Along with the many dill health benefits, this plant is one of the oldest medicinal herbs. The Egyptians, the Greeks, and the Romans knew and appreciated its medicinal properties and used the plant as a seasoning herb and remedy. Dill looks quite similar to Fennel. The 16th-century Spanish physician Andrés de Laguna said, “It would be easy to mistake dill for fennel by sight alone, but they are easily distinguished by taste.” Dill has a more complex, spicy taste than fennel, though the properties of both plants are similar.
- HIGH-QUALITY DILL SEED – Frontier Co-op Dill Seed comes from the dill plant (Anethum graveolens), which is a spice that belongs to the celery family. Dill contains seeds that are used for pickled foods, vegetables, stews, and more. The seeds are flat, brown fruits of the dill plant.
Dill Plant Scientific Facts
- Scientific Name – Anethum graveolens L.
- Scientific Synonyms – Anethum sowa Rob.
- Other Names – Dilly, garden dill.
- French – Aneth.
- Spanish – Eneldo.
- Environment—Native to Asia Minor, it is currently spread, wild, and cultivated all over America and the Mediterranean areas of Europe.
- Description—This herbaceous plant of the Umbelliferae family grows from 30 to 50 cm high. It has a hollow stem and yellow flowers growing in umbels with unequal radii.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally – The seed.
Dill Health Benefits
Dill SEEDS contain an essence (3 to 4 percent), whose most important component is carvone. This essence has powerful carminative (eliminates intestinal flatulence and gas), appetizer, diuretic, galactogenic (increases milk production), and mild sedative properties. It also has emmenagogue (stimulant of menstruation) properties.
Its most important uses are hiccups and belching in children, excessive gas in the stomach (aerophagia), and intestinal flatulence in adults. It is also used as a sedative-stimulating substance for breastfeeding women.
How to use Dill
- Infusion with a tablespoonful (about 15 grams) of seeds per half a liter of water. Drink two or three cups a day after meals.
Frequently Asked Question
I know dill has antioxidants, but what specific types, and how do they work?
Dill is a powerhouse of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids (like quercetin and kaempferol) and terpenoids (like limonene and carvone). These antioxidants protect your cells in several ways:
1. Scavenging free radicals: They neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals, preventing cellular injury that can lead to chronic diseases.
2. Reducing inflammation: They help to calm down chronic inflammation, which plays a role in conditions like heart disease and arthritis.
Do dill health benefits include managing cholesterol levels?
Some research suggests that dill may positively impact cholesterol levels. Animal studies have shown that dill extracts can lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides. While more research in humans is needed, this is a promising area for the potential health benefits of dill.
I’ve heard dill helps with digestion. Is there any science behind that?
Yes! The many dill health benefits include digestive disorders, and some evidence supports this. It contains compounds that act as carminatives, helping to reduce gas and bloating. Additionally, dill may have antispasmodic effects, relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive tract to ease discomfort.
Does dill have any blood sugar-regulating effects for those with diabetes?
Potentially. Limited studies suggest that dill may aid blood sugar control for people with diabetes. Animal research and small human trials have indicated that dill extracts might help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
Are there any known antimicrobial properties of dill?
Dill essential oil and extracts display antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi. This property might have applications for preventing food spoilage and even supporting the treatment of certain infections, although more research is required.
Can dill help to promote strong bones?
Dill is a decent source of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals crucial for bone health. While it shouldn’t be your sole source of these nutrients, including dill as part of a balanced diet can further maintain strong bones.
Are there any cardiovascular dill health benefits?
The antioxidants in dill, along with its potential to lower cholesterol, may offer benefits for your heart. It’s also a good source of potassium, which is essential for regulating blood pressure. However, more direct research on dill’s impact on cardiovascular health is needed.
Do dill health benefits include menstrual pain relief?
Some traditional and anecdotal evidence suggests dill can soothe menstrual cramps. Its antispasmodic properties might help relax the uterine muscles.
Are there specific dosage recommendations for taking full advantage of dill health benefits?
Currently, there aren’t standardized dosage recommendations for dill. It’s generally considered safe when used in average culinary amounts. When it comes to dill extracts or supplements, consulting with your healthcare provider is crucial.
Are there any risks or interactions to know with dill?
Dill is usually well-tolerated, but be aware of the following:
1. Allergies: Some people may be allergic to dill.
2. Pregnancy: Avoid medicinal use of dill during pregnancy as there’s insufficient safety data.
3. Interactions: Consult your doctor if you take medications for diabetes or lithium, as dill might interact.
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DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 349. Print. [dill health benefits]
- Healthline: Dill: Nutrition, Benefits, and Uses https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dill
- WebMD: Health Benefits of Dill https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-dill
- Health.com: Dill: Benefits, Nutrition, and Risks https://www.health.com/dill-8402621
- Silva International: https://silva-intl.com/blog/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-dill-weed
- Netmeds: https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/dill-leaves-astonishing-benefits-of-adding-this-nutritious-herb-to-your-diet
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API