Astrological herbalists of the seventeenth century claimed that dill was ruled by the planet Mercury, imparting strong intellectual powers to anyone who consumed it. Dill is simple to grow and beautiful to look at, and therefore deserves a place in your herb or vegetable garden. The early Greeks and Romans liked to grow dill, and they burned the seeds as incense and hung bunches of the herb in their homes to freshen stale air. In the Middle Ages, witches used dill in magical spells to stave off storms. Astrological herbalists of the seventeenth century claimed that dill was ruled by the planet Mercury, imparting strong intellectual powers to anyone who consumed it.
Tea made from dillseed is recommended by modern herbalists to relax and settle cranky stomachs.
Both gripe water and dill water are available at health food stores, herb shops, and some pharmacies. Dillseeds also contribute calcium to the diet. One tablespoon contains 100 milligrams of calcium. Health professionals typically recommend calcium to help prevent endometrial cancer, colon cancer, loss of bone mass, muscle stress, and high blood pressure. The best way to make a high-calcium dill tea is to steep a tablespoon of dillseed in a cup of boiling water, covered, for four minutes.