- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (west and central), Europe (southeast)
Asia · Herb · № 215
Anethum graveolens
Herb · Asia
Dill
Anethum graveolens
Traditionally attributed effects: carminative.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Natural skin and hair care: Always dilute essential oil.
Preparation
Seeds.
Use in traditions
Described in herbal medicine (Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic), natural skin and hair care and home, kitchen and folk custom. In herbal magic associated with abundance, protects the home, prevents jealousy, makes sexually attractive. Dill was already used in ancient Egypt and is an indispensable herb with fish and gherkins in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Dill water (gripe water) was given to babies with colic in England. In Ayurveda dill seed is called shatapushpa, in Unani medicine shibt.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Carminative.
Preparation and amount
Seeds.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Fresh, spicy scent. Always dilute the essential oil.
Preparation and amount
External: a few drops of dill oil as a scent in lotion and powder (see the recipes).
Caution: Always dilute essential oil.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Abundance, protects the home, prevents jealousy, makes sexually attractive, success in job interviews, luck, calm, prosperity, lust, protection, love, attraction, money, strength, easier sleep, mental powers, weight loss.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with protecting home and child, and with love.
Preparation and amount
The name may come from the Old Norse dilla, 'to lull': dill water was given to crying babies with colic. In medieval Europe dill was thought to protect against witchcraft and was hung above the door or the cradle. In Scandinavia and Eastern Europe dill is a staple kitchen herb.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Attributed effects
For heartburn, stomach complaints and wind (in a digestive tea).
Preparation and amount
Seed and leaf; digestive tea; herb bread.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Powder and kitchen
- Recipes
- Basic lotionBody powder