The Many Uses of Dill

Dill is a wonderful herb, but few people know much more about it than it being the main flavor in pickles! As far as it's culinary uses, it is a wonderful addition to salads, soups, dressings, vinegar flavoring, bread, and is great on seafood - especially as a salmon seasoning. But what you probably don't know about dill is that is has long been used as a medicinal plant and home remedies.

Herbal folklore gave way to the belief that one could cure a case of the hiccups by smelling the aroma of dill. It has also been long considered a breath freshener, as well as an aphrodisiac.

Dill is also a useful herbal remedy in modern alternative medicine as well. It is most commonly used to to stimulate the appetite, and provides relief for minor coughs, colds, and sore throats, as well as bronchitis. It is helpful in relieving intestinal gas and flatulence, and easing and preventing infections. It can be used to help reduce fever, and as an aid in problems with the liver.

While the leaves, seeds, and dried fruits are all used in herbal medicine, the seeds are especially favored among herbalists. Dill is usually taken as a tea or an infusion, generally a teaspoon per cup of boiled water. Most grocery stores carry a fresh dill package in the produce area.