Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an aromatic herb used in phytotherapy since ancient times for its many beneficial properties.
This plant is native to India and looks a lot like fennel, but has a more pungent flavor than the latter, which is why it is also used in the kitchen to season many Middle Eastern, Egyptian, German, Greek, Scandinavian and of Eastern Europe.
The beneficial properties of dill are many and it is also thanks to this that dill is called this way. In fact, its name derives from the Greek anethon which in turn derives from the ancient Egyptian, whose term can be translated as warding off illness! While graveolens derives from the Latin gravis (strong) and olens (scent), precisely for its strong smell.
Precisely for this reason dill was very popular in Ancient Rome. This spice was used abundantly in the food of gladiators because it was believed that it could increase their strength.
The Roman legionaries, on the other hand, used this plant to treat wounds: they sprinkled the injured part with the burnt seeds of dill, believing that it facilitated healing.
Furthermore, dill in ancient times was considered a very valuable spice and is even mentioned in the Bible as a “coin” for paying taxes.
The use of dill in cooking
As mentioned at the beginning, dill is used in many fish dishes.
We can use the dried or fresh leaves of the dill to season: in Iran there are two traditional dishes based on Shivid (dill in Persian); Shivid Polow and Sib Polow.
In addition to the leaves, the seeds are used to flavor jams and liqueurs and also to produce the essential oil of dill , which can have digestive, antibacterial and mucolytic properties. If you want to know more about essential oils, read our article . To help the body digest and reduce abdominal swelling, herbal teas can also be prepared using both the leaves and the seeds by infusing them in boiling water for about ten minutes.
But what are the beneficial properties of dill?
This plant has been used by the Egyptians for more than 5,000 years and it is precisely for this reason that we can find several studies on it.
Typing the word Anethum graveolens on PubMed (collector of the main scientific journals in the world) we will find almost 7,000 results and this shows us that there are many studies regarding the beneficial properties of this still little known spice.
The characteristics of this spice can be useful for relieving:
- digestive problems, preparing an herbal tea;
- bad breath problems, chewing the seeds.
It can also have purifying and calming properties, and can facilitate sleep.
The properties of dill also stand out in the field of natural cosmetics, in fact some research shows that dill can be useful in helping to strengthen the nails of the hands and toes, making more compresses a day.
Recent studies have shown that dill can be useful for combating cardiovascular and diabetic problems as it is rich in vanadium, a chemical element that is also very useful for the growth of bones and teeth. The diabetes , after cancer and cardiovascular disease is the third most dangerous trouble for human life. In fact, nearly 550 million people worldwide are expected to have diabetes by 2030. These studies will be very useful in helping to counter this pitfall by making dill a very precious herbal plant.
If all these data are confirmed we will hear more often about her and her many benefits.
What are the contraindications of dill in herbal medicine?
Dill can be used safely in small quantities in the culinary field, while if we use it as a healing herb, we must always be careful and seek the advice of the family doctor or a pharmacist, because it is not recommended mainly during pregnancy and breastfeeding.