Dill is a fennel-like annual or biennial herbaceous plant of the parsley
family that is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and western Asia.
Dill is distinctively aromatics in character, a milder and sweeter variant
of caraway. Its taste is reminiscent of fennel, though somewhat more pungent
and aggressive in flavor. Dill's long, spindle-shaped root supports a
smooth, shiny and hollow stem. It has feathery leaves, accented by linear
and pointed leaflets. In midsummer, the plant bears flat terminal umbels
with an abundance of yellow flowers. Its flat fruit is produced in
prodigious quantities; one ounce contains more than 25,000 seeds.
Dill is well known for its medicinal qualities, and it is especially useful
for preventing stomach disorder like flatulence and colic. It is equally
effective for colds and bronchitis, when a hot infusion of the seeds mixed
with honey will bring instant relief. Dill is also believed to stimulate and
regulate menstrual flow, promotes breast milk in nursing mothers and delay
ovulation to help natural birth control.
Like other essential oils made from pungent spices, Dill Seed
essential oil has a light, pleasant, fresh herbaceous scent.
The fragrant effect of Dill Seed is generally regarded as calming,
warming and soothing.
Dill Seed essential oil is generally regarded as non-toxic, non-irritant and
non-sensitizing.
Do not take essential oils internally or use without the guidance of a
qualified practitioner. The information provided here is for general use
only and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Pregnant
women should always consult their physician prior to using.
