Healing Herb of the Week: Dill (Anethum graveolens)
This common ingredient for modern do-it-yourself "picklers" was so historically valued that the ancient Israelites were required to tithe from their supplies. The ancient Greeks and Romans also cultivated dill as a kitchen herb. Dill has been used traditionally as a remedy for cancer and estrogen deficiency, and res earch supports dill's 3,000-year use as a digestive aid and remedy for excessive intestinal gas.
Dill-seed oil inhibits the growth of several bacteria that attach to the digestive tract. As a tea, it soothes the stomach and intestines and also relieves upper-respiratory ailments. Its oil is so strongly antibacterial that it inhibits organisms such as anthrax (Bacillus anthracis). Dill contains various phytochemicals that act as insecticides, enhance estrogen levels and serve as a uterine relaxant, and fight infection, bacteria, and insects.
Source: James A. Duke, Ph.D., Herbs of the Bible: 2,000 Years of Plant Medicine
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