Dill: useful properties and contraindications

Dill is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the monotypic genus and family Umbrella. The height of the shrub varies from 45-125 cm. Dill has a single branched stem on which there are 3-4 parted leaves with ovate forms. Flowers have yellow petals in the form of umbrellas, their diameter is 2-9 cm, they are composed in umbrella-like inflorescences, whose diameter varies from 15 to 20 cm.

The fruits are lopsided fruits. Broadly elliptical or egg-shaped seeds can reach a length of 5 mm and a thickness of 3.5 mm. The herb blooms in June-July; in July-September the fruit already ripens. Wild species of dill are common in Asian countries, vegetable plants around the world.

The name "dill" comes from the Greek "anethon" and the Latin word "graveolens", which means "strong-smelling". For unknown reasons, many healers who lived in ancient times believed that excessive and prolonged use of dill damaged the brain. They also believed that the herb could cause visual impairment, probably for this reason medieval witches used dill as a remedy for evil eye as well as being an ingredient of many a charm potion.

Dill came to us from Southern Europe, Egypt, and Asia Minor. It is worth noting that in Europe it began to be used as an ingredient in sauces, marinades, pickles and leavens only in the 16th-17th centuries. At that time, there were still preconceptions about the side effects of this crop. In fact, large doses of the herb provoked a drop in blood pressure, which could turn into fainting or a general loss of strength. Ancient healers recommended using honey or cloves along with dill, because they believed that these products eliminate the negative effects of the herb.

Types of Dill

Dill is usually divided into 3 types - early, mid-ripening and late.

Here are some varieties of the early species:

1. Redoubt. The plant has a distinctive flavor. The variety is not capricious and is most often used by gardeners. Harvesting is done after one month. The height is up to 30 cm.
2. Distant. The variety easily tolerates temperature changes and pest attacks. The grass has a dark green color with a waxy effect. The height is up to 25 cm.

Varieties of medium-ripening species:

1. Alligator. The plant has a rich aroma and a blue-green color. Gathering greens is made 45 days after planting, for spices harvest later - after 115 days. Height - up to one and a half meters.
2. Umbrella. Gathering greens is made after 45 days, for the collection of spices wait about 90 days. The herb has a bright green color and long leaves. The variety is high yielding. The height is up to 2 m.

Varieties of late species:

1. Kutuzovsky. The plant has a greenish hue, large leaves and sprawling bushes. Seeds are harvested 45 days after sprouting. The height is up to 170 cm.
2. Frost. Possesses blue-green tall and fleshy leaves. The bushes are quite dense. High-yielding variety, well resistant to low temperatures, has a rich flavor. The height is up to 170 cm.

What is the difference between dill and fennel

Dill and fennel are indeed very similar: both plants are quite tall, both have leaves with a pinnate shape, and the flowers of the plants are yellow. Despite all these similarities, after parsing a detailed description, it will already be easy to distinguish one crop from the other.

The most distinctive feature of the plants is the smell. Fennel has a fresh, pleasant, slightly sweet aroma. Dill has a more intense spicy smell, it is difficult to confuse it with anything else. Fennel looks taller and more bushy from the outside. There are also differences in the shape of the seeds. Dill has small seeds, while fennel has slightly larger, slightly elongated seeds. Dill has a small and hard root, while fennel has a fleshy and larger root.

Composition and calories

In 100 grams of the product contains:

• calories - 40 kcal;
• proteins - 2.5 g
• fats - 0,5 g;
• carbohydrates - 6.3 g.

The plant is rich in essential oil, fatty acids, fiber, vitamins A, C, E, PP and macronutrients like calcium, potassium, phosphorus and sodium. It also contains water and trace elements - manganese, copper and zinc.

Useful properties of dill

General benefits

1. Protects the mucous membrane of the stomach. Dill has a protective effect on the stomach. It helps reduce acidity and prevents the formation of ulcers. Terpenes and flavonoids in dill fight free radicals and protect the mucous membrane of the stomach from damage. Dill also provides relief from Helicobacter pylori infection, an intestinal bacterium that can worsen gastritis and even lead to stomach cancer. Because of its soothing properties, dill leaf and stem powder can also be used to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, with no side effects.
2. It reduces labor pains. Because of its analgesic property, dill can also reduce labor pains. This plant is used in some countries to induce labor. There has even been a study on the subject. It turned out that women who consumed dill tea had a faster and less painful labor. In some cases, dill tea may be more effective than oxytocin, the standard medication for inducing labor.
3. It fights free radicals. Dill contains antioxidants, vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin and kaempferol, which help the body fight free radicals. Free radicals are substances that are produced in the body during natural metabolic processes as well as by environmental toxins. They oxidize cell walls and damage DNA and cellular proteins, leading to a number of diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Dill has the ability to absorb radicals. The monoterpenes of this herb activate antioxidant enzymes that affect free radicals and render them inactive. Carvone and anetofuran, substances found in dill, help eliminate toxins from the body and promote the formation of the enzyme glutathione S-transferase. This substance is a major detoxifying enzyme. Since glutathione is vital to protect cells from free radical damage, its elevated levels mean stronger protection against toxins.
4. It helps fight infections. Dill leaves are used to treat giardiasis in children. The plant can be just as effective as the standard antibacterial drug, metronidazole. Dill's antimicrobial properties are due to a substance called furanocoumarin. Essential oils derived from this plant can be effective against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella. The essential oil is particularly effective in the fight against thrush.
5. Reduces overall cholesterol levels. Among the many uses of dill, one important use is for lowering cholesterol. In some countries, the leaves of this plant are used as a remedy for hypercholesterolemia. Dill helps reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the liver, while increasing the overall antioxidant capacity of the organ. A healthy liver promotes balanced cholesterol levels.
6. Prevents and fights type 2 diabetes. Dill is actively used in Asian traditional medicine because it helps lower blood glucose levels. It works by increasing the body's antioxidant capacity and modifying genes involved in glucose and fat metabolism. In the study, patients with type 2 diabetes who were given 3.3 g of dill powder (obtained by drying fresh herbs) daily for 8 weeks had reduced blood glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of dill can prevent insulin resistance, which often precedes full-blown diabetes.
7. Helps fight depression. Thanks to its antioxidant flavonoids and tannins, dill has a calming effect. The plant can help fight depression. Extracts of dill in some cases are as effective in the fight against depression as specialized drugs like sertraline and tramadol, while the plant has no side effects.
8. Relieves attacks of epilepsy. Dill leaf extract helps to delay epilepsy attacks and reduce the duration of each episode. The terpenoids, carvone and limonene, found in dill block the mediators that cause seizures. Some studies have shown that dill can also be used as an alternative to standard anticonvulsants.
9. Improves sleep quality. Traditionally in some countries, dill has been used as a sedative. Although no studies have been done on the effects of dill on sleep, the plant has been, and still is, a part of folk remedies for insomnia. In some cultures, dill leaves are placed directly into a pillow for a more restful sleep. In Holland, dill is consumed in combination with milk, as the union of these products has a calming effect and improves sleep. Dill essential oil also has a calming effect. This product is often used in conjunction with other essential oils such as lavender and valerian.
10. It fights cancer. Dill contains substances that affect cancer cells in a way that slows them down or stops them from dividing. This prevents the disease from spreading to healthy cells and essentially stops the progression of the cancer. Glasiovianin A, a compound found in dill, is involved in the fight against cancer. Studies have shown that cancer was significantly slowed in each of the test experiments, and that glasiovianin A is the substance that inhibits its spread. Therefore, regular consumption of dill will help the body prevent cancer, and in the case of disease, slow its progression.
11. Protects against insects. Dill has properties that help it repel various insects. The plant can be used as a means to help protect grain from insect pests, especially mites. Dill, however, is clearly a much safer agent than the chemicals commonly used to protect against pests.
12. It is good for your oral health. Dill has long been used as a breath freshener. In addition to having a pleasant smell, fresh chopped dill also kills germs in the mouth. Dill essential oil is a natural disinfectant. The above characteristics neutralize bad breath and promote oral health by protecting gums and teeth from free radicals and other potentially harmful substances. Dill's calcium content helps keep teeth strong and healthy.

For women

Dill is useful for women. This plant can be used in case of female problems - dysmenorrhea or painful periods. In one study, a group of women between the ages of 18 and 28 were given 1,000 mg of dill seed powder for 5 days. Another group was given 250 mg of mephenamic acid, a common menstrual pain reliever. Due to the presence of tannin and anetole, which relax the blood vessels, dill was able to show excellent results. It turned out that the plant has a comparable effect to a drug and helps to suppress pain and discomfort no worse than drugs.

Dill can also regulate menstrual cycles in women due to the flavonoids that stimulate the female hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.

For men.

Since men are more likely to suffer from heart-related diseases, their standard diet should include foods that reduce the risk of these ailments, and dill is just one of these. The plant is also useful because it has a vasodilator effect, thus increasing and restoring the potency. The spice is recommended to include in your diet not only those who have already encountered this problem, but also those who want to avoid it in the future.

The product is also useful for those men who lead an active lifestyle, are engaged in sports and experience regular intense physical activity, as it helps the body to recover faster and normalizes the work of all systems. For all its advantages, dill is contraindicated for people with intolerance and allergic reactions to the product.

When pregnant

Dill is useful for pregnant women, as it enriches the body with elements that are necessary for the normal development of the child and maintaining the health of the future mother. The plant helps to relieve stress and relieves anxiety. During pregnancy, women have a decrease in the muscle tone of the gastrointestinal tract. To solve this problem, it will be enough to include dill in your diet. It will help to get rid of stool retention and prevent flatulence.

Every second pregnant woman suffers from toxicosis, which can be helped by dill. It will get rid of nausea and improve appetite. The greens will also help to get rid of edema, a problem that pregnant women often face. Dill will stimulate the kidneys and help eliminate excess fluid from the body.

Despite the fact that the plant contains a lot of useful substances, it can harm the health of the woman and her baby. You should not include dill in the case of hypotension. In addition, it is important to observe the norm of consumption (up to 1 bundle per day), as well as to monitor the purity of the product, so that there are no toxic substances or parasites in it. It is also worth noting that dill stimulates muscle contraction, which can have an effect on uterine tone. Women who suffer from hypertension (especially in the third trimester) should not use these greens.

When breastfeeding.

Dill, along with cumin, fennel and anise, is sometimes used to increase the production of breast milk. There have been studies in which animals were fed an extract of dill leaves and seeds. Scientists found that these supplements increased the size of the animals' mammary glands. Nevertheless, before including this product in your diet, it is recommended to consult a doctor, because women who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancers, dill can have a negative effect, disturbing the estrogen balance.

For babies

Young children have a tendency to excessive gas, with such a problem will be perfectly coped with dill. The greens will painlessly rid the body of gas and normalize intestinal function.

Dill also contains substances that help strengthen the immune system. It can prevent skin rashes and reduce the likelihood of hives.

You can introduce dill to a child's diet from 8-9 months of age. By this period, the internal organs will already be able to absorb the herbs normally. It is best to add dill to the soup at the last stage of cooking, this will save a greater number of useful properties. At the first reception will be enough a small pinch of chopped greens. If within a few days after using the product in the baby's condition did not worsen, you can slowly increase the volume of consumption up to 5 g per day. If the child showed changes in behavior, disturbed digestion, then dill should be excluded from the diet, in case of serious problems - immediately contact a specialist. Over time, the greens can be added to the second course. When the child is one and a half years old, he can already be given dill in fresh form, but no more than 10 grams per day.

When losing weight

Dill has useful properties that help to get rid of extra pounds. Decoctions based on this plant help to remove excess fluid from the body. This helps to relieve swelling, improves the shape of the figure and increases the flow of lymph. Also decoctions help to get rid of excessive gas, which is very useful during fruit and vegetable diets.

Dill normalizes the nervous system, which will help to get rid of the tension caused by starvation. In the period of weight loss, you should use fresh or dried herbs. Preferably, of course, fresh dill. The greens can be added to soups, borsches and salads, or to make decoctions on their basis. The combination of dill and kefir will contribute to the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract and speed up the metabolism, which will have a significant effect on weight.

The dill seeds will also be suitable for weight loss, because they contain the whole set of useful properties of the herb itself. Dried seeds are usually poured in boiling water, which is then strained and consumed little by little during the day. Already in a week you will be able to notice the results of weight loss.

What are the benefits of dill seeds

Dill seeds have quite extensive medicinal properties. Here are some of them:

• antimicrobial;
• antioxidant;
• anti-cholesterol;
• antispasmodic, diarrheal;
• progesterone stimulants;
• anticancer;
• anti-rheumatoid;
• sedative.

How to brew dill seeds

1. Dill seeds (1 tbsp) pour boiling water (250 ml).
2. Put on low heat for 10 minutes.
3. Cool and strain.

Take during the day in equal portions (drink the drink should be warm, you can add honey).

Such a drink many people consume in case of stress or overwork.

The benefits of dried dill

The main healing properties of dried dill:

• Improves digestion and increases appetite;
• normalizes the metabolism;
• gets rid of constipation and bloating;
• regulates the menstrual cycle;
• restores sleep, nervous system;
• increases lactation;
• Reduces blood pressure, dilates blood vessels;
• Accelerates the recovery process from bronchitis, coughs.

Dill oil: properties and uses

Dill oil as well as the greens themselves have a number of useful properties. It helps stimulate the appetite, gets rid of spasms and malfunctions of the digestive organs, relieves discomfort and pain in the stomach, prevents excessive gas formation and fermentation in the intestines. The oil also has diuretic properties. It helps with heart problems and high blood pressure.

The oil is used in the field of cosmetology, usually as a treatment for dry skin. Sometimes it is added to mouthwashes and shaving lotions. The product has a disinfectant effect, so it can be used as a wound healer. The oil can also be flavored with first courses or used in canning vegetables.

Dill in Medicine

Based on historical data, dill has been used extensively in medicine since the time of Avicenna. The herbs were used to increase the production of breast milk, to treat the urogenital system and intestines, and even as a cure for hiccups. Today it has been scientifically proven that dill helps reduce blood pressure, protects the body from cancer and normalizes the nervous system.

For Diabetes Mellitus

Dill is useful for diabetes. The greens will improve the quality of life of people with diabetes, alleviate the symptoms of the disease and help to get rid of the side effects of drugs taken by the patient. With diabetes, it will be useful to prepare a decoction from dill. To do this, pour the seeds (30 g) with clean water (1 l), put on the fire for 3 minutes, and then let the drink infuse for 8-10 minutes. Take the remedy (1 cup) up to 3 times a day.

Important: The glycemic index of dill is 15 units.

When pancreatitis

During the exacerbation of the disease, dill is not recommended to use. In the phase of stable remission, it is allowed to eat up to 7 tbsp of greens a day (in several receptions). Dill can be boiled, baked, stewed or eaten in a natural form.

In case of acute pancreatitis it is better not to use it.

Gastritis

Dill in case of gastritis is allowed to use. The greens will improve the general condition, minimize pain and discomfort. However, moderate consumption should be observed, because the product can increase gastric secretion, which will have a negative effect on the condition, especially if the stomach is acidic.

For the intestines.

Dill can reduce spasms in the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. The essential oils in dill have a stimulating effect on the digestive system. Sometimes a few drops of dill essential oil are added to soups to improve digestion. Greens are also sometimes fed to young children to relieve the pain of colic and flatulence.

For constipation

Dill can help relieve constipation. The herbs help with the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Dill seeds are especially useful because they are rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron, substances that improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and help eliminate harmful accumulations from the body.

For gout

Dill is forbidden to use in gout, because it has a diuretic effect.

Colitis

With colitis, dill can also be included in the diet. An effective remedy for colitis is considered a tea of dill seeds.

For the liver

Dill is very useful for the liver. The greens are rich in vitamin C, a substance that has a positive effect on the functioning of the liver. Dill helps to cleanse the body and normalize the functioning of this organ. The spice can even be used for liver diseases.

Hemorrhoids

With hemorrhoids, it is recommended to consume foods that have a laxative effect, as this prevents damage to the rectum during emptying. Dill is on the list of these foods, so it is useful for hemorrhoids.

For cholelithiasis.

Although dill in cholelithiasis is recommended to exclude from the diet, some people do not follow this restriction and still add herbs (in small amounts) to their dishes. Specialists forbid to do this, so as not to unnecessarily endanger the health.

Recipes of folk medicine based on dill

When flatulence

1. Dill fruits (1 tbsp.) pour boiling water (1 cup) and let stand for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the drink.
3. Take 20 minutes before a meal half a cup up to 3 times a day.

With pain in the stomach.

1. In a container, pour 1 tsp. dill seeds, pour 1 cup of boiling water. Cover with lid and wrap with plaid.
2. Place the drink in a warm place for a couple of hours.
3. Use half a cup before a meal 3 times a day.

With angina

1. Grind dried seeds (1 tsp.) Pour hot water (300 ml) and infuse for 60 minutes.
2. Take 75-100 ml up to 3 times a day.

From coughs

1. Dill seeds (1 tbsp.) pour boiling water (300 ml).
2. Place on a water bath for 10 minutes.
3. After cooling, strain the drink and add honey (1 tbsp.) and aloe juice (10 ml.).
4. Take 50 ml up to 3 times a day.

To improve lactation

1. Dill seeds (1 tbsp) pour boiling water (1 cup), let stand for about 60 minutes.
2. Strain the decoction.
3. Take 1 tbsp. 30 minutes before a meal up to 5 times a day.

Dill in cosmetology

Dill can be used in the manufacture of scrubs and lotions. Means based on this plant are equally useful for any type of skin. For example, with its help, you can get rid of acne and prevent premature signs of aging. Greens are also useful for the scalp, which directly affects the health and beauty of the hair.

For Face

For oily skin

1. Grind fresh dill (2 tbsp), pour it with 1 cup of boiling water and put on the fire for 10 minutes.
2. After cooling, strain.
3. Use as a cleanser.

For freckles.

1. Grind fresh dill (1 tbsp), parsley (1 tbsp) and mix.
2. Pour a glass of boiling water over the herbs and allow to stand for 3 hours.
3. Strain.
4. Use as a lotion.

Acne Mask

1. Grind fresh dill (1 tbsp), dried flowers of chamomile (1 tbsp) and mix.
2. Pour a glass of boiling water and put on the fire for 10 minutes.
3. After the decoction cools, wipe the skin with it, and use the porridge as a face mask.

For Hair

For oily hair

Ingredients:

• dill - 1 bunch;
• St. John's wort - 2 tablespoons.

How to prepare:

1. Dill, St. John's wort pour boiling water (1 l) and put on a water bath.
2. After cooling, strain.
3. Rinse hair daily, while the product should be left on the hair until it dries completely, without using a hair dryer.

For hair restoration
Ingredients:

• Dill - 1 bunch;
• Honey - 2 tbsp;
• olive oil - 1 tbsp.

How to cook:

1. Place stirred ingredients (do not chop dill) in a water bath to heat.
2. After half an hour, remove the dill.
3. Rub the remaining pulp into the hair and put on a cap.
4. Keep 40 minutes.

For hair loss

1. Mash dill seeds (1 tbsp.) and pour vodka (1 tbsp.).
2. After 30 minutes, add burdock oil (2 tbsp.).
3. Rub the mask into the scalp and wrap it in a bag or wear a special cap.
4. Hold for 60 minutes.
5. Wash your hair with shampoo.

Cooking applications of dill

Dill is used in the preparation of salads, soups, vegetable dishes and omelets. The herbs can also be included in sauces and gravies. Cheeses, cottage cheese and butter have an exquisite flavor with dill.

Dill can be sprinkled on young potatoes and added to boiled beans. Usually the herbs are added to the dish a couple of minutes before cooking.

The stems and leaves are used in canning vegetables. Dill can also be stuffed into pies and added in dried form to breads, muffins, scones and pancakes. The seeds are usually toasted and also included in aromatic vinegars and oils.

Harms and contraindications

1. With excessive consumption of greens can cause dizziness, in some cases there is a temporary decrease in vision.
2. During pregnancy, you should not use dill more than once a week.
3. Dill is contraindicated in hypotension and atony.
4. With too frequent use of herbs, the body can quickly become fatigued, even fainting may occur.
5. Among other things, dill can provoke allergic reactions.

How to Properly Store Dill

For better preservation, dill should be well washed, chopped and dried. Then the herbs should be placed in a clean, dry jar and covered with a lid. Dill can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. You can also use an ordinary bulb for storage. To do this, you need to pick the dill, but do not wash it. Place it in a plastic bag, along with a bulb cut into quarters. Tie the bag and put it in the refrigerator. Every 5 days air it out and change the bulb.

Can I freeze it

Dill can be frozen. To do this, you need to chop the greens and place them in ice molds, then pour water and send it to the freezer. After that, take the cubes out of the molds, put them in a plastic bag and send it to the freezer.

How to dry

Dry the herbs in shredded or whole form. Stems and leaves should be dried separately. Dill first should be sorted, remove the roots and throw away. Greens rinse well in cool water. After that, the plants should be tied in bundles and hung on a rope in a cool room (well ventilated).

Can I give dill to pets?

Dogs can be given dill. The greens can be used as a vitamin supplement to the main food. Cats are also allowed to eat dill, and some recommend giving the pets the herbs almost every day.

How to grow dill on a windowsill

To grow greens on the windowsill, you need to have:

• Dill seeds (the variety must be productive and unpretentious);
• special soil for indoor plants;
• soil;
• a few pots or containers;
• mineral fertilizers;
• several fluorescent lamps.

First you need to prepare the soil, and do it in the fall. Before sowing, mix loose garden soil with store soil. A container should be of suitable size, fill its bottom with a drainage layer. Soak the seeds in warm water. The procedure should last about a day, with oxygen in the water. To ensure this, you can use an aquarium compressor.

The seeding procedure should be carried out in moist soil, and it is not necessary to make holes. They should simply be covered with a mixture of humus and peat (in the proportion of 300 mg per 1 sq. dm). But you can also make centimeter grooves in the soil, water them and place the seeds in them. On top, sprinkle dry soil from the edges of the holes - this will prevent the formation of a dense crust, which will prevent the emergence of seedlings. The container should be covered with cling film (cellophane) and placed in a place without access to light for 7 days (at a temperature of +20°C). After cutting, the stems and leaves do not grow, so every 3 weeks you need to sow a new batch of seeds in a free area.

The plants need light, so the seeds should be placed on a lighted windowsill. During the winter period, the greens should be provided with additional lighting. It will be enough to install the lamps half a meter above the greenery. Turn them on in the evening (for 5 hours). If the dill is in a dark place, it should be illuminated for at least 15 hours.

Rules for the care of greens:

1. Organize regular watering.
2. Feed once every 14 days.
3. The temperature should be about +18°C (in the conditions of a glazed balcony it is allowed to grow at a temperature of up to +8°C),
   Above 20°C the plant will need more light.
4. In the first week after the emergence of seedlings, reduce the room temperature at night.

Interesting facts about dill

1. In the Middle Ages, people hung dill on their front doors. They believed it would help protect the house from witch attacks.
2. In ancient times, dill was used to make various potions.
3. The ancient Greeks used it to make spirits.
4. Greek athletes used dill tonic as a means of improving muscle tone.
5. The ancient Romans gave dill to gladiators. The herb was believed to give strength and stamina.

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