Aka: Anethum graveolens of the umbelliferae family, Anethon of Dioscorides

Dill is an annual herb that has fine, feathery, ferny leaves and hollow, sheathed stalks that can grow up to three feet tall. It is very similar in appearance to the fennel, the only difference being that it usually does not grow more than one stalk, and its root is an annual.  Dill grows very upright, has pointed, linear leaves, a smooth, shiny stem and bears numerous yellow flowers with small inward rolled petals around mid-summer.

Dill originated in Spain, but is now grown everywhere in Europe, North America and Asia. Most commercial dill is imported out of India. Dill is a very easy plant to grow and it is an ideal plant for an herb garden. Dill has many uses, both culinary and decorative and it has been used medicinally since the time of Pliny and Dioscorides.

Uses

Dill is perhaps best known for its ability to spice of a soup, salad, or dish. The leaves, finely chopped, make a great addition to sauce for fish and go great with cottage or cream cheese. They also go really well with cucumbers. The seeds are must for pickling and they are the main ingredient in curry powder. Also when chewed, the seeds can help sweeten the breath.

You can make dill tea by as 1-2 teaspoons of dried seed to boiling water and letting them seep for several minutes. This tea is great for controlling flatulence. Tea made from the seeds is also supposed to help you sleep. The flowers are not only good in salads but are also good for flower arrangements.

Health Benefits

Two types of healing compounds, monoterpenes and flavonoids, make dill a unique healing herb. The monterpene components (caryone, limonene and anethofuran) have antioxidant properties. The flavonoids (kaempferol and vicenin) help promote a healthy heart and fight off cancer. The volatile oil portion of dill is also being studies for its garlic like bacteria fighting properties.

With essential oils that help whet the appetite and to stimulate digestion, dill is a culinary favorite that is used to enhance numerous dishes. When somebody asks, “what is the secret?” about a tasty dish that disappears off the table, the answer is oftentimes, dill. Dill is not only an essential additive to the pickling process, it is also a helpful herb that is loaded with many healthy benefits. Loaded with essential oils, flavanoids, monoterpenes, vitamins and minerals, dill helps out in everything from helping you get to sleep at night to fighting off cancer,

Here are some uses of dill

Insomnia: the essential oil of dill is rich in both flavonoids and B complex vitamins which can stimulate the system. This stimulation activates the release of certain enzymes that can have a calming effect on your system thus helping you sleep.

Hiccups: Being carmative in nature, dill can help out with that trapped gas in the food pipe that is oftentimes the cause of those nasty hiccups. Being sedative in nature (as explained above) dill can also help out with hiccups that are caused by allergies, hypersensitivity, hyperactivity, or nervous excitement.

Diarrhea: With the ability to stimulate digestion, dill can help reduce the chances of diarrhea caused by a faulty digestive process. For diarrhea caused by invading microbes, dill contains germicidal and bactericidal elements in its essential oil that can help kill off the invading microbes.

Dysentery: The same monoterpenes and flavonoids that give dill its  germ killing power, also gives it fungal fighting capabilities. Fungal infections are the primary cause of dysentery.

Menstrual Health: With flavonoids that stimulate the secretion of certain hormones, dill can help women maintain a normal cycle.

Breathing Problems: Dill contains kaempferol, which along with other components, can help clear up congestion due to colds, coughs, or allergies.

Oral Health: One of the other reasons why dill is including in many dishes is because of its ability to help freshen up the breath naturally. Its disinfectant nature can help kill off the bacteria and germs that are causing your bad breath. On top of that, dill's antioxidant properties can help thwart the damage that free radicals are trying to do to your gums and teeth.

Cancer: Dill contains chemoprotective monoterpenes, which are virtual all stars when it comes to fighting off damaging free radicals. These plant components help stimulate the release of the highly effective antioxidizing enzyme: glutathione which is particularly effective in blocking both free radicals and Cyano- and Benzo- derivatives.

And many more...

Aside from calming the nervous system, fighting off infections, removing gas and preventing cancer, dill is also a diuretic, helping you to increase your urination and detoxify better. It also contains arginine, which means that it can enhance your libido. Last but not least, dill is also a great source of calcium, helping in the area of bone and dental health.

Add dill to your meals to help promote digestion and relieve any gas. You can also take dill essential oil to help relieve the pain and discomfort from digestive issues, even if the problem is chronic in nature. You can even use it as a topical to relieve the pain of bloating. Dill tea may also be use to help detoxify the body and help with painful gas.

Dill for dieting

Women who are looking to lose some weight, can benefit by incorporating dill into their diet. Dill helps bring about the feeling of fullness faster and helps with better digestion. You can also benefit from its detoxifying properties and its effect on cellulite.

For motion sickness

Its nerve calming effects also make dill an essential ingredient in this all natural motion sickness spray. This fine mist spray can be the best travel companion you will ever know.

To make this spray add to 4 ounces of distilled water:
20 drops of dill essential oil
40 drops of lemon essential oil
10 drops of cedar oil
70 drops of lavender essential oil
10 drops of spearmint essential oil