He dill or annet (Anethum graveolens L.) is one of the great aromatic and condiment plants that we can count on to give a pleasant flavor to our recipes. It is also known as false fennel or fetid fenneldue to its great similarity with this plant, with which it is closely related, since both are umbelliferous. has a somewhat aniseed fragrancebut less intense than fennel, perhaps sweeter.

The plant measures up to 120 cm highwith leaves divided into linear segments, flowers grouped in large or medium umbels, up to 20 cm in diameter, with unequal radii. The petite ones flowers are yellowishvery similar to those of fennel, and its fruits are elliptical, laterally compressed, very aromatic. It blooms from the month of April, depending on the latitude.

Dill is native to Western Asiamainly Türkiye and the area of ​​Persia, but it has been naturalized in the European Mediterranean since ancient times. In the Iberian Peninsula we find it spontaneous in the mediterranean coast and is grown in fields, orchards and medicinal nurseries.

Dill properties

The fruits (which contain the seeds inside) and the young leaves are harvested from dill. Its properties are largely due to its richness in essential oilwhich contains limonene, carvone, eugenol, anethole and caryophyllene. It also contains myristicin, phenolic acids such as caffeic and chlorogenic, phytosterols, flavonoids (kenferol), coumarins (esculetin, umbelliferone), tannins and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Dill is also rich in mineral salts.especially iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and potassium. Also contribute vitamin C and vitamin Ain addition to folic acid.

Among the properties of dill, the following stand out:

• Digestive properties
• Carminative properties.
• Antispasmodic properties.
• Antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• Galactogenic properties.
• Diuretic properties.
• Antioxidant properties.

What is dill used for?

Dill is, above all, a plant of powerful digestive propertiesuseful to promote a good digestion and for relieve gastrointestinal spasms and stomach heaviness.

Like other herbs of its lineage, dill is also used to fight gasesthe abdominal swelling and flatulence.

Along with these benefits, the following are attributed:

to relieve reflux

Among the benefits of dill for digestion, it is worth highlighting its protective action against gastroesophageal reflux.

He gastroesophageal refluxwhich manifests itself with a feeling of heartburn, a bad taste in the mouth and, sometimes, heartburn, is a very common and annoying digestive condition, which can affect more than 20% of the Spanish population, whether occasionally or chronically.

As natural remedy for relieve gastroesophageal refluxherbalists will surely recommend various very effective plants, such as licorice, mint and also dill.

Dill develops a clear anti-inflammatory and restorative action on the digestive mucous membranesproviding progressive relief. Various clinical laboratory studies have been carried out that support its effectiveness.

To fight infections

Dill extracts have been tested in clinical analyzes for their antibacterial activity for the treatment of gastric infections due to S. aureus, E.coli and Salmonella and other bacterial strains, with promising results.

for diarrhea and colic in children

Remedies with dill have been used to relieve colic and diarrhea in children of young age.

It is also attributed a slight galactogenic action, due to its supposed ability to increase breast milk productionbut there is no scientific evidence to confirm it.

for the bones

For your calcium richnessdill, whether as a cooking seasoning or medicinal remedy, can promote bone health and help slow the onset of osteoporosis in the future.

for skin and muscles

Dill is applied externally in the form of washes or compresses to wash or disinfect skin woundson non-serious scalds and burns, sores and skin ulcers, but also on insect bites.

He dill essential oil has been used as insect repellentapplied with the help of a diffuser or spray, or using fresh herb.

Topicallydill essential oil applied as scrubs or massages and combined with vegetable oil such as almond oil serves to calm muscle tensioncervical pain, cramps and back pain.

And finally, dill, as a diuretic plant, is indicated for increase urine output and to avoid or reduce fluid retention.

How do you take dill?

It is taken in infusion of the fruitsbetter if you combine it with other herbs with similar effects. Two cups daily.

In herbalists and pharmacies you can find various products with dill in capsule form to treat digestive problems, including gastroesophageal reflux.

He dill essential oil It is applied externally in massage or scrubbing on cramps, muscle pain and to calm the nerves. It is a highly valued remedy in aromatherapy.

dill contraindications

It is not prudent to take the essential oil internally, especially during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and by children under 12 years of age.

It should also not be taken in case of gastroduodenal ulcer, Crohn’s disease and other neurological conditions.

Use in the kitchen

The fresh dill leaves can be incorporated as flavorings in a wide variety of dishes such as salads, rice, breads and smoked foods. It is a classic ingredient of Iranian, Thai and Chinese cuisine, but it is also common in Scandinavian cuisine and French cuisine.

It is used to decorate crepespuff pastry cakes, canapés, various breads and pastries, and to flavor pickles and vegetables.

Many sauces are also made with its leaves, sometimes associated with mustard, beaten cucumber, vegan yogurt or similar.

You can even use its essential oil in cooking.

Examples of dishes with dill are:

• Cucumber salad with dill
• Apple and pineapple salad with dill (or other fruit salads)
• Endive salad with dill
• German potato salad with dill
• Zucchini fritters with dill sauce
• Beetroot pie with dill
• Greek tzatziki with mint and dill
• Carrot cake with dill
• Spaghetti with dill sauce