Dorothy FarrarDill
Dill (cucumber herb) is a medicinal and spice plant that was already used 3000 years before Christ . The plant found its way to Europe through Roman legionnaires. Dill is used as a spice in many kitchens. In addition, the plant can be used for various health problems.
Here’s what you should know about dill
Dill is a plant native to the Near East that belongs to the umbelliferae genus. The annual plant can reach a height of one meter and thrives from June to September. Nowadays dill is cultivated all over Europe and also in South and North American countries. Dill prefers sunny growing areas as well as moist and loose soil.
Dill is also called cucumber herb. The plant has been used as a medicinal and spice plant since 3000 years before Christ. It can be assumed that Roman legionnaires brought the plant to Europe. The plant is a herbaceous plant with a green color and characterized by yellow calyxes.
Basically, the plant can be divided into three types. In addition to garden dill, Indian dill and field dill are known. The name dill can be derived from the Nordic word “dilla”. “Dilla” means something like “calm down”. The plant parts flowers and seeds can be used for seasoning and also for medicinal purposes.
importance to health
Dill has long been used as a medicinal plant. The ancient Egyptians were already aware of the positive health effects of the plant. The plant was also used in ancient Rome to prevent wounds. Gladiators wet their skin with dill oil before a fight to gain resistance.
Dill has an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect. Dried dill fruits, as well as the fresh plant, can be used for medicinal purposes. Similar to fennel , the plant has a digestive effect. Consuming the plant can provide relief for complaints of the gastrointestinal tract such as a feeling of fullness and flatulence .
Furthermore, the cucumber herb has a milk and diuretic effect. A sitz bath with dill is ideal for menstrual cramps. The plant can also help with a variety of problems such as loss of appetite , hemorrhoids and cramps . Dill has a calming effect and can be used for insomnia .
Ingredients & nutritional values
Constituents of the spice and medicinal plant dill are essential oils such as carvone and limonene. It also contains minerals such as sodium , calcium and potassium . The plant also provides sulfur and vitamin C. Being a plant-based food, dill is cholesterol -free .
intolerances
An intolerance manifests itself in the human organism overreacting to a certain substance. This reaction is characterized, among other things, by non-specific symptoms such as skin rashes , a runny nose , a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen, nausea and even shortness of breath .
Dill belongs to the umbelliferous family. This group includes many other spices such as fennel, aniseed , caraway , lovage , cumin and chervil . Vegetables such as parsnips and carrots are also included in this group.
If you have an intolerance to dill, you should also avoid eating the spices and vegetables listed above to prevent an allergic reaction.
Shopping and kitchen tips
Dill is available in different forms in every supermarket. In addition to fresh dill, dried and deep-frozen versions are also available. Wrapped in cling film, fresh dill will keep for two to three weeks. If not all of the dill is used, the spice plant can be frozen.
Dill can also thrive in European latitudes on balconies, patios and gardens. Dill prefers loose, moist soil and can be sown from April. It is important that 25-30 centimeters of space is left between the individual plants.
When raising the plant on the balcony or terrace, care should be taken to use a relatively deep bucket. This is important to give the plant roots enough space. It can be harvested from June to September. Dill is available all year round.
Preparation tips
Dill is traditionally used as an herb, especially in Scandinavian and Baltic countries. The taste of the plant is similar to caraway and anise. First and foremost, dill can be used as a spice for salads, sauces and other hearty dishes. Herbal vinegar can also be made from the plant.
It is a good idea to make a tea from the flowers and seeds. Doused with heated white wine, delicious dill wine can be made from the plant. Dill is also well known for pickling cucumbers. It refines milk dishes such as yoghurt and quark and is also well suited for spreads.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.