Dill (Anethum graveolens), a member of the Umbelliferae plant family, derives its name from the Norse dilla meaning to soothe or to lull. It was a herb which the ancient Egyptians used for medicinal purposes and it is recorded in the Ebers Papyrus as an ingredient for a pain-killing mixture of that time.
Historical Use of Dill
Both the ancient Romans and the Greeks were users of dill; the Romans called it anethum which later became known as anise. The Greeks believed dill helped with sleep and hiccups. Dill also receives a mention in the Bible with reference to its value as a tax payment. In Scandinavia and Germany dill was used in cooking in fish and cucumber and its seeds were baked in bread.
Throughout the Middle Ages, dill was used as a protection against witches. Magically, dill was used in spells and used to promote romance, when combined with wine. The Pioneer settlers of North America gave their children dill seed to chew throughout long sermons in church, where dill earned the nickname meetin' seed.
In both the West and the East, dill was used as a digestive aid for help with wind, colic and indigestion and is still current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for this use. It was especially known for its use with children and babies; dilly pillows, made from lavender and dill, helped to lull European children to sleep with their fragrance. Today, dill is used in grippe water for babies.
Identifying the Herb Dill
Native to the Mediterranean region, dill is an annual or biennial herb which grows up to three feet high. It has small, aromatic yellow flowers which are arranged in clusters; it blooms in midsummer. Dill's feathery leaves are also aromatic and are blue-green in color. It usually has one main stem which is also blue-green. Dill's seeds are aromatic and contain mineral salts, calcium, silicic acid and phosphorus. Dill is now cultivated worldwide.
Uses of Dill
- Culinary – the leaf, seed, and flower are used to flavor soups, meat and fish dishes, cakes and breads; known for its use in pickles and condiments.
- Cosmetic – the seeds of dill are chewed to freshen breath; used as a fragrance component in perfumes, soaps and detergents.
- Aromatic – dill is used in aromatherapy as an essential oil; useful for help with a number of ailments, especially digestive difficulties, but also used with nursing mothers to promote the flow of milk.
- Medicinal – dill is rich in mineral salts and can help with a salt-free diet. Dill water is a popular pharmaceutical digestive preparation.
References
Bremness, Lesley 1988 The Complete Book of Herbs London: Dorling Kindersley Limited
Lawless, Julia 1995 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils London: Element
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