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DILL
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(Anethum graveolens)
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Other Names
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Aneton, Dill Weed, Dilly, Garden Dill.
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Description
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Dill is an annual plant native to North America, South America, and
Europe. It is
also widely cultivated as a spice.
The stalk is striped dark green and white with bluish
spots. It grows to 3 feet and produces yellow flowers that bloom from July to
September. After flowering the dill seed appears.
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Classification
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Taste
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Pungent and Sweet
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Hot
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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Dill is used in the treatment of upset stomach, to stimulate appetite, insomnia,
and increase milk flow in nursing mothers.
Chew the seeds for bad breath.
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Combinations
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Unknown.
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Constituents
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4% Volatile Oil.
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Action
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Aromatic, Anti-Spasmodic, Anti-Emetic.
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Food Values
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Silinic Acid.
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Part Used
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Seed.
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Collection
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When the seeds turn brown they are fully ripe. This is the time to collect
them.
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Preparation
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Infusion
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Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 Tsp. crushed seeds. Take three times per
day.
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Seeds
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Chew 1 Tsp. of seeds per day for bad breath.
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Tincture
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Take 1 - 2 ml. three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in early spring. Thin seedlings to 12 inches
apart. Dill
likes rich, moist, slightly acid soil and full sun. Be sure to plant it where it is
sheltered from the wind. The yellow flowers appear in the summer which then produce large quantities
of the tiny ridge fruit called dill seed.
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History
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Dill dates back 3000 years ago in Egyptian tombs where records have been found
that tell of Dills use as a digestive aid and as a gas remedy. Chinese Medicine has used Dill
for digestive problems for over 1000 years.
The Greeks and Romans used Dill for tummy
troubles. Dill was known as “the herb of Dioscorides” because he prescribed it
frequently. The word Dill comes from Old Norse “Dilla” meaning to
soothe.
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Additional Information
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1. Research supports Dills use as a digestive aid.
2. One study showed it also has an anti-foaming agent, which helps to prevent
gas formation.
3. In studies when Dill was injected into lab animals it stimulated
respiration, slowed heart rate, opened blood vessels, and reduced blood
pressure. There is much to learn about Dills medicinal
value.
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Cautions
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1. May cause skin rash in sensitive individuals.
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Masculine
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Planet:
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Mercury
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Element:
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Fire
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Deity:
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None
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Powers:
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Money, Protection
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Magickal Uses:
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For protection hang Dill at your door or carry in a
sachet. To
protect your children place Dill in the cradle.
Dill is also used in money spells.
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