Dill

Botanical Name - Anethum Graveolens

Origin, Distribution and Composition

Dill is an annual or biennial herb. It has a smooth surface, finely dissected leaves, small yellow flowers,and flattened fruits. The single Stalks grow to a height of 1 m.

The herb was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Ancient Greek cover their heads with leaves to induce sleep.

And analysis of herb shows it consist of moisture, mineral matter and acid insoluble ash. The  seeds of the plant yield an essential oil known as dill oil.

Healing power of dill

The leaves are stimulant. They are useful in increasing secretion and discharge of urine and spasmodic disorders. They also help improve the functioning of the stomach.

Digestive disorders

Eating cooked dill regularly helps in digestion and prevents constipation. The Herb is specially useful for children. 1 or 2 teaspoon of the juice of fresh leaves mixed with each baby feed, given will prevent digestive disorders in babies and help them sleep well.

Dill oil is obtained by distillation of the seeds, is also helpful for hyper acidity, flatulent colic, hiccup and diarrhoea due to indigestion. A drop of oil mixed in a teaspoon of honey should be licked immediately after meals for indigestion.

Diarrhoea and dysentery

Roasted seeds of dill and fenugreek seeds are powdered and mixed with yogurt or buttermilk. Drinking this is helpful in diarrhoea and dysentery.

Respiratory disorders

It is also used in respiratory disorders like colds, influenza and bronchitis. Boil the seeds till the water is reduced to half, mix some honey in it. Take this 3 times daily for relief.

Menstrual disorders

The herb is useful in stimulating and regulating menstrual flow. It is effective in  spasmodic menstrual pain in young girls and absence of menstruation due to anaemia and cold.

Bad Breath

Dill seeds and leaves are also useful in bad breath. Eating seeds and leaves helps.

Pains and Swellings

Leaves boiled in sesame oil is excellent for reducing swelling and pain of the joints.

Precautions

Dill leaves are slightly pungent aromatic and bitter in taste. They should therefore be taking only in combination with other mild tasting leafy vegetables.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Dill is a great value to pregnant women and nursing mother's. It's regular use after childbirth increases breast milk.

Other Uses

The fresh green plant is used as a flavouring for soups, sauces and other culinary purposes. The seeds can be used as a substitute for caraway seeds and is also a source of dill water, especially for relieving flatulence in babies. The leaves can be used in vegetable salads. The leaves and seeds can also be used in making pickles, chutneys and summer beverages.

List of Herbs

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