Dill Weed (from which the essential oil is steam distilled) is a member of the Umbelliferae (parsley) family. Growing to about one metre high with a mass of small yellow flowers, appearing in the summer.
Reported Attributes of Dill Weed Essential Oil:
Traditional and Emotional uses reportedly include:-
Aromatherapists credit Dill Weed with being stimulating, revitalising, restoring, purifying, balancing, and cleansing agent.
Blends Well With:
Dill Weed works well with other spice oils, and particularly Elemi, Mint, and Caraway.
History:
Much like Fennel seeds, It is said that Dill was chewed by early Americans to suppress their appetites during church services. The name Dill is derived from the Norse word Dilla meaning to lull, relating to the carminative properties of the herb.
Hippocrates wrote of a recipe for cleaning the mouth in which you rinsed with dill seed which had been boiled in white wine.
During the Middle Ages, Dill was thought to have magical properties and was used against witchcraft. If someone thought a witch had cast a spell on them, they would make a special drink which contained Dill leaves to protect themselves from the spell or wear a charm made from Dill leaves. They also burned Dill leaves to clear thunderstorms.
Charlemagne had vials of Dill tea available at dinners to stop the hiccoughs of guests.