, leaving half-inch headspace at the top since the liquid will expand during the processing process. Cool covered completely before storing away.
Dosage and Precautions
For adults: Consume 1-3 teaspoons of dried dill per day. Use Dill Weed Tea Bags if you are pregnant or nursing. Consume up to two cups throughout the day. If you’re using Dill Water, drink it before each meal until your stomach discomfort subsides (the equivalent of eating about four tablespoons). Dilute 15 drops in eight ounces of water several times per day unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.
Dilution may make dill Tea safe for pregnant women. It may interact with sedatives, diuretics, or other medications.
For more information: Consult your healthcare provider before using, if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, have a medical condition, or planning surgery. Store it away from children in an airtight container at room temperature. Some herbal supplements can interfere with prescription medications.
Side effects: Dill is safe for most people. It has been shown to cause diarrhea, allergic reactions, vomiting, an itchy mouth, throat swelling, and swollen red bumps on the tongue.
References
- Nutrition, Benefits, and Uses. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dill
- 17 herbs to help your health – Healthista. https://www.healthista.com/20-herbs-help-your-health/
- Dill – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dill
- Facts, Health Benefits and Nutritional Value. https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/dill/
- Dill: Uses, Side Effects, Dose, Health Benefits …. https://www.emedicinehealth.com/dill/vitamins-supplements.htm
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