In our household, we enjoy adding some oomph to our foods. Whether we want a little kick or are inclined to satisfy our sweet tooth, we know there’s always something at the farmer’s market or health store that can do the trick.
Dill in particular is one of our favorites since it can add flavor to foods without being a “food bully” that completely takes the attention away from the main dish. We know it tastes great and is healthy for us, but we also got to wondering: what’s the deal with dill?
I mean, when you like something, you want to know more about it, right? People . . . herbs . . . same thing, sort of. So we set out to learn more about dill and uncovered some lesser-known fun facts and tidbits about the flavorful herb.
What you (probably) didn’t know about dill
>> During the Middle Ages, it was believed that dill had magical powers. In fact, people thought certain drinks containing dill could destroy evil spells.
Even its name seems to make the case: it comes from the Old Norse word, “dilla,” which means “to lull.”
Therefore, it had an association with witchcraft and sorcery. It wasn’t uncommon for people to wear charms made from dill leaves so they were kept safe from evil in the world.
Today, those things might be potholes, processed foods and in-laws. However, dill truly does have certain powers. It’s been shown to ease arthritis symptoms and even ensure better bone growth. As for it being able “to lull,” it’s true. Its oils are calming and can play a role in improving sleep.
>> Back in the day, Greek and Roman cultures believed dill was a sign of wealth and status due to its healing properties.
Makes sense, actually.
Some ancient soldiers turned to burnt dill seeds to help wounds heal faster. Today, we know that dill can help reduce inflammation, regulate insulin levels, and maybe prevent certain cancers.
To read more about the role dill plays in improving health, check out this article.
>> Charlemagne conquered a lot, including gas.
At parties, he insisted dill was displayed on tables so people could keep their gas at bay. It’s true: the essential oils in dill are known to help control gas because of how it stimulates the intestine.
In fact, Dr. Oz suggests carrying a bag of dill weed if gas and bloating are problematic for you, saying that eating it directly from a bag or adding it to food can release bile . . . so you don’t release gas.
So, if you see some at your next get-together, not only does it say something about your host’s favorite spice, but it can be a clue as to their level of thoughtfulness (or a telltale sign that they have an embarrassing problem).
>> Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used dill to keep mouths clean? That’s right. He apparently had a recipe for a dill mouthwash.
So there you have it. Dill is perfect for everything from soups to salmon, has health benefits and as it turns out, might be just the thing for warding off evil and gas (isn’t that one of the same?).
Enjoy it!
