Dill: health benefits and harms

Dill is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the monotypic genus and the Umbrella family. The height of the bush varies between 45–125 cm. Dill has a single, branched stalk; on it are ovate leaves dissected into 3-4 parts. The flowers have yellow petals in the form of umbrellas, their diameter is 2–9 cm, they are composed of umbrella inflorescences, the diameter of which varies from 15–20 cm.

The fruits are ovules. Broadly elliptical or egg-shaped seeds can reach 5 mm in length and 3.5 mm in thickness. Flowering grass occurs in June – July; in July – September, the fruits are already ripening. Wild dill species are common in Asian countries, garden plants - around the world.

The name "dill" comes from the Greek "anethon" and the Latin word "graveolens", which means "strongly smelling". For unknown reasons, many doctors who lived in antiquity believed that with excessive and prolonged use of dill, the brain is damaged. They also believed that grass could cause visual impairment, probably due to medieval witches dill was used as a remedy for evil eye, and was also an ingredient in many love potions.

Dill came to us from southern Europe, Egypt, Asia Minor. It should be noted that in Europe it began to be used as an ingredient in sauces, marinades, pickles and pickles only in the 16-17th centuries. Then there were prejudices about the side effects of this culture. In fact, large dosages of the herb provoke a decrease in blood pressure, which can turn into a swoon or a general breakdown. Ancient healers recommended eating honey or cloves with dill, because they believed that these products eliminate the negative effects of grass.

Types of Dill

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

Here are some early varieties:

1. Redoubt. The plant has a special aroma. The variety is not whimsical and is most often used by gardeners. Harvesting is done a month later. Height - up to 30 cm.
2. Further. The variety easily tolerates temperature changes and pest attacks. The grass has a dark green color with a wax coating effect. Height - up to 25 cm.

Mid-season varieties:

1. Alligator. The plant has a rich aroma and blue-green color. Greens are harvested 45 days after planting; for spices, harvested later - 115 days later. Height - up to one and a half meters.
2. Umbrella. Gathering of herbs is done after 45 days, about 90 days are waiting for the collection of spices. The grass has a bright green color and long leaves. The variety is high-yielding. Height - up to 2 m.

Varieties of late form:

1. Kutuzovsky. The plant has a greenish tint, large leaves and sweeping bushes. Seeds are harvested after 45 days from germination. Height - up to 170 cm.
2. Frost. It has a bluish-green high and fleshy leaves. The bushes are quite thick. The variety is high-yielding, well resistant to low temperatures, has a rich aroma.Height - up to 170 cm.

What is the difference between dill and fennel

Dill with fennel is really very similar: both plants are quite tall, both leaves have a pinnate shape, the flowers of the plants are yellow. Despite all these similarities, after analyzing the detailed description, it will already be possible to easily distinguish one culture from another.

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

Composition and calorie content

100 g of 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 macrocells - calcium, potassium, phosphorus and sodium. It also contains water and trace elements - manganese, copper and zinc.

Useful properties of dill

General benefit

1. Protects the gastric mucosa. Dill has a protective effect on the stomach. It helps to reduce acidity and prevents the formation of ulcers. Terpenes and flavonoids contained in dill fight free radicals and protect the gastric mucosa from damage. Dill also alleviates the condition in case of infection with Helicobacter pylori, an intestinal bacterium that can aggravate gastritis and even lead to stomach cancer. Due to its calming properties, the powder of leaves and stems of dill can also be used to eliminate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, while the drug does not cause any side effects.
2. Reduces labor pains. Due to its analgesic property, dill can also reduce labor pains. This plant is used in some countries to stimulate labor. A study was even conducted on this topic. It turned out that in women who drank tea from dill, childbirth was faster and less painful. In some cases, dill tea may be more effective than oxytocin, the standard drug for inducing labor.
3. Fights free radicals. Dill contains antioxidants, vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin and kempferol, which help the body fight free radicals. Free radicals are substances that are produced in the body through natural metabolic processes, as well as from exposure to environmental toxins. They oxidize cell walls, damage DNA and cellular proteins, which leads to a number of diseases - diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and oncology. Dill has the ability to absorb radicals. Monoterpenes of this greenery activate antioxidant enzymes that affect free radicals and make them inactive. Carvone and anetofuran - substances contained in dill, help to remove toxins from the body, contribute to the formation of the enzyme glutathione S-transferase. This substance is the main detoxifying enzyme. Since glutathione is vital for protecting cells from free radical damage, its elevated levels mean stronger defense against toxins.
4. Helps fight infections. Dill leaves are used to treat giardiasis in children. A plant can be no less effective than a standard antibacterial drug - metronidazole. The antimicrobial properties of dill are due to a substance called furanocoumarin. Essential oils derived from this plant can effectively fight Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella. Essential oil is especially effective in combating thrush.
5. Lowers total cholesterol. Among the many uses of dill, one of the most important is the use to lower cholesterol.In some countries, the leaves of this plant are used as a remedy for hypercholesterolemia. Dill helps reduce triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver, while increasing the overall antioxidant ability of the body. A healthy liver promotes balanced cholesterol levels.
6. Prevents and fights type 2 diabetes. Dill is actively used in Asian traditional medicine, as it helps lower blood glucose levels. It works by increasing the body's antioxidant ability and modifying the 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 grass) daily for 8 weeks had low blood glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. Eating dill regularly can prevent insulin resistance, which often precedes full-blown diabetes.
7. Helps fight depression. Thanks to antioxidant flavonoids and tannins, dill has a calming effect. A plant can help fight depression. Dill extracts in some cases have no less effective effect in the fight against depression than specialized drugs - sertraline and tramadol, while the plant does not have side effects.
8. Facilitates bouts of epilepsy. Dill leaf extract helps to delay epilepsy and reduce the duration of each episode. Terpenoids - carvone and limonene, contained in dill, block mediators that cause seizures. Some studies have shown that dill can also be used as an alternative to standard anticonvulsants.
9. Improves the quality of sleep. Traditionally, in some countries, dill is used as a sedative. Although no studies have been conducted on the effects of dill on sleep, this plant as it was, remains a part of folk remedies for insomnia. In some cultures, dill leaves are placed directly in the pillow for a more restful sleep. In the Netherlands, dill is used in combination with milk, because the union of these products has a calming effect and improves sleep. Also, the dill essential oil produces a calming effect. This product is often consumed with other essential oils - lavender and valerian.
10. Fighting cancer. Dill contains substances that affect cancer cells in such a way that they slow down their division or completely stop it. This prevents the disease from spreading to healthy cells and essentially stops the progression of cancer. Glazovianin A - a compound contained in dill, is involved in the fight against oncology. Studies have shown that cancer slowed significantly in each of the test experiments, and that glazovianin A is exactly the substance that inhibits its spread. Therefore, regular use of dill will help the body prevent cancer, and in case of illness - slow down its course.
11. Protects from insects. Dill has properties that help it scare away various insects. The plant can be used as a tool to help protect the grain from pests, especially from ticks. At the same time, dill is undoubtedly a much safer tool than chemicals that are usually used to protect against pests.
12. Good for oral health. Dill has long been used as a means of refreshing breath. Besides the fact that fresh chopped dill has a pleasant smell, it also kills microbes in the oral cavity.Dill essential oil is a natural disinfectant. The above characteristics neutralize bad breath and contribute to the healing of the oral cavity, protecting the gums and teeth from free radicals and other potentially dangerous substances. Due to its calcium content, dill helps keep your teeth strong and healthy.

For women

Dill is good for women. This plant can be used in case of problems along the female line - dysmenorrhea or painful periods. In one study, a group of women aged 18 to 28 was given 1000 mg of dill seed powder for 5 days. Another group was given 250 mg of mefenamic acid, a common drug for relieving menstrual pain. Due to the presence of tannin and anethole, which relax blood vessels, dill was able to show excellent results. It turned out that the plant has a comparable effect to the drug and helps to suppress pain and discomfort no worse than drugs.

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

For men

Since men are more likely to suffer from heart-related diseases, foods that reduce the risk of these ailments should be present in their standard diet, and dill is just one of them. Also, the plant is also useful in that it has a vasodilating effect, thereby contributing to the increase and restoration of potency. Spice is recommended to be included in your diet not only for those who have already encountered this problem, but also for those who want to avoid it in the future.

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

During pregnancy

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

Every second pregnant woman suffers from toxicosis, which dill can help to cope with. It will relieve nausea and improve appetite. Greens will also help get rid of edema - a problem that pregnant women often face. Dill stimulates the functioning of the kidneys and helps to remove excess fluid from the body.

Despite the fact that the plant contains a large number of useful substances, it can harm the health of a woman and her child. Do not include dill in case of hypotension. In addition, it is important to comply with the consumption rate (up to 1 bunch per day), as well as monitor the purity of the product so that it does not contain toxins or parasites. It is also worth noting that dill stimulates muscle contraction, which can affect the tone of the uterus. Women who suffer from hypertension (especially in the third trimester) should not eat this greens.

When breastfeeding

Dill, along with caraway seeds, fennel and anise, is sometimes used to increase the production of breast milk. Studies have been conducted in which animals were fed with dill leaf and seed extract. According to the results, scientists noted that these additives contributed to the increase in the size of the mammary gland in animals. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you consult a doctor before including this product in your diet, because women who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancers can have a negative effect on dill, upsetting the estrogen balance.

For kids

Young children have a tendency to excessive gas formation, dill will perfectly cope with such a problem. Greens painlessly rid the body of gases and normalizes the intestines.

Dill also contains substances that enhance immunity. It can prevent skin rashes and reduce the likelihood of hives.

You can introduce dill into the children's diet from 8–9 months. By this period, internal organs will already be able to properly perceive greens. It is best to add dill to the soup at the last stage of cooking, this will save a greater number of useful properties. In the first step, a small pinch of chopped greens will be enough. If within a few days after eating the product, the baby’s condition has not worsened, then you can slowly increase consumption to 5 g per day. If the child manifests changes in behavior, digestion is disturbed, then dill should be excluded from the diet, in case of serious problems, immediately consult a specialist. Over time, greens can already be added to the main dishes. When the child turns one and a half years old, he can already be given fresh dill, but not more than 10 g per day.

When losing weight

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

Dill normalizes the nervous system, which will help get rid of the stress caused by starvation. During the period of weight loss should consume fresh or dried herbs. Fresh dill is, of course, preferable. Greens can be added to soups, borscht and salads or make decoctions based on it. The combination of dill with kefir will contribute to the normalization of the digestive tract and speed up the metabolism, which will significantly affect weight.

Dill seeds are also suitable for weight loss, since they contain the whole set of useful properties of the grass itself. Dry seeds are usually poured with boiling water, which is then filtered and consumed a little during the day. In a week you will be able to notice the results of weight loss.

What are the useful seeds of dill

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

• antimicrobial;
• antioxidant;
• anticholesterol;
• antispasmodic, carminative;
• stimulating the production of progesterone;
• anti-cancer;
• antirheumatoid;
• sedatives.

How to make dill seeds

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

Take throughout the day in equal portions (drink the drink is warm, you can add honey).

Many drink this drink in case of stress or overwork.

The benefits of dried dill

The main healing properties of dried dill:

• improves digestion and increases appetite;
• normalizes metabolism;
• relieves constipation and bloating;
• regulates the menstrual cycle;
• restores sleep, nervous system;
• increases lactation;
• reduces blood pressure, dilates blood vessels;
• accelerates the recovery from bronchitis, cough.

Dill oil: properties and applications

Dill oil, like the greens themselves, has a number of useful properties. It helps stimulate appetite, relieves spasms and malfunctions of the digestive system, relieves discomfort and pain in the abdomen, prevents excessive gas formation and fermentation in the intestines. The oil also has pronounced diuretic properties.It helps with violations of the heart and high blood pressure.

Oil is used in the field of cosmetology, as a rule, as a means to care for dry skin. Sometimes it is added to mouth rinses and shaving lotions. The product has a disinfecting effect, so it can be used as a wound healing agent. You can also flavor first courses with oil or use it when preserving vegetables.

Dill in medicine

Based on historical data, dill was actively used in the field of medicine back in the days of Avicenna. Greens were used to increase the production of breast milk, to treat the genitourinary system and intestines, and even as a remedy for hiccups. Today it has already been scientifically proven that dill helps lower blood pressure, protects the body from cancer and normalizes the functioning of the nervous system.

With diabetes

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

Important: the glycemic index of dill is 15 units.

With pancreatitis

In the period of exacerbation of the disease, dill is not recommended. In the phase of persistent remission, it is allowed to eat up to 7 tbsp. greens per day (in several doses). At the same time, dill can be boiled, baked, stewed or eat in kind.

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

With gastritis

Dill for gastritis is allowed. Greens will improve the general condition, minimizes pain and discomfort. However, moderation of consumption should be observed, since the product can increase gastric secretion, which will negatively affect the condition, especially with increased acidity of the stomach.

For the intestines

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

For constipation

Dill can help relieve constipation. Greens help in the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Dill seeds are especially useful, as they are rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron, substances that improve the functioning of the digestive tract and help remove harmful accumulations from the body.

With gout

Dill with gout is forbidden to use, since it has a diuretic effect.

With colitis

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

For the liver

Dill is very beneficial for the liver. Greens are rich in vitamin C, a substance that has a positive effect on the functioning of the liver. Dill helps cleanse the body and normalizes the work of this body. Spice can be used even for liver diseases.

With hemorrhoids

With hemorrhoids, it is recommended to use products that have a laxative effect, since this prevents damage to the rectum during emptying. Dill is included in the list of these products, therefore it is useful for hemorrhoids.

With cholecystitis

Although dill for cholecystitis is recommended to be excluded from the diet, some people do not follow this restriction and still add greens (in small quantities) to their dishes. Experts prohibit this from being done so as not to once again endanger health.

Dill-based traditional medicine recipes

With flatulence

1. Fill dill (1 tbsp) with boiling water (1 cup) and let it brew for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the drink.
3. Take 20 minutes before a meal half a glass up to 3 times a day.

For stomach pain

1. Pour 1 tsp into the container. dill seeds, pour 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and wrap with a blanket.
2. Place the drink in a warm place for a couple of hours.
3. Take half a glass before meals 3 times a day.

With angina pectoris

1. Chopped dry seeds (1 tsp) pour hot water (300 ml) and leave for 60 minutes.
2. Take 75-100 ml up to 3 times a day.

Against cough

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

To improve lactation

1. Dill seeds (1 tablespoon) pour boiling water (1 cup), let it brew for about 60 minutes.
2. Strain the broth.
3. Take 1 tbsp. 30 minutes before meals 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 it you can get rid of blackheads and prevent premature signs of aging. Greens are also beneficial for the scalp, which directly affects the health and beauty of the hairline.

For face

For oily skin

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

From freckles

1. Grind fresh dill (1 tbsp), parsley (1 tbsp) and mix.
2. Pour greens with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 3 hours.
3. Strain.
4. Use as lotion.

Acne mask

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

For hair

For oily hair

Ingredients:

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

How to cook:

1. Dill, hypericum pour boiling water (1 liter) and put in a water bath.
2. After cooling, strain.
3. Rinse hair daily, while the product must be left on the hair until completely dry, without using a hair dryer.

For hair restoration
Ingredients:

• dill - 1 bunch;
• honey - 2 tbsp. l .;
• olive oil - 1 tbsp. l

How to cook:

1. Put mixed ingredients in a water bath (do not chop dill).
2. After half an hour, remove the dill.
3. Rub the remaining gruel into the hair and put on a hat.
4. Hold for 40 minutes.

From hair loss

1. Grind dill seeds (1 tablespoon) and pour vodka (1 tablespoon).
2. After 30 minutes add burdock oil (2 tablespoons).
3. Rub the mask into the scalp and wrap it with a bag or wear a special hat.
4. Hold for 60 minutes.
5. Wash hair with shampoo.

The use of dill in cooking

Dill is used in the preparation of salads, soups, vegetable dishes and omelettes. Greens can also be included in sauces and gravy. The dill gives refined taste to cheeses, cottage cheese and butter.

You can sprinkle dill with young potatoes and add it to boiled beans. Usually greens are added to the dish a couple of minutes before being cooked.

Stems and leaves are used during the preservation of vegetables. You can also stuff pies with dill and add it in dried form to bread, rolls, tortillas and pancakes. Seeds, as a rule, lend themselves to roasting, and also include aromatic vinegar and oil.

Harm and contraindications

1. Excessive consumption of greens may cause dizziness, in some cases there is a temporary decrease in vision.
2. During pregnancy, do not use dill more often than 1 time per week.
3. Dill is contraindicated in case of hypotension and atony.
4. If greens are consumed too often, the body can quickly become tired, fainting may even occur.
5. In addition, dill can provoke allergic reactions.

How to store dill

For better preservation, dill should be thoroughly washed, chopped and dried. Then greens should be placed in a clean, dry jar and covered with a lid. You can store dill in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. You can also use the usual onion for storage. To do this, you need to sort out the dill, but do not wash. Place it in a plastic bag with onion chopped into quarters. Tie a bag and place in the refrigerator. Once every 5 days, it needs to be aired and changed onion.

Is it possible to freeze

Dill can be frozen. To do this, cut the greens and arrange it in ice tins, then fill with water and send to the freezer. After that, remove the cubes from the molds, place them in a plastic bag and send them to the freezer.

How to dry

You can dry the greens in crushed or whole form. Stems and leaves need to be dried separately. First, dill should be sorted out, the roots separated and discarded. Rinse greens well in cool water. After this, the plants need to be bundled and hung on a rope in a cool room (well-ventilated).

Is it possible to give dill to animals

Dogs are allowed to dill. Greens can be used as a vitamin supplement for the main feed. Cats are also allowed to eat dill, some recommend giving their pets greens 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;
• land;
• several pots or containers;
• mineral fertilizers;
• several fluorescent lamps.

First you need to prepare the soil, while doing this in the fall. Before sowing, mix loose garden soil with store soil. The container should be of suitable size, pour a drainage layer on its bottom. 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 sowing procedure should be carried out in moistened soil, while pitting is not necessary. They should simply be sprinkled with a mixture of humus and peat (in a proportion of 300 mg per 1 square dm). But also in the soil you can make centimeter grooves, water them and spread the seeds in them. Sprinkle with dry soil from the edges of the pits - this will prevent the formation of a dense crust, which will prevent the emergence of seedlings. The container should be covered with a film (from cellophane) and placed in a place without light for 7 days (at a temperature of + 20 ° C). After cutting, the stems and leaves do not grow, so every 3 weeks it is necessary to sow a new batch of seeds in the free area.

Plants need lighting, so crops need to be placed on a lighted windowsill. In winter, greenery should be arranged for additional lighting. It will be enough to install the lamp in a half meter above the greenery. You need to turn them on in the evening (5 hours). If dill is in a dark place, then it must be illuminated for at least 15 hours.

Rules for the care of greens:

1. Arrange regular watering.
2. Fertilize to produce 1 time in 14 days.
3. The temperature should be around + 18 ° C (in a glazed balcony it is allowed to grow at temperatures up to + 8 ° C),
   at temperatures above + 20 ° C the plant needs more light.
4. In the first week after emergence at night, reduce the temperature in the room.

Interesting facts about dill

1. In the Middle Ages, people hung dill on the front doors. They believed that this would help protect the house from a witch attack.
2. In ancient times, dill was used to make various potions.
3. The ancient Greeks used this plant for the production of perfumes.
4. Greek athletes used dill tonic as a means of improving muscle tone.
5. The ancient Romans gave dill to gladiators. It was believed that grass gives strength and endurance.

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