Incredible but true: the medicinal properties of dill are overwhelming

Dill is a frequent guest on our menu. But it was not always so. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the plant affects the human mind and was used exclusively in witchcraft. Later they began to use it as a medicine and only then began to add it to food.

In the modern world, not everyone knows about the beneficial properties of dill. Meanwhile, all parts of the plant from root to seed are used in traditional and folk medicine and have a positive effect on the health of men, women and even newborns. Considering that everything is useful in moderation, let's figure out what, from what and in what quantities it is worth using.

Chemical composition, trace elements, vitamins and plant structure

Dill is an annual umbrella plant and the only representative of its kind. A modest-looking bush is a popular aromatic spice and a storehouse of nutrients.

The concentrations of vitamins and minerals per 100 g of product (seeds, fresh and dried herbs) are shown in the table.

In addition, dill contains:

• monoterpenes, which promote the release of glutathione, an enzyme involved in detoxification of the body and neutralization of carcinogens and free radicals;
• essential oils with bactericidal and antioxidant properties, stimulate bile secretion, improve intestinal peristalsis;
• flavonoids (quercetin, isotramnetin, kaempferol), the effect on the body of which consists in a calming and antihistamine effect, as well as in stimulating the secretion of female hormones;
• proteins, fats, carbohydrates and dietary fiber are all you need for a balanced diet.

Why is dill useful?

Medieval healers and modern doctors are unanimous in the opinion that the composition and properties of dill have a beneficial effect on the human body. But depending on the gender and age of the person, its effect is expressed in different ways.

For women

Due to the saturation with essential oils, dill increases libido in women, stabilizes their hormonal processes, and reduces soreness during menstruation.

The spice ideally complements the diets so beloved by women - rich in chemical composition and low calorie content (only 40 kcal per 100 g of fresh herbs) will diversify the menu and give energy to the body.

Reference. Dill is used in cosmetic products. Cosmetics based on this plant reduce skin pigmentation, tones it up and improves complexion, smoothes fine wrinkles, relieves inflammation and even reduces the severity of cellulite.

For pregnant

During pregnancy, many are faced with morning sickness, mood swings or nervous disorders, and constipation. Dill will relieve such conditions, or at least improve well-being and reduce the manifestations of ailments.

Iron and vitamin B9 contained in the plant will relieve anemia during pregnancy, vitamin C will strengthen blood vessels, essential oils will give a calming effect. In addition, greens have a mild laxative effect and do an excellent job of draining excess fluid, which will help cope with swelling.

Important. When pregnant women use dill, some of the vitamins are supplied to the fetus. For the formation of the central nervous system, folic and niacin are useful, and phosphorus, potassium, calcium and other vitamins of the group are involved in the formation of its nervous and vascular systems.

However, it is important for pregnant women to observe the dosage: in large quantities, dill affects the smooth muscles of the uterus, causing contractions, and can provoke early labor. It is advisable to use fresh herbs, and take decoctions only after consulting a doctor.

For nursing

To prolong breastfeeding time, it is recommended to regularly drink herbal teas with dill seeds or dill water. If these teas aren't to your liking, try adding fresh herbs to main dishes and salads.

The spice increases milk production and improves its quality characteristics, saturating with vitamins.

For the elderly

During menopause, hormonal changes in the body occur, which affects the state of health - irritability appears, sweating increases, and hot flashes disturb. Dill seeds, taken as a powder or decoction, will help to completely or partially get rid of the symptoms of menopause.

In addition, there is a lot of calcium in the grass, so regular consumption prevents the development of osteoporosis, which is important in adulthood. And dried chopped greens will gently reduce pressure, which worries more and more over the years.

For men

Eating the plant or its derivatives has a vasodilating effect, helps to clear the walls of blood vessels from plaques in atherosclerosis. As a result, the blood supply to all organs, including those located in the small pelvis, improves, which has a positive effect on erection. Caucasian centenarians, who traditionally have a lot of dill and other greens in their diet, are famous for their potency "to deep gray hair."

In addition, greens have a beneficial effect on the genitourinary system, which reduces the risk of prostate inflammation.

For newborns and older children

The newborn has not yet fully formed the digestive system, they are often tormented by colic from accumulated gas. Dill water is an effective solution in such situations. It is introduced with a pipette in a few drops into the mouth or mixed with breast milk: up to 1 month, 10 drops three times a day, up to 4 months - 20 drops each, from a year - a teaspoon.

Important. As a rule, colic does not appear until two weeks of age, but if this happens, you should consult with your doctor about the advisability of using dill water and the permissible dosage.

If a nursing mother drinks dill water or eats fresh dill, then the baby will have gas painlessly and the risk of colic is reduced.

Older children also have problems with bloating. They should increase the dose of dill water: three-year-olds can be given 60 ml three times a day, and from 6 years old they can already switch to an adult dosage.

Reference. Dill water can be made in different ways: traditional - from water and essential oil of fennel (pharmaceutical dill), prepared at home - from seeds drenched in boiling water or finely chopped greens. The homemade preparation is prepared fresh for every meal.

The use of the medicinal properties of dill

In traditional medicine, the fruits and essential oils of the plant are used. But traditional medicine uses absolutely all of its parts: roots, stems, umbrellas, leaves, seeds. And the recipes created are aimed at improving human health in all areas.

In folk medicine

The medicinal properties of dill are used for a variety of diseases and conditions:

1. For colds, coughs and sore throats, dill acts as an expectorant, antiseptic and pain reliever, thinning phlegm.
2. Helps strengthen bones due to its high calcium content.
3. Reduces blood pressure, treats headaches, improves potency due to the plant's ability to dilate blood vessels, relieve spasms of smooth muscles.
4. Essential oils act as a sedative and hypnotic, improve intestinal peristalsis, reduce gas formation, and give a laxative effect for constipation.
5. Stimulates regeneration by healing wounds and relieving inflammation.
6. Thanks to glutathione, it is considered an anticancer agent.
7. Useful for hematopoiesis, improves vision, stimulates the outflow of bile, is useful for the stable functioning of the heart.
8. Eliminates colic in an infant and increases milk supply in nursing mothers.
9. Relieves puffiness due to the diuretic effect.

In what form to apply

Depending on what we are going to treat and what substances contained in dill are involved, different parts of the plant are used and processed to the desired state.

Fresh herbs

It is added to main dishes and salads, served separately. With regular consumption, it saturates the body with vitamins and trace elements, energizes, normalizes the digestive system.

When used in hot dishes, greens are added at the very end so that they retain their beneficial properties. In a crushed form, it is suitable for infusions, decoctions and juice.

Dry

Used as blanks for the autumn-winter period for adding to dishes, preparing infusions and decoctions. Some recipes involve the use of dry dill, which is washed down with water.

Juice and decoction

The juice is squeezed out of crushed fresh herbs and used for ingestion, for lotions and compresses. The broth is prepared from any part of the plant: seeds, umbrellas, leaves (dry and fresh). Typically, the decoction is more concentrated than the infusion.

Seeds

Well-ripened and dried seeds are used whole, crushed, ground. They are added as a seasoning to food, make infusions, decoctions and eat them whole with water.

Tincture

Fruits, umbrellas, roots or leaves are poured with boiling water and insisted according to the recipe. Most often, the infusion is filtered and taken according to the scheme.

Oil extract

The product is obtained by pouring crushed dill seeds with sunflower or olive oil. The mixture is infused for a week, and the resulting dill oil is given to heal or maintain the body.

Other

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, added to liquids for oral administration. The roots of the plant are suitable for decoction and preparation of powder, umbrellas - for home preservation and preparation of medicinal preparations.

Collection and preparation of dill seeds

To get the maximum benefit from the fruits and ensure their safety, wait until they almost fully ripen, not allowing them to crumble from the wind. When the seeds have turned brown and the buds are dry, cut the umbrellas with the seeds, choosing a dry sunny day.

Divide the cut material into paper bags and leave in a warm, dry place out of sunlight and with good ventilation for 7-10 days.As they ripen fully, the fruits will crumble into the bag themselves.

You can do otherwise and "chicken" the seeds from growing plants directly into the bag. After harvesting, dry the fruits by spreading them on a cloth or paper in a warm, shaded place for several days.

It is advisable to store in an airtight container or dense linen bags. The shelf life is on average 2-3 years.

Healing folk recipes based on dill

There are many recipes, the basic ingredient of which is dill. We have selected the most effective and time-tested.

For high blood pressure, headache and to prevent asthma attacks

For hypertension and for the prevention of asthmatic attacks - chew dill seeds after meals three times a day.

Freshly prepared broth will help with pressure and headache: 1 tbsp. l. of dried seeds, pour 1 liter of water and put on the stove. From the moment of boiling, leave to simmer for an hour on low heat. Then cool without opening the saucepan lid for two hours. Strain and drink 100 ml three times a day.

For non-pressure headaches, an infusion is recommended: 1 tbsp. l. Pour 300-350 ml of boiling water over chopped dill inflorescences and leave for 40 minutes. You don't need to filter. Drink the resulting tea gradually throughout the day.

For eye inflammations, injuries and wounds

Boil a tablespoon of dill in two glasses of water for 10 minutes. Stir and let cool. Wet a sterile bandage in the broth and apply 5-10 minute compresses on the eyes, wounds or injured areas. Prepare a fresh portion for each procedure.

With menopause

Grind the seeds into powder and take 1 tsp. twice a day 10 minutes after a meal. The course is designed for 3-4 weeks - the average period of the menstrual cycle. At the end of the course, the frequency of hot flashes decreases or disappears.

For potency, increased sexual activity and against premature ejaculation

To enhance erectile function or return potency, the following recipe is practiced:

1. Mix a tablespoon of chopped valerian roots and 0.5 cups of dill seeds with a glass of honey.
2. Pour the mixture into 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 24 hours in a thermos.
3. Take 1 tbsp. l. before meals.

Reception of the spice affects not only the quality, but also the duration of intercourse, making it longer.

From colic in newborns and to increase lactation of a young mother

A tablespoon of chopped dill seeds or 2 tbsp. l. Finely chopped fresh herbs, pour a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse: fruits - for 40 minutes, grass - for 60 minutes. The strained infusion is ready for use.

For colic, give the child three times a day, depending on age: up to four weeks - 10 drops, from a month to four - 20 drops, from a year - 5 ml.

For lactation, mom should drink 2 tbsp. l. 5-6 times a day 15 minutes before the next feeding.

For coughs, bronchitis and pneumonia, and for colds

Pour two teaspoons of fruits with two glasses of boiling water and leave in a thermos for two hours. Drink a quarter glass three times a day, adding 0.5 tsp before use. honey. Honey enhances the expectorant effect of dill, softens the throat, complements the antiseptic properties of the spice and strengthens the immune system.

Against parasites and as a carminative

Boil a tablespoon of seeds in a glass of milk for 5 minutes. Cool to a warm state and drink in two passes.

For insomnia and anxiety

Pour 25 g of dill seeds with a glass of fortified wine and boil over low heat for 15 minutes. Insist for 1 hour, strain and squeeze out the liquid from the seeds. Take 50 ml before bed.

For gallstones

Boil two tablespoons of dill seeds in 400 ml of water for 15 minutes. Strain. Drink 0.5 cups four times a day for 21 days. Warm slightly before use.

With pancreatitis

Grind the dill fruits to a powder and take 0.5 tsp. twice a day, washed down with water and honey.

Contraindications

Dill, despite all its usefulness, has several contraindications that you should pay attention to:

• can not be taken with intestinal atony;
• with low blood pressure, take in moderate doses and control your condition;
• during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, reduce the consumption of dill, so as not to provoke premature birth.

In case of hypotension (low blood pressure), it is recommended to consume fresh herbs in moderation and only after consulting a doctor.

Conclusion

Dill is not a panacea, but it can significantly improve your quality of life. This herb will help to cope with many pathologies if you combine treatment with physical activity, proper nutrition and a positive attitude.