Healing Herb of the Week: Dill

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February 26, 2008 Healing Herbs and Oils

Healing Herb of the Week: Dill (Anethum graveolens)

This common ingredient for modern do-it-yourself " picklers " was so historically

valued that the ancient Israelites were required to tithe from their supplies.

The ancient Greeks and Romans also cultivated dill as a kitchen herb. Dill has

been used traditionally as a remedy for cancer and estrogen deficiency, and

research supports dill's 3,000-year use as a digestive aid and ! remedy f or

excessive intestinal gas. Dill-seed oil inhibits the growth of several

bacteria that attach to the digestive tract. As a tea, it soothes the stomach

and intestines and also relieves upper-respiratory ailments. Its oil is so

strongly antibacterial that it inhibits organisms such as anthrax (Bacillus

anthracis). Dill contains various phytochemicals that act as insecticides,

enhance estrogen levels and serve as a uterine relaxant, and fight infection,

bacteria, and insects. Source: A. Duke, Ph.D., Herbs of the Bible: 2,000

Years of Plant Medicine Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1999)