Dill medicinal herb may be chewed to alleviate bad breath

Dill (Anethum graveolens) medicinal herb is a plant that is native to South West Asia and it is a very ancient herb dating back some 5,000 years ago.  It is one of the foliage plants that was mentioned in the Egyptian writings.  It could be very intolerant of root perturbation and should not be transplanted as it will swiftly run to seed.

This herb is an hardy plant that thrives on extended days and cool weather.  It is of the Compositae family and the main parts used are the seeds and the plant.  It is also an annual medicinal plant that is very much an attraction to butterflies.

It is a medicinal plant that contains great source of antioxidants.  The medicinal properties are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, stomachic, aromatic, diuretic, galactogogue, stimulant, carminative as well as diaphoretic. 

In times gone by, it was not only used for medicinal purposes but for magical purposes as well.  It was once used as a protection from evil by the people of the Medieval Era.

Health benefits of dill herb

The seeds and weed of this medicinal plant can be made into a soothing tea to relieve stomach aches and colic in restless infants. 

A dosage of one teaspoon of the seeds simmered in a cup of water for about fifteen minutes and given to children and infants will loosen harden bowels. So it may be used as a laxative herb for adults as well.

Dioscorides writes about this medicinal herb as a good cure for hiccups. There are many individuals who suffer from periodic hiccups and some have testified that they have visited numerous doctors without any cure.

It should be put to the test in regards to this ailment.  Furthermore, it may be directly inhaled or taken as a natural dietary supplement.

It is a good medicinal herbs to treat liver conditions, bladder ailments, infrequent and painful urination, insomnia, menstrual conditions, colds, coughs, infections, headaches as well as fever.

The name of this medicinal herb comes from the Norse phrase, dilla, meaning "to lull." It was once used "to lull" people to sleep and to treat insomnia. 

Later, European and American herbalists used it to deal with flatulence and other gastrointestinal disorders, along with colic in babies. They also gave it to nursing mothers to induce the production of breast milk.

The oil is an ingredient in many perfume soaps that are sold worldwide.  Two of its main constituents of the essential oil are d-carvone as well as d-limonene.

Some of the common names are Dillweed, Dilly, Lao coriander and Peucedanum graveolens and it is a good companion to cabbage.

It can be mixed with the following medicinal herbs

It is an excellent culinary herb

It has been used to flavor various foods and the leaves and seeds are used in preparing pickles.  However, it is best to avoid pickles from entering the stomach.

It has been discovered that pickles are not healthy for the stomach. However, this is mainly done in Germany due to the fact that a large amount of pickled cucumbers are consumed on a daily basis.

The dried weed mix with a pinch of powdered garlic and some cook shrimps and then combining the mixture with mashed potatoes can make a delicious seafood dish.  You just have to be innovative with this culinary herb.

The seeds may be sprinkled on crackers or toast combine with a mixture of mayonnaise and salmon and consume.

It is best to use this herb when it is fresh, because it loses its flavor rapidly if it is dried. However, frozen dried dill leaves will preserve their flavor relatively well for a few months.

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Updated April 7, 2020