Dill

What is Dill? 

A native of Western Africa, Southern Russia and the Mediterranean region, Dill provides a tangy flavor to pickles, fish dishes and salad dressings. Fresh Dill is available in the markets throughout summer and early fall and the dried variety is available throughout the year.

Dill can be cultivated at home and needs the full sun. It will grow to about 3 feet. The plant needs a fair amount of water but prefers well draining soils. They are best when harvested just before the seeds open. If the plants are grown from seeds, care must be taken to give enough sunlight to the seeds because they will not germinate without sunlight.

Components of Dill

The unique health benefits attributed to Dill comes from two of its components: monoterpenes and flavonoids. The monoterpene components destroy the anti-oxidants in the body and thus help fight cancer. The active oils in Dill qualify as ‘chemoprotective’ food as they help neutralize certain types of carcinogens, particularly those that come from smoking and smoke emitted by industries.

Dill oil also has a very strong antibacterial property which helps prevent bacterial overgrowth. In this respect, Dill is almost like garlic as it has bacteria-regulating effects. Dill was used by Hippocrates in a recipe to cleanse the mouth.

Use of Dill

The word Dill comes from ‘Dilla’ which means ‘to lull’. This explains the traditional role of Dill – to soothe and to relieve. Insomnia can be effectively combated using Dill. It not only adds flavor to what you eat, Dill is also a welcome way to prevent bone loss. Dill being a very good source of calcium helps reduce the loss of bone mass, particularly in women at the time of menopause. It is also an effective cure in degenerative diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Dill is also a very good source of dietary fiber. It is therefore helpful in controlling constipation and in relieving symptoms of flatulence. In this capacity, Dill is a good digestive aid and appetite stimulant. Its carminative effects were so well-known that the emperor Charlemagne provided it at his banquet table for those guests who indulged too much.

The seeds of Dill have a mildly sedative effect and therefore are used as a mild relaxant. Its calming effect is useful in patients suffering from anxiety attacks. In ancient Greece, people used to place Dill over their eyes to help them sleep. Dill also has a soothing effect on infants with colic and also helps soothe stomach aches. Dill soothes the pain and discomfort associated with the menstrual cycles and increase milk production in nursing mothers.

Infusion made from Dill is also used to treat dyspepsia. Adding Dill to foods like cabbage and cucumber makes it easier to digest these foods and also reduces the possibility of acidity caused by such foods.

Dill is an excellent dietary supplement because it is rich in manganese, iron and magnesium. The diuretic properties associated with Dill helps relieve symptoms of cold and cough. Dill is also a unique plant because both its leaves as well as seeds can be used for seasoning food. The seeds have a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor and citrusy taste.