Dill Weed

Also Known As – Anethum gravelolens

Organically Grown USA

Overview -The common name dill probably comes from the Saxon word dillan, meaning “to dull”, referring to the practice of giving dill to restless babies to make them sleep.  Dill was supposed to be effective against witches in the Middle Ages.

• Dill has been known to us for several thousand years.  The Egyptians prized it as highly as did the Greeks and Romans, principally as a culinary herb, but one of medicinal benefit also.  Some say dill is a native of the Orient.
• Roman war heroes were crowned with garlands of dill as they returned to their city in victory.  Romans fed it to gladiators to ease digestion.
• In colonial times dill was called “meeting seed” for the colonial dames took it to church and ate it during the long sermons in order to keep awake.  In the 18th century it was given to babies to lull them to sleep, and to small children to keep them awake in church.

Medicinal Uses - Dill tea, made with water or white wine, is a popular remedy for upset stomach and dyspepsia.  Dill helps stimulate appetite, gastralgia, gas, helps stop hiccoughs, colic, and a decoction of the seed may be helpful for insomnia due to indigestion, as well as for pains due to flatulence, useful in swellings and pains, quieting to nerves.  Nursing mothers can use dill to promote the flow of milk, particularly in combination with anise, coriander, fennel, and caraway.  Try chewing the seeds to clear up halitosis.

• Considered helpful for low-salt diets.  Soaking in dill water is said to help strengthen fingernails.

Parts Used – Seeds, leaves

Companion Plants - Improves growth and health of cabbage. Do not plant near carrots, caraway, lavendar or tomatoes. Best friend for lettuce. The flower heads of dill are one of the best nectar sources for beneficial insects in the garden attracting hoverflies, predatory wasps and many more. Repels aphids and spider mites to some degree. Also may repel the dreaded squash bug! (scatter some good size dill leaves on plants that are subject to squash bugs, like squash plants.) Dill goes well with lettuce, onions, cabbage, sweet corn and cucumbers. Dill does attract the tomato horn worm so it would be wise to plant it somewhere away from your tomato plants. Do plant dill in an appropriate spot for the swallowtail butterfly caterpillars to feed on. Even their caterpillars are beautiful.

Precautions - Dill is similar to the carrot family, which includes a host of poisonous species that may be mistaken for this medicinal plant.

Preparation and Dosage - Infusion:  steep 1 tsp. dill seeds in 1 cup boiling water for 10-15 minutes.  Strain.  Take 1/2 cup 2-3 times daily.

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