benefits of dill seeds
Dill
1
. Dill or sowa is used in Ayurveda as a medicine for various diseases such as bronchitis ulcers spermatorrhoea cardiac disability fever gleet and syphilis. Dill or sowa is a small annual plant with smooth and fine leaves. The flowers are small yellow with elliptic and flat fruits. The plant is used in Ayurveda for various ailments such as digestive disorders diarrhoea dysentery respiratory disorders menstrual disorders and inflammation.
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Habitat
2
. Dill or Sowa is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region but it also grows in regions such as India North Africa and in many tropical countries in the world. In India it is cultivated in many states ranging from Punjab Uttar Pradesh Gujarat and Maharashtra to Assam and West Bengal.
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Chemical constituents
3
. Investigations into the chemical composition of biochemicals present in Dill revealed the presence of A pinene A thujene o cymene B phellandrene limonene terpinolene undecane dill ether camphenol lilac alcohol B dihydroumbellulone myristicin apiol A selinene and phytol.
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Anti microbial properties
4
. The extracts from dill or sowa were tested for their anti microbial properties on a wide range from bacteria and fungi. Sowa extracts were able to control the growth of bacteria and fungi to a significant extent.
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Digestive disorders
5
. Eating dill on a regular basis can keep your digestive system healthy. Ayurveda prescribes dill for digestive disorders in children as well as in adults. The essential oil obtained from the seeds can help in reducing hyperacidity flatulence and indigestion.
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Diarrhoea and dysentery
6
. Dill seeds in dysentery and/or diarrhoea could reduce their effects. A teaspoon of dill seeds saut
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Respiratory disorders
7
. Dill or sowa is very effective in controlling respiratory disorders such as cold influenza bronchitis and asthma. The seeds can be mixed with honey and taken thrice on a daily basis.
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Increases breast milk quantity
8
. According to Ayurveda dill is good for increasing breast milk in nourishing mothers. It is also useful in preventing early ovulation and thereby acts as a good contraceptive.
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Menstrual problems
9
. A clinical trial on dill administration gave positive results in patients with oligomenorrhoea and other related diseases. Dill administration resulted in increased haemoglobin and subsequent reduction in oligomenorrhoea.
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Protection Against Free Radicals and Carcinogens
10
. The monoterpene components of dill have been shown to activate the enzyme glutathione S transferase which helps attach the anti oxidant molecule glutathione to oxidized molecules that would otherwise do damage in the body. The activity of dill's volatile oils qualify it as a chemoprotective food (much like parsley) that can help neutralize particular types of carcinogens such as the benzopyrenes that are part of cigarette smoke charcoal gril
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An Anti Bacterial Spice
11
. The total volatile oil portion of dill has also been studied for its ability to prevent bacterial overgrowth. In this respect dill shares the stage with garlic which has also been shown to have bacteriostatic or bacteria regulating effects.
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A Flavorful Way to Help Prevent Bone Loss
12
. Dill as a very good source of calcium. Calcium is important for reducing the bone loss that occurs after menopause and in some conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Our food ranking system also qualified dill as a good source of dietary fiber and a good source of the minerals manganese iron and magnesium.
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Unique plant
13
. Dill is a unique plant in that both its leaves and seeds are used as a seasoning. Dill's green leaves are wispy and fernlike and have a soft sweet taste. Dried dill seeds are light brown in color and oval in shape featuring one flat side and one convex ridged side. The seeds are similar in taste to caraway featuring a flavor that is aromatic sweet and citrusy but also slightly bitter.
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History
14
. The curative properties of dill have been honored throughout history. The Conqueror Charlemagne even made it available on his banquet tables so his guests who indulged too much could benefit from its carminative properties. Today dill is a noted herb in the cuisines of Scandinavia Central Europe North Africa and the Russian Federation.
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Select and Store
15
. Fresh dill should always be stored in the refrigerator either wrapped in a damp paper towel or with its stems placed in a container of water. Since it is very fragile even if stored properly dill will only keep fresh for about two days. Dill can be frozen either whole or chopped in airtight containers. Alternatively you can freeze the dill leaves in ice cube trays covered with water or stock that can be added when preparing soups or stews.
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How to Enjoy
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. Combine dill weed with plain yogurt and chopped cucumber for a delicious cooling dip. You can Use dill when cooking fish especially salmon and trout as the flavors complement one another very well.
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Individual Concerns
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. Dill is not a commonly allergenic food and is not known to contain measurable amounts of oxalates or purines.
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Nutritional Profile
18
. Dill contains two unique types of healing components: monoterpenes including carvone limonene and anethofuran; and flavonoids including kaempferol and vicenin.
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In Depth Nutritional Profile
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. In depth nutritional profile for Dill is also available. This profile includes information on a full array of nutrients including carbohydrates sugar soluble and insoluble fiber sodium vitamins minerals fatty acids amino acids and more.
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Digestion
20
. Dill itself is an appetizer and therefore extensively used in culinary applications. The essential oils present in dill are stimulating and they activate the secretion of bile and digestive juices. These oils also stimulate peristaltic motion of the intestine easing the passage of bowel movements and relieving constipation.
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Insomnia
21
. The essential oils found in herbs have peculiar and powerful properties. They are simultaneously stimulating sedative and hypnotic that is they stimulate as well as pacify. The essential oils in dill are no exception. The flavonoids and vitamin B complex present in its essential oils since they are stimulating in nature activate the secretion of certain enzymes and hormones which have calming and hypnotic effects thereby helping people get
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Bone Health
22
. The calcium content of dill means that it is an important element in protecting you from bone loss and the loss of bone mineral density. Osteoporosis affects millions of people each year and calcium along with other essential minerals are a key component in the proper growth and development of bones and the repair of injured bones as well.
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Diabetes
23
. Dill has long been associated with diabetes and the management of insulin levels. Despite the fact that research is somewhat limited in this area particularly on human subjects studies have indicated that they can help reduce the fluctuations of serum lipids and insulin levels in corticosteroid induced diabetes.
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Excess Gas
24
. Dill can help prevent the embarrassing condition of excessive gas. It is not only an uncomfortable condition to experience in public but if gas continues to build up it can actually be a dangerous situation where it presses on the delicate organs of the chest cavity. A carminative forces gas downward through the digestive tract and allows it to leave the body in a safe way.
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Arthritis
25
. Dill has long been known as an anti inflammatory herb
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Immune System
26
. Dill has long been associate with antimicrobial activity and it has been shown to prevent a number of microbial infections throughout the body both those in various organs and those potential infections that land in wounds or small cuts on the skin.
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Hiccups
27
. Hiccups occur for various reasons but primarily they occur due to trapped gas and repeated upward movement of gases through the food pipe. The second cause is due to certain allergies hypersensitivity hyperactivity and nervous malfunctioning. Dill can actually help in all of these situations. As a carminative dill helps the expulsion of gases and also reduces gas formation while as a sedative dill helps to calm down hiccups due to allergies
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Diarrhea
28
. In terms of indigestion dill can be quite helpful as it has very good digestive properties. Secondly dill can help due to the monoterpenes and flavonoids present in its essential oils which are germicidal or bactericidal in nature. They can help cure diarrhea by inhibiting microbial infections that try to attack the body.
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Dysentery
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. Dysentery is primarily caused due to fungal infections. For this condition as well dill can help since its essential oils are disinfectant in nature and help to inhibit fungal infections effectively.
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Oral Care
30
. Dill seeds and leaves are very good mouth and breath fresheners. Apart from that the essential oils in it are germicidal antioxidant and disinfectant in nature. Due to these properties they help end microbial infections in the mouth and their antioxidants minimize the damage caused to gums and teeth by free radicals.
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Cancer
31
. The other antioxidants in the essential oils of dill also contribute to this cancer protection that people enjoy from adding dill to their diet.
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Other Benefits
32
. Dill is a relaxant increases strength and increases urination to help in the removal of toxins excess salts and water from the body. Furthermore it is a carminative (helps remove excess gas) antispasmodic (prevents cramps) and an antiflatulent substance. It stimulates lactation (galactagogue) and endocrinal secretions enhances the libido due to the presence of Arginine and last but not the least it ensures bone and dental health since it
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Dill or dill weed
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. Dill or dill weed belongs to the same family as parsley bay leaf and cumin. It originated from the Mediterranean region and has been used to flavor foods and to treat various ailments since ancient times. Dill contains substantial amounts of iron manganese and calcium. It also contains flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants with anti viral and anti inflammatory properties.
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Information and Facts
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. The fresh or dried leaves seed and upper stem of dill are used for various medicinal purposes.The flowers of the dill plant comprise of several rayed umbels and the petals are curved inwards at the tip. Dill is used to treat digestive issues respiratory conditions liver problems gall bladder disorders kidney disease and urinary tract diseases. It may also be used to alleviate menstrual problems infections fevers and sleep disorders.
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Dill Seeds
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. The seeds also contain substantial amounts of calcium and regular intake of dill seeds may help to boost bone strength and prevent osteoporosis. Dill seeds are rich in flavonoids and oils such as carvone and limonene which are known for their medicinal properties & Dill seeds are rich in flavonoids and oils such as carvone and limonene which are known for their medicinal properties.
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Dill Oil
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. Dill oil has disinfectant properties and may be added to foods to protect them from infections. The oil when consumed through food helps to relieve infections in the urinary tract kidneys digestive tract and genitals. It can also be applied topically to treat skin infections and wounds. It may be used on the scalp to get rid of lice and other infectious problems. Dill essential oil acts like a mild sedative and has a calming effect on the brain
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Dill Leaves
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. One of the most important nutrition benefits of dill leaves is its positive effect on blood sugar levels. Dill contains eugenol an essential oil which is known to lower blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. Dill leaves help to promote menstrual flow. You can prepare a decoction of fresh dill leaves combine with a small amount of parsley juice and drink daily & Dill leaves may be used to treat boils. Prepare a paste of fresh dill leav
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Dill Pickles
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. Dill pickles are low in calories and hence ideal in weight loss diets. There are only 5 calories and no fat at all in 28grams of dill pickles. However they may contain large amounts of sodium. The cucumbers which are used to make dill pickles contain vitamin C and other nutrients which are beneficial for the skin. Vitamin C also strengthens the immune system and improves healing of wounds.
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Dill For Babies
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. Dill contains certain compounds which help to fight bacteria in the digestive tract and have a relaxing effect on the muscles of the gastrointestinal system. For this reason dill was used as a remedy for baby colic as early as the mid 19th century. Today dill is used along with other beneficial herbs such as ginger and chamomile to relieve digestive problems in infants. Some herbalists also recommend dill tea and seeds for babies.
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Provides zinc iron vitamin A and vitamin C
40
. Fresh dill provides zinc iron vitamin A and vitamin C which are all beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. Zinc helps to ensure proper release of prolactin the hormone which regulates milk production in the breasts. A healthy iron intake is necessary after pregnancy because of the blood loss and flow of nutrients to the developing baby. Vitamin A aids in body repair while vitamin C helps to maintain good health of the skin. Both these functions
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Side Effects Of Dill
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. Dill is not known to cause any adverse effects on health when used in proper doses. Contact with the juice of freshly harvested dill plant may lead to photodermatosis in some cases.
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Dill benefits anti microbial activities
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. Dill contains some chemicals which exhibit antimycobacterial activities the chemicals include oxypeucedanin oxypeucedanin hydrate and falcarindiol. Its essential oil shows activities against some Gram positive and negative bacteria as well as fungi.
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Dill benefits anti oxidant activities
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. The antioxidant activity of the aqueous extracts of dill is comparable with ascorbic acid alpha tocopherol and quercetin in in vitro systems.
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Dill benefits cholesterol lowering effects
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. Serum triacylglycerides and total cholesterol levels in rats with hyperlipidaemia induced by diet were determined after oral adminstration of a water extract of Anethum graveolens leaves before and after the extraction of the furocoumarin content of the leaves.
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Gastric protection
45
. Iran researchers claimed that dill seed extracts have significant mucosal protective and antisecretory effects of the gastric mucosa in mice. They first induced gastric mucosal lesions by oral administration of hydrochloric acid and absolute ethanol. They found high dose of dill seed extract reduced the acidity and total acid content.
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Anti microbial effects
46
. The essential oil produced from the seed of dill is found to be effective against vulvovaginal candidiasis in immunosuppressed mice.
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Dill Tea Benefits
47
. To make dill tea one infuses 2 teaspoons of mashed dill seeds in 1 cup of boiling water and wait for 10 minutes. Dill tea benefits have also claimed over the internet. As same dill essential oil there are limited reports about the health benefits of dill tea.
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Free Radical Protection
48
. Fruits and vegetables with bright colors contain properties that protect the body from free radicals. Dill is green in color and it can activate processes in the body which seek out and eliminate free radicals. This free radical elimination is effective in preventing heart disease cancer and many other ailments.
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Headache Help
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. Dill has been used as a headache remedy since ancient times. Use the same method for treating hiccups place fresh dill into boiling water strain it and then drink the resulting tea to reduce the pain of a headache or drink dill pickle juice for a faster option.
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Calming Effect
50
. The essential oils in dill may have a calming effect on the body. It is sometimes used along with chamomile in order to promote calmness and relaxation.
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Sleep Aid
51
. The calming effect of dill may also help fight insomnia. In fact dill has been used since ancient times as a remedy for insomnia. Dill was consumed in water or the seeds were chewed for their calming effect. Some cultures placed dill leaves over the eyes to aid sleep.
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How to Select
52
. Choose the uniform and aromatic packets of suva dana. Purchase small packets to retain the aroma for long time. It is very easily available in the grocery.
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Culinary Uses
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. Dill Seed is good sprinkled over casseroles before baking and used in salad dressings.These can be used in breads stews rices root vegetable dishes and most notably the making of pickles. These seed heads when combined with vinegars garlic sugar salt and pepper produce the dilled pickles that have that wonderfully puckery quality.
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Medicinal goodness
54
. Dill is packed full of medicinal goodness. Dill supports mucosa reduces excess stomach acid calms intestinal spasms reduces cholesterol fights bacterial infection and even stimulates lactation to name a few benefits. This make dill a great place to turn for first response home remedies.
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Basics
55
. Dill weed refers to fresh or dried leaves from the dill plant. It shouldn t be confused with dill seeds which come from the flowers and are primarily used for pickling. Dill weed and dill seed contain different oils that give each a slightly different flavor. Dill weed contains fiber calcium magnesium potassium and B vitamins.
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Vitamin A
56
. Vitamin A also has a direct role in the immune system where it helps produce cells that control the immune response and destroy viruses and bacteria. One tablespoon of fresh dill weed has 43 international units or about 1 percent of men's and 2 percent of women's recommended daily intake of vitamin A.
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Vitamin C
57
. Vitamin C keeps skin strong by producing collagen. It s also a normal component of skin where it helps prevent damage from sunlight. You ll get 0.5 milligram of vitamin C from 1 tablespoon of fresh dill weed. Men need 90 milligrams and women should get 75 milligrams daily.
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Flavonoids
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. Flavonoids are a group of substances produced by plants that function as antioxidants. Dill weed contains four flavonoids including quercetin which continues to be studied for its potential health benefits. One tablespoon of fresh dill weed provides 1 milligram of quercetin about the same amount you would get from one half cup of sweet green peppers. Quercetin prevents inflammation and may also reduce the risk of cancer.
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Serving Tips
59
. When you re cooking with fresh dill discard the stems use only the leaves and add them toward the end of cooking because heat diminishes dill's flavor. Mix dill weed with plain yogurt and use it as a dressing for carrots cucumbers or peas. Toss fresh dill with cooked potatoes and roasted vegetables. A pesto made with dill weed olive oil garlic walnuts and Parmesan cheese is a topping that you can use with fish and chicken.
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Heartburn
60
. Dill has been known to stimulate the lining of the esophagus and assist with removal of acid that normally causes the burning associated with heartburn. It does not actually rid the tube of the stomach acid that comes up but rather invigorates the muscles to work a bit harder to ingest the agitating acid back into the stomach.
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Stomach Ailments
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. Dill is well known for containing an immense amount of dietary fiber and certain flavonoids that have bactericidal tendencies. Combine this with Dill also being a key source of minerals such as magnesium and you have an herb that can naturally assist you with the pain and discomfort that comes with stomach ailments and diarrhea.
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Bone or Teeth Enhancements
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. Growing up in today s society we have always been told to drink milk to build stronger bones and have healthier teeth. This consumption of milk revolves around the amount of calcium found within it. Dill also contains high amounts of calcium and is therefore considered a fantastic herbal supplement for helping strengthen the durability of bones in the human body.
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Cold or Flu Remedies
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. Everyone has had symptoms of the common cold such as a runny nose or a productive cough. Dill plays a strong part in the herbal community as being a supplement added to most cold remedies to assist in reducing the amount of time a cold lingers within the body.
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Dietary Uses
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. Dill provides pungent flavor to pickles and is a staple seasoning in Greek Scandinavian and German foods. Sprinkle fresh dill leaves over fish or poultry stir into potato or chopped vegetable salads or add to casseroles soups and stews. Use dill seeds to flavor cheeses salad dressings and breads. For a refreshing dill infused dip combine sour cream or low fat plain yogurt with grated cucumber dill and lemon juice to taste.
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Antimicrobial
65
. Dill has been investigated for its various antimicrobial effects including one study published in the Journal of Food Science in 2006 that showed the essential oil of dill weed was effective against several bacteria strains completely inhibiting the growth of Fusarium graminearum as well as being toxic to five other bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus. Another study at the University of Vienna found that dill extracts taken from seeds
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Protection Against Free Radicals
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. Dill contains monoterpene effects which ultimately help anti oxidant molecules attach to oxidized molecules that would otherwise do damage in the body. These effects were confirmed in a multinational study published in the Journal of Food Science in 2006 as well as research at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences two years earlier showing that the antioxidant activity of dill is comparable to ascorbic acid alpha tocopherol and quercetin
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Unique perennial herbal plant
67
. Dill weed is a really unique perennial herbal plant that we grow at Home Farm Herbery not only for its leaves but also for its seeds since both are used as a seasoning and then of course we also let some go to seed to share it with our on line store friends. Dill is a member of the Umbelliferae family a large group of flowering herbs and spices which include caraway parsley cumin fennel etc.
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Easy to grow
68
. Dill is easy to grow and though we have gotten away from kitchen gardens one can easily grow a pot of it on their patio as long as it is in a sunny location and just remember to water it once in awhile.
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Dill can fight dysentery
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. Dill can fight dysentery due to essential oils which can successfully disinfect and suppress infectious foci.
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The fight against respiratory diseases
70
. It is also in the competence of dill.
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Help with sore eyes
71
. A dill compress can help with sore eyes.
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Used to refresh your mouth
73
. The seeds and leaves of dill are used to refresh your mouth due to the presence of essential oils. Aromatic substances possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The essential oils in dill fight microbes in the mouth as well as damage to the gums and the teeth caused by free radical compounds.
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Reducing the levels of blood sugar
74
. This essential oil is also helpful in reducing the levels of blood sugar thus making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes. The leaves and seeds of the herb contain essential oils like dillapiol d carvone limonene eugenol myristicin and terpinene.
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Rich in vitamins
75
. The oil extracted from the seeds of the herb has carminative anti spasmodic disinfectant digestive sedative and galactogogue properties . Apart from that these seeds are rich in vitamins such as riboflavin folic acid beta carotene vitamin A niacin and vitamin C which are all essential for the body's metabolism.
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Copper
76
. Copper is known as the cofactor for various enzymes like superoxide dismutase and cytochrome c oxidase. Zinc is another cofactor of enzymes which is helpful in regulating development and growth digestion nucleic synthesis and sperm generation.
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Potassium
77
. Potassium is another essential mineral that can be obtained from dill which is essential for the components of the body such as body fluids and cells as well as in controlling blood pressure and heart rate.
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Manganese
78
. Manganese on the other hand can be used by the body as a co factor for superoxide dismutase which is an antioxidant enzyme.
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Release sweet and peppery flavor
79
. Good quality seeds release sweet and peppery flavor especially when rubbed between the thumb and the index fingers.
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Stored inside the refrigerator
80
. The herb should also be used immediately as it could easily lose its nutrients and flavors when kept for a long period of time.
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USES
81
. Gripe water is often made of the fresh herb and given to babies and children for colic or other digestive disorders but the dill oil should not be used for this purpose as it is too powerful. It eases the mind calms headaches and helps with excess sweating due to nervous tension. It can also stimulate milk flow in nursing mothers while promoting the healing of wounds. It is used as a burner and vaporizer. It is used in massage oil. When blen
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Etymology
82
. The name dill comes from Old English dile a West Germanic word of unknown origin the plant having the carminative property of relieving gas
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Planting and Care
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. Common dill grows to a height of about 3 feet; bouquet dill is a smaller variety that generally produces fewer blossoms and seeds. Dill produces a strong taproot like its cousin the carrot and so does poorly when transplanted. Instead sow seed right in the garden. Plants thrive in rich loose soil and full sun location.
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Climate and Growing Conditions
84
. Dill will grow best in a sunny spot with some shelter from the wind. You may also want to factor for companion planting considerations when picking the location for your dill patch. For more information on growing dill using companion gardening.
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Preparing the Garden Soil
85
. Growing Dill is normally successful in common garden soil. For optimal growing conditions the soil needs to be deeply dug however. This herb has long roots that need plenty of room to grow. The deeper the root can grow the better your dill patch will be able to survive wind and storms. Mix compost and bonemeal into to your herb patch a few weeks before planting.
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How to Grow Dill Watering
86
. Periodic waterings should be enough unless you're experiencing a dry spell (in which case water frequently). As this plant has deep roots deep watering with a drip/irrigation system is best.
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Disease or Insects
87
. Dill is susceptible to powdery mildew. Aphids can be a problem at the time dill starts to flower and the seeds ripen. Dill often attracts more beneficial insects than it has problems with insects. Dill attracts bees butterflies wasps lady beetles lacewings hoverflies tachinid flies and parsley worms. Parsley worms a tiny bright green caterpillar with black stripes is the larva of swallowtail butterflies so make sure to leave them on the
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self seeding plant
88
. Dill is an annual self seeding plant with feathery green leaves. It is used most commonly in soups stews and for pickling. Dill is easy to grow and attracts beneficial insects to your garden such as wasps and other predatory insects.
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Pests
89
. Leaf spot and occasionally a few other types of fungal leaf and root diseases. In order to ensure a season long fresh supply of dill continue sowing seeds every few weeks. For an extended harvest do not allow flowers to grow on the plants.
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Productivity
90
. Short rows 2 to 3 feetlong planted regularly will supply sufficient quantities of dill for daily use storage and seed production.
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Balanced in fats and proteins
91
. Dill is high in Vitamin A & C has some calcium and iron present and is low in calories and balanced in carbohydrates fats and proteins.
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Weeds
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. Control weeds when plants are small. Dill can become weedy as it self seeds regularly.
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Season fish
93
. Use fresh dill in marinating fish or lay sprigs of fresh dill on fish when you are baking or poaching it. Chopped fresh dill can be added to sauces for fish.
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Make hot cabbage salad
94
. Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh dill leaves to your favorite hot cabbage salad recipe & Make a cucumber sauce or vegetable dip by adding fresh chopped dill leaves to salad dressing cream cheese or sour cream.
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Use a food processor
95
. Use a food processor or food chopper if you have one. Add dill seed to your dish according to the directions in the recipe.
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Store the dill flowers
96
. If you must store the dill flowers for a brief time leave short stems on them and place them in water. Place the dill flowers in the water container in the refrigerator and use within a few hours.
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Make a tea to relieve infant colic
97
. Add 1 tablespoon crushed dill seed to 1 cup of boiling water and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain the tea and discard dill seeds. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and stir to dissolve. Give infants 2 tablespoons of cool dill tea to relieve gas pain and indigestion. Store unused tea in the refrigerator.
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Functional foods
98
. Dill herb has all the characters to consider it has one of the most valuable
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Therapeutic usage
99
. The essential oil
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