Dill

March 18th, 2007

Common Name:DILL
Genus Species:Anethum gravelans
Family: Apiaceae
Origin: Southern Europe and Western Asia
Cultivated: India, North and South America

Taste: Bitter -Sweet,Cool Major Uses: Picles,Fish,Bread, Gripe

Historical Dill :
Dill:

Description: The name dill may arise from a Norse word, suggesting â€œlullâ€; however, there is no evidence of a lulling or soporific, sedative effect of this spicy herb. It is often used as a condiment in European cooking; it is combined with pickled vegetables and is used in fish sauces and in soups. Parts Dill seeds are used, as well as the dried leaves, and fresh leaves.
Medicinal Properties and uses: Medically, it is extremely popular as â€œgripe waterâ€ in Europe, where it is used to relieve colic in babies. It is also used as a digestant and to relieve mild bowel disorders in general. There is nothing to support its long-time use for more significant effects, such as stimulating the flow of milk or as a charm against withchraft.

Ayurvedic medicinal uses:

Dill leaves are stimulant.They are beneficial in increasing the secretion and discharge of urine and in counteracting spasmodic disorders.They are also very useful in the functioning of stomach.

Dill seeds yield a very powerful carminative oil.When these are sauted in ghee(or butter oil) with fenugric seeds in equal numbers , they will serve a specific medicine for diarrhoea and acute bacillary dysentery. For optimum results, rosted seeds are powdered and mixed with card and buttermilk.

Dill seeds are effective in respitary disorders like colds,influenza and bronchitis.About 60 grams of infusion of the seeds mixed with honey should be taken thrice daily in such disorders.

Eating cooked dill regularly aids digestion and prevents constipation.The herb is specially useful for children.

Dill is also useful in stimulating and regulating menstrual flow. It is effective spasmodic menstrual pain in young girls and absence of menstruation due to anaemia, exposure to cold and pregnancy. About 60 grams of decoction of fresh leaves , mixed with a teaspoon of parsley juice, can be taken thrice daily in the treatment of the said disorders.

Dill oil obtained by distilation of the seeds , is an effective medicine for hyperacidity,flatulent colic,hicccup and diarrhoea due to indigestion. A drop of dill oil, mixed in a teaspoon of honey , should be taken immediately after meals. Similarly, a drop of same preperation is adminstered with castor oil to young children; it may prevent griping pain in the abdomen and increase purgative action by relaxing the intestines.

Dill is of great value to pregnant women and nursing mothers.Its regular use after chield birth increases the quantum of breast milk. It prevents any early ovalutionand thereby establishing as an effective birth control devices.

The fresh green plant is used as a flavouring for soup,sauses and other culinary purposes.Dill seeds are highly useful in curing bad breath. The seeds are chewed for this purpose.

Historical View â€œIt possesses, like the fruits of the anise, caraway, fennel, and other aromatic unbelliferous fruits, stimulant, carminative, and aromatic properties; and like anise, it is popularly supposed to promote the secretion of milk. In the form of dill water, etc., it is a common domestic remedy to relieve the flatulence and griping of infants; it is also frequently employed by the medical practitioner as a vehicle for the exhibition of purgative and other medicines to children.â€

Bentley, Robert and Henry Trimen. Medicinal Plants; being descriptions with original figures of the principal plants employed in medicine and an account of the characters, properties, and uses of their parts and products of medicinal value. London, Churchill, 1880. (WZ 295 B556m 1880)