Dill: Contraindications, Properties And Benefits

What is dill?

Dill is considered a herbaceous plant, which does not have a woody but green stem, which dies at the end of the season, belonging to the Umbelliferous family of small cluster-like flowers that grow in the shape of umbrellas.

It is very aromatic, whose fragrance is similar to anise and lemon. The leaves and fruits are used in cooking, while the seeds are used as infusions for therapeutic purposes.

We have an article about  Dill Oil: Contraindications, Properties and Benefits  that you cannot miss.

Origin of dill

It has its origin in the Mediterranean basin and Asia Minor; in ancient Egypt it was appreciated as a medicinal plant, while in Greece and Rome its use was in the culinary and therapeutic part.

In the Middle Ages, dill was listed as a magical plant, which protected against witchcraft and spells.

Currently its cultivation is very abundant in Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Scandinavia, Italy and Turkey.

History of dill

The use of dill was established from the 8th century or at the beginning of the 9th century, by a capitular act that King “ Charlemagne” decreed and where it established the obligation to cultivate it in the royal gardens and use it as a condiment.

In Europe and Siberia it has been used by shamans; just as the saints were given as an offering to find lost objects. In the ROC, Kyrgyz women used dill as a perfume to wait for their husbands after wars. While in Russia dill seeds were considered as an aphrodisiac.

Dill characteristics

Dill is a very aromatic herb, with an erect and fistulous stem (white pith), very fine and branched that ends at the tip like umbels (racemose inflorescence) from which small bright yellow flowers emerge, in summer time; the leaves are thin, very similar to feathers, dark green with a flavor very similar to parsley.

The fruits of the dill are of a color between brown and brown, similar to a capsule, inside they have flat seeds that give it that bitter taste, but very used to make essential oil.

It combines the bitter taste with the fresh aroma of the leaves, thanks to the dill ether, characteristic of this plant that no other can give.

If you want more information see Dill Oil: Contraindications, Properties and Benefits

Scientific name of dill

Dill is known by the scientific name of ” Anethum graveolens”, which was awarded by the Father of Taxonomy Carlos Linneo, who loved nature and went out of his way to study living organisms.

This scientific name means “Anethum” comes from the Greek language “anethon” which means dill and ” graveolens  which means very strong smell.

Chemical composition of dill

Dill is made up of 86% water, carbohydrates, 3.5% protein, 1.1% fat, 2.3% ash and 2% dietary fiber. Among the minerals it contains are: calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and copper.

It has vitamin A (beta-carotene) and C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, beta-carotene; amino acids such as phenylalanine, arginine, histidine, valine, methionine, aspartic and glutamic acid, proline, serine, tryptophan, isoleucine, glycine, threonine, tyrosine, alanine, cystine, lysine, and leucine.

Dill gives off an essential oil, which contains tannins, phelandrene, cymene, pinene, carvone, beta-carotene, limonene and flavonoids, components that have beneficial properties for human health.

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Active ingredient of dill

As an active principle that dill has is that between 3-4% it represents in essential oil, with the properties limonene (citric smell), carvone (helps to perceive odors, flavors, texture), phenodrene (smell), eugenol (drug) , flavonoids that are derived from kenferol that gives it vasoprotective, anti-hemorrhoidal, venotic properties, among others, phytosterols (a type of plant cholesterol).

Dill plant

Dill is a plant that does not exceed one meter in height, its size is between 30cm and 1 meter in height; It does not have a woody stem, but is green and long, it is herbaceous annual because it germinates, blooms and expires during the year.

Its cultivation is in warm-temperate climates, it is not favored by the cold or the extreme sun; the soil must always remain moist for the germination and growth process to be adequate.

It is a plant that tends to lose its aroma quickly and more when it is dry, in a fresh state it is very aromatic and it is more advisable to use the dill plant, because it takes full advantage of all its benefits, especially in the culinary area.

Uses and benefits of dill

According to the properties and composition, dill has been used both in the gastronomic area and in the medicinal part.

In gastronomy it is widely used in the preparation of stews of different types of fish, since it improves the flavor and makes it more digestible; when the leaves are dry they prepare dill vinegar to preserve the pickles; Instead, the fresh leaves are an ingredient for salads; the seeds are used to flavor vinegars, or as a garnish on breads, fish and rice.

In the medicinal area it is very beneficial, if it is used internally, it helps with digestive pains, liver pains, against flatulence, nausea, prevents diarrhea, constipation and headache; externally, it is used to clean wounds and thus prevent infections.

A publication made by a pharmacological journal, dill offers health benefits, since it is considered a natural remedy that fights gastrointestinal conditions, as well as its fruit is a great antispasmodic of the intestinal and uterine tract and menstrual pain.

It helps in kidney discomfort, sleep disorders, urinary tract discomfort, has anticancer effects thanks to carvone and limonene (essential oil), reduces cholesterol, provides protective properties against atherosclerosis, is an antibacterial, antifungal, helps in bone health (iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese), freshens breath and keeps the mouth clean.

What are the benefits for the skin?

Dill has a high content of beta-carotene (vitamin A), it helps to keep the skin healthy, it acts as an antioxidant (vitamin C) against the radicals that cause aging.

Check out our article on  Routine Care against Premature Aging of the skin and Definitive Treatments

Does it have properties for the hair?

Thanks to the fact that part of its active principle is represented by essential oil, dill has antibacterial properties that help keep hair healthy and free of infections (lice).

Is it good for losing weight?

Dill has a high fiber content, which favors faster weight loss, because it creates a feeling of fullness, controls anxiety, cravings and prevents the person from eating at hours not indicated, benefiting the process to lose weight in a healthier way, providing good health to the digestive system.

Pregnancy and dill

Pregnancy is one of the stages where women are prone to suffer from certain ailments that turn out to be annoying and uncontrollable, such as nausea, which occurs between the first weeks and / or months of pregnancy, it is advisable to take it as an infusion because It will allow to control that unpleasant sensation. However, its use should not be abused, because everything that the mother consumes is transmitted to the baby through the digestive tract and could cause an adverse reaction to the fetus.

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Can it be used while breastfeeding? Why?

Dill is characterized as a very favorable herb during lactation, because it has among its properties and active principles galactogogue, which is a substance that helps stimulate the production of breast milk, therefore, its consumption increases the production of breast milk , in addition to taking care of the natural state of it.

To achieve these benefits, it is recommended that it be consumed in tea taking between 3 or 4 cups a day.

It is important to note, that he may not be compatible with all women at that stage.

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Dill and the bible

Dill has been known since ancient times as an aromatic and medicinal herb, to the point that it is mentioned in the bible about its cultivation and at the same time, the rejection of Jesus, because the payment of tithe was required and the Pharisees applied a tax for its use and cultivation, paying greater attention to obligations towards the word and obligations as children of God.

Dill and allergies

Among the components that dill has, there is the content of flavonoids that help to cleanse the respiratory system of any allergies that may affect at a certain time; In addition to acting as an anti-inflammatory, it can be used to relieve swelling and pain caused by allergies.

Gardening and dill

Dill is a plant that can be grown both in large hectares, orchards and in home gardens; its care is very simple and the minimum requirements must be met to sow it.

In the case that you want to grow in pots, you should sow between one and two dill seeds per pot properly prepared, and place it where the sun’s rays reach it, as it is an abundant herbaceous plant, in 14 days it will begin to germinate, when As soon as the roots begin to emerge, it can be transplanted into a garden or other larger container to allow it to grow favorably.

Dill infusions, what are they for?

Dill can be prepared into infusions, for the following cases:

For colds, bronchial conditions: in boiling water, place a tablespoon of dill, let it rest and take twice a day.

For indigestion and flatulence (gas), colic:   Place a tablespoon with dill seeds in a cup with hot water, let it rest and drink it as soon as the ailment is felt.

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Esoteric uses of dill

Currently the use of dill is maintained in esoteric matters, because it is considered a protection plant, since it helps against curses, witchcraft and drive away evil spirits.

They allow young children to have peaceful dreams; if it is grown in a garden, it is said to protect against goblins.

It is said that flowers attract economic prosperity, that’s why they are called money flowers.

By placing them above the front door of the house, it keeps people with bad intentions away.

Cosmetic uses of dill

One of the cosmetic uses that can be given to dill is for bad breath, since by chewing the seeds its properties eliminate the bacteria that cause this condition.

In the same way, the seeds are an important ingredient in the preparation of creams and soaps.

The by-product that is extracted from dill as the essential oil, is used to improve hair health, as well as provide nutrients and control free radicals that affect the good appearance of the skin.

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Medicinal uses of dill

Dill has been assigned proven medicinal uses, thanks to its little toxic action, it is classified as effective to treat colic that is derived from gas, flatulence, helps in the digestion of food and dissolution of fats that cause heaviness, as well how to calm cramps caused by menstruation.

It prevents fluid retention and acts against bad breath, gingivitis and mouth infections.

It works against nausea; as a diuretic it eliminates kidney stones, as well as controls the formation of hemorrhoids, edema, stabilizes blood pressure.

Dill acts as a bactericide against bites, mild allergies and burns.

It is good for gastritis

Gastritis is a disease that affects the stomach, the gastric mucosa (it is a layer of cells that protect the stomach) becomes inflamed and prevents gastric juices from starting to digest, and therefore, acidity directly affects this organ, generating pain, heartburn and sometimes gastric ulcers or cancer.

Dill for its antispasmodic properties, helps in the better functioning of the digestive system, as well as the reduction in the formation of intestinal gases, making it a good ally to combat gastritis.

To be able to take it against this condition it is necessary to drink dill seed tea, boil water and place a tablespoon of seeds, let it rest and take three times a day to combat gastritis, but never the seeds or the plant.

In addition to this topic, you may also be interested in  Gastroesophageal Reflux: All causes, symptoms, pharmacological and natural treatments as well as how to prevent it

As a natural laxative

Due to its natural fiber content, dill can be used as a natural laxative, because it helps to digest food and fats better and faster, allowing them to be eliminated faster and more effectively through the feces.

Pharmaceutical uses of dill

  • Dill acts as a vasodilator, restoring blood flow in the cardiovascular system.
  • It is antispasmodic, eliminates spasms in the digestive, excretory and reproductive systems, blood vessels and internal organs.
  • Bactericidal because it eliminates gastrointestinal decomposition processes, as well as stimulates the formation of the intestinal flora.
  • It is a diuretic, helps the body eliminate toxins, and acts against inflammation of the urinary tract.
  • It acts as a sedative, bronchodilator and expectorant, reduces resistance to the entry of air into the respiratory system, dilutes phlegm and causes it to be eliminated naturally, collaborating in good breathing.
  • Dill is anti-inflammatory, because it eliminates mild internal and external inflammatory processes, from the organism and body.
  • Cardiotonic, it favors the detection of cardiac anomalies and improves heart health, combats headaches, nervousness, insomnia.

Contraindications and risks of dill

Dill does not present severe contraindications, however, it is recommended that people diagnosed with gastritis, digestive problems, epilepsy or Parkinson’s should not consume or use dill.

It should not be exceeded in its use, because it can cause seizures.

The elderly and children under 6 years of age should exercise caution when using it.

If the person is allergic to celery, carrot, they should not consume dill

In the case of pregnant and lactating women, they can consume it in small quantities without abusing the doses, although there are no known adverse damages, it is important to avoid.

Check in this article  Carrot: Properties, benefits and uses

Dill toxicity

Proper use in the medicinal part of dill is not toxic, contraindications and possible risks should be taken into account if its use is abused.

However, the oil that is extracted from this plant, if it presents a certain level of toxicity due to its estragole and anethole components, as well as it should not be used directly, but must be diluted.

Dill in gastronomy

Since ancient times, dill has been used in the gastronomy area, due to its pleasant aroma and flavor, it can be perfectly combined with other species.

It is widely used to marinate fish, it gives it an excellent flavor and can be digested with greater taste.

In salads it is a great companion, the leaves and the stem, also for stews, soups, vinaigrettes, sauces.

The seeds are used in the preparation of steamed vegetables, breads.

Dill flowers are used as a flavoring in pickles.

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Seafood cauliflower pate

Ingredients:

  • 450gr of cauliflower
  • 1 level tablespoon dill
  • 3gr of dehydrated wakame seaweed (1 tablespoon)
  • 2 or 3 teaspoons of smoked salt
  • 1 pinch of ginger
  • 1 dash of lemon
  • 1 small piece of beetroot (to give it a pink color)

preparation:

  1. Soak the algae to hydrate them.
  2. Chop and fry the cauliflower until golden brown.
  3. Put all the ingredients, except the salt, in the blender glass and beat until pureed.
  4. Add the smoked salt little by little and beat until you get the flavor without going over salty.

This pate can be used as a filling for puff pastry and other baked doughs, but if it is baked, it loses the pink color of the beet.

Vegan tzatziki (very cool Greek sauce)

Ingredients:

  • 450gr of cauliflower
  • 1 level tablespoon dill
  • 3gr of dehydrated wakame seaweed (1 tablespoon)
  • 2 or 3 teaspoons of smoked salt
  • 1 pinch of ginger
  • 1 dash of lemon
  • 1 small piece of beetroot (to give it a pink color)

preparation:

Wash and peel the cucumbers, it is advisable to cut the ends and rub them a little to avoid the bitter taste that this vegetable sometimes has.

Then, scratch them in a bowl. Place the grated pulp in a colander and press to squeeze out all the juice.

On the other hand, chop the garlic into very fine pieces or crush it.

With the pulp of the cucumber grated and squeezed, add the minced garlic and the rest of the ingredients. Mix everything well and add lemon to taste.

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Dill datasheet

  • Common name:  Dill
  • Scientific name:  Anethum graveolens
  • Origin:  from the East, Persia, India
  • Properties and uses:  digestive, carminative, galactogogue, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, sedative, anti-hemorrhoidal.
  • It favors digestion, helps against gas, nausea, stomach and headaches, prevents diarrhea, constipation, fights infections.
  • Chemical composition:  86% water, carbohydrates, 3.5% protein, 1.1% fat, 2.3% ash and 2% dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and copper, vitamin A (beta-carotenes) and C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, beta-carotene, phenylalanine, arginine, histidine, valine, methionine, aspartic and glutamic acid, proline, serine, tryptophan, isoleucine , glycine, threonine, tyrosine, alanine, cystine, lysine and leucine
  • Active ingredient:  3-4% essential oil, estragole, anethole.
  • Contraindications:  it is not recommended in patients with diagnoses of gastritis, intestinal ailments, with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, children under 6 years of age, pregnant and lactating to use in low doses.
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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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