How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Refreshing and rejuvenating, dill is an herb well loved for its ability to increase enthusiasm. Dill's aromatic quality gives it a clearing and opening nature. As a diaphoretic, it dilates blood vessels, pushing heat to the skin. Dill is also a powerful diuretic that disperses fluids and relieves swelling. It is a useful spring tonic for anabolic (Kapha) individuals.

Dill, Respiratory Tract, & Fevers

Dill opens and clears the sinus passages and, as an expectorant, it liquefies mucus. One client notes, "As soon as I bit into the dill, I felt a swoosh of warmth through my nasal passages." Another client notes that dill warms the head, ears, and chest.

As a diaphoretic, dill increases sweating and is a useful addition to home spa treatments. It is used in combination with cedar for poultices and sweat therapy in Ayurveda. Dill was traditionally used to "sweat out" a fever. Paradoxically, one may feel a cool sensation after eating dill due to rapid heat loss from the surface of the skin.

Dill in the Nervous System

Dill feels light in the mind and relieves tension. It has a stimulating effect on the parietal lobe which is located at the crown of the head. However, its stimulating qualities can be too much for some people. Those with a catabolic (Vata) nature will find dill overstimulating, and its aromatic qualities can make one feel spaced out, scattered, and ungrounded. Dill is an analgesic herb, meaning it acts as a pain reliever.

Dill & Digestion

Dill is a powerful digestive and appetizer for anyone with cold type indigestion. It increases hunger, appetite, and stimulates digestive strength (agni). Its aromatic quality make it a useful antispasmodic for colic in infants.

Dill may be too hot and stimulating for metabolic (Pitta) individuals, leading to churning in the digestive tract and acid reflux. Although dill is heating, its bitter taste tempers the heat. The bitterness of dill makes it useful as a blood and liver cleanser.

Dill's drying qualities may be constipating for some. One client notes, "My stool became more compact each day of eating dill." If the hot qualities of dill prevail, stools may be darker in color and a looser consistency.

About Dill

Dill seems to lighten the palate. As one client reports, "Dill embodies the taste of freshness with a little kick." It is called shatapushpa in Ayurveda. Dill is a member of the carrot family (apiaceae) along with parsley, celery, cumin, coriander, asafoetida, ajwain, caraway, and fennel. This family is known for its hot, aromatic, and bitter spices, popular across the world.

Recipes with Dill: Barley Salad with Mint, Dill, Cucumber, Raisins

Cooking Dill

Dill's aromatic, pungent, and bitter qualities mean it pairs excellently with heavy foods including rich soups, potatoes, cream, butter, or egg based sauces like hollandaise. Dill has a hint of sweetness which has made it popular in french desserts. The tips are more astringent and rough, while the stalk may be more sour.Browse Recipes