Dill seed

The Romans chewed dill seeds to promote digestion, and the hung dill garlands in their dining halls, believing the herb would prevent stomach upset.

Traditional Chinese physicians hav used dill seed as a digestive aid for more than 1,000 years.  They recommend it especially for children because its action was milder than that of other digestive herbs such as caraway, anise, and fennel.

The Vikings were well aware of dill's digestive benefits. In fact, our word dill somes from Old Norse dilla, meaning to lull or soothe.

If you use dill only in your pickling spices, your missing out on a great healer.  Research supports dill's 3,000 years of digestive aid. The herb helps relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract.  One study shows it's also an antifoaming agent, meaning it helps prevent the formation of intestinal bubbles.

Dill oil inhibits the growth of several bacteria that attack the intestinal tract, suggesting that it may help prevent infectious diarrhea caused by these microorganisms.

As a breath freshener chew 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of seeds. As a digestive aid, take an infusion or tincture. To make a pleasant tasting infusion, use 2 teaspoons of bruised seeds per cup of boiling water.  Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups per day.