Dill
DILL | ENELDO
Dill is the feathery, fragrant green that shows up in pickles, potato salads, and traditional dishes from Eastern Europe to North Africa to India. But dill isn’t just a flavor note- it’s one of the oldest cultivated herbs on record, with a rich medicinal and cultural history that stretches back over 5,000 years.
The name “dill” comes from the Old Norse word dylle, meaning “to soothe” or “to lull,” which hints at one of its oldest uses- calming the body and quieting the gut. In ancient Egypt, dill was prized for its ability to ease digestion and ward off infection, showing up in medicinal texts and burial offerings. The Greeks and Romans took it a step further- dill was considered a symbol of vitality, protection, and wealth. Gladiators rubbed it on their skin for strength, and healers used it in tinctures and tonics for wounds, colic, and respiratory complaints.
Meanwhile, in Ayurvedic medicine, dill (called shatapushpa) has long been used as a warming digestive, a lactation booster, and a remedy for gas and bloating, especially in babies and new mothers. Traditional Persian and Middle Eastern healing systems incorporated dill in teas and stews to soothe headaches, fevers, and menstrual discomfort. And in European folk medicine, dill was considered not only a remedy but also a protective plant, it was hung in doorways to guard against curses and added to baby cradles to ensure peaceful sleep.
By the Middle Ages, dill had become a staple in both kitchen gardens and monastic apothecaries across Europe. It was part of Charlemagne’s imperial herb list and featured in countless herbal manuals as a go-to for digestion, bad breath, and even witchcraft protection. The seeds were chewed to settle nausea, and the leaves were brewed into calming teas.
Today, we still honor dill as both a culinary staple and a medicinal herb. Herbalists use it for gas, colic, indigestion, and nervous tension, especially in children. It’s rich in flavonoids, essential oils, and antioxidants, with modern studies confirming its ability to fight bacteria, support digestion, and ease inflammation.
Dill may seem delicate, but don’t let those soft frills fool you. It’s a bold little healer with roots in myth, medicine, and meals across continents. It soothes the belly, protects the spirit, and adds a whole lot of flavor along the way.
Medicinal Benefits of Dill
Relieves Gas and Bloating
Acts as a carminative, helping release trapped gas and reduce abdominal discomfort
Excellent for post-meal bloating, colic, and flatulence
Soothes Indigestion and Stomach Cramps
Eases spasms in the digestive tract
Used for upset stomach, mild nausea, and acid reflux
Gentle for Children’s Digestion
Dill tea is traditionally used to calm infant colic, hiccups, and teething discomfort
Supports Lactation (Galactagogue)
Encourages milk production in breastfeeding mothers
Often combined with fenugreek or fennel in traditional nursing teas
Eases Menstrual Discomfort
Used to relieve menstrual cramps and digestive sluggishness during PMS
Freshens Breath
Chewing dill seeds helps reduce bad breath, especially after meals
Antimicrobial effects may also support oral hygiene
Fights Bacteria and Fungi
Essential oils in dill (like d-carvone and limonene) help inhibit the growth of pathogens
Traditionally used to preserve food and combat infection
Rich in Antioxidants
Contains flavonoids and polyphenols that support cellular health and reduce oxidative stress
Mild Sedative and Relaxant
Helps calm nerves, reduce tension, and promote sleep
Traditionally used in teas for restlessness, especially in children
Eases Headaches and Mental Fatigue
Used in some folk traditions to relieve tension headaches and support mental clarity
Diuretic Action
Encourages gentle urination, helping relieve water retention and support kidney function
Respiratory Support
Mild expectorant effects make it useful in cough and chest congestion blends
Common Ways to Use Dill Medicinally
Tea (infusion of seeds or leaves): For digestion, sleep, and calming
Tincture or extract: Concentrated support for digestion or nervous tension
Chewed seeds: For gas, fresh breath, or mild nausea
Essential oil (diluted): Topically used in massage oils or aromatic blends
Poultice or compress: Occasionally used in folk medicine for localized pain