Herbs and medicinal plants rich in various medicinal properties have been used in the treatment of diseases. These herbs and medicinal plants are widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for their medicinal value. One such excellent herb is Dill. This article describes the general information about the health benefits of Dill.
What is Dill?
Dill is a medicinal annual herb. The seeds and leafy tops of this herb are used in seasonal dishes. Dill is a medicinal plant in the Apiaceae family. It is native to Mediterranean countries and Southeastern Europe, currently, the herb is widely cultivated in Europe, India, and North America. Dill herb seeds and oil have carminative properties. Dill herbs can contain several nutrients and compounds that are thought to aid digestion and help reduce excess gas (1). It can also soothe menstrual disorders and boost the immune system. Since it is an anti-inflammatory substance, its compounds can help protect against arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
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Plant description
Dill is a 40-60 cm annual herb that grows up to 100 m tall. Stem faintly hollow and alternate. Flowers white to yellow, small umbels 2-9 cm (1-3+½ inches) in diameter. Seeds 4-5 mm (3/16 inch) long and 1 mm (1/16 inch) thick and curve straight to parallel with a longitudinally ridged surface. It is an annual plant, living only in one extended season.
Nutritional Value per 100g of Dill
| Energy | 180 kJ (43 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Dietary fiber | 2.1 g |
| Fat | 1.1 g |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
Nutritional Value of Vitamins per 100 g of Dill
| Vitamins | Quantity % DV+ |
| Vitamin A | 7717 (154%) IU |
| Thiamine (B1) | 9%0.1 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 25%0.3 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 11% 1.6 mg |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 8% 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 15% 0.2 mg |
| Folate (B9) | 38% 150 μg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0% 0 μg |
| Vitamin C | 102% 85 mg |
Nutritional Value of Minerals per 100 g of Dill
| Minerals | Quantity % DV+ |
| Calcium | 2.1%208 mg |
| Iron | 51%6.6 mg |
| Magnesium | 15% 55 mg |
| Manganese | 62% 1.3 mg |
| Phosphorus | 9% 66 mg |
| Potassium | 16% 738 mg |
| Sodium | 4% 61 mg |
| Zinc | 9% 0.9 mg |
Other Nutritional Value per 100g of Dill
| Other constituents | Quantity |
| Copper 667 | 0.14 mg (7%) |
Scientific Classification of Dill/Anethum Graveolens
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Asterids
- Order: Apiales
- Family: Apiaceae
- Subfamily: Apioideae
- Tribe: Apiaceae
- Genus: Anethum
- Species: A. Graveolens
- Scientific name: Anethum graveolens
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Health Benefits of Dill
1. Can help insomnia
Dill oils found in herbs can have strange and powerful properties. They are considered to have ancient medicinal properties, which can be stimulating, healing, and hypnotic at the same time. The essential oils in this herb are no exception. The flavonoids and vitamin B complexes in its essential oil can activate the secretion of certain enzymes and hormones that are considered to have a calming and hypnotic effect, helping some people sleep better at night.
2. Can help control diabetes
Dill herb is associated with the long-term management of diabetes and insulin levels. Despite the fact that research in this area is somewhat limited, especially in human patients, studies indicate that it may help reduce variations in serum lipids and insulin levels in corticosteroid-induced diabetes. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that laboratory rats with corticosteroid-induced type 2 diabetes could see decreased serum glucose and insulin levels when given dill extract for 22 days.
3. Might help maintain bone health
The calcium content of Dill herbs means that it can contribute to adequate calcium in the body, thus helping you against the important elements in protecting against bone loss and decreased bone mineral density. Osteoporosis affects millions of people each year and calcium, along with other essential minerals, is a major component of proper bone growth and development and the repair of injured bones.
4. May help prevent excess gas
As a well-known carminative, dill can help prevent herbal excessive bloating. Gas builds up, it can actually be a dangerous situation where it puts pressure on the delicate organs in the chest cavity. The carminative properties can help force the gas down through the digestive tract and allow it to leave the body safely.
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5. Prevents bacterial infections
Dill has long been associated with antimicrobial activity. Therefore, frequent use of this herb in the diet can help reduce the incidence of several bacterial infections throughout the body, as well as infections that can lead to open sores on the skin.
6. May help calm hiccups
Straining occurs for a variety of reasons, but chiefly by trapped gasses and their repeated upward movement through the feeding tube. The second cause is certain allergies, hypersensitivity, hyperactivity, and neurological disorders. Dill herbs can help in these situations. As a carminative, it can help expel gasses and reduce gas formation, while as a healing agent, this herb is thought to help relieve pressure caused by allergies, hyperactivity, or nervous disorders.
7. May diminish diarrhea
Diarrhea is mainly caused by two things, indigestion, and bacterial action. Dill can be very helpful in indigestion, as it has good digestive properties. Secondly, the herb may also help because of the monoterpenes and flavonoids in its essential oil, which are germicidal or bactericidal in nature. These can help prevent diarrhea by fighting off microbial infections that try to attack the body.
8. May relieve arthritis pain
Dill has long been known to be an anti-inflammatory herb, meaning it can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Dill has been used medicinally for this reason since ancient times.
9. May stimulate menstruation
Dill stimulates the flavonoids in herbal essential oils and has Amen agog properties, which are thought in folk medicine for stimulating the secretion of certain hormones that can help women maintain proper menstrual cycles.
10. May help treat respiratory disorders
Some other components of flavonoids and monoterpenes in the essential oils of kaempferol and dill may be anti-congestive and antihistaminic in nature. These are supposed to help clear the congestion in the respiratory system caused by histamines, allergies, or coughs.
11. Improves oral health
Dill, the seeds and leaves of the herb can act as a good mouth and breath freshener. Other than that, the essential oils are germicidal, antioxidant, and nature’s disinfectant. Because of these properties, they can help reduce oral bacterial infections and their antioxidants can reduce free radical damage to the gums and teeth.
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Uses of Dill
Dill because of the herb’s stimulating aroma and flavor, the leaves are widely used in European and Asian cooking. Dill is used to make herbal soups, salads, sauces, fish, sandwich fillings, and especially pickles.
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Side effects of Dill
However, Dill has many health benefits, but excessive consumption can cause some allergic reactions including diarrhea, vomiting, oral pruritus, urticaria, and swelling of the tongue and throat. Even applying dill herb leaf juice to the skin can cause some burning and make the skin more sensitive to the skin.
Therefore, Dill should be used in the right amount considering its benefits and harms as excessive use of any product can harm our health. The above is information provided for general information purposes only. It is recommended to consult your doctor before using Dill herbs in the treatment of diseases.
Conclusion
This article must have given you a general introduction to the benefits of the Dill herb. Learn about the benefits, uses, ingredients, harms, and other properties of Dill herb. I hope the information will be useful to you. Thank you!
FAQ
1. What is Dill medicinal useful for?
Ans: Herbs can contain a number of nutrients and compounds that are thought to aid digestion and help reduce excess gas. It can also soothe menstrual disorders and boost the immune system.
2. Dill is native to which place?
Ans: Dill is native to Mediterranean countries and Southeastern Europe, and is now widely cultivated in Europe, India, and North America.
3. Dill is a medicinal plant belonging to which family?
Ans: Dill is a plant belonging to the medicinal family Apiaceae.
4. What is the scientific name of the herb Dill?
Ans: The scientific name of Dill herb is Anethum graveolens.
5. Is it good to eat raw Dill?
Ans: Dill is a good source of various essential minerals and vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese. Eating raw or fresh dill is good for the immune system and it is also low in calories, yet helps you to maintain good health.