View source for Dill oil

'''Dill oil''' is the [[oil]] extracted from the seeds or leaves/stems ([[dillweed]]) of the [[Dill]] plant. It can be used with water to create [[Dill Water]]

==Origin==
Also known as '''Indian Dill''', originally from [[Southwest Asia]], Dill is an annual or biennial herb that grows up to 1 meter (3 feet). It has green feathery leaves and umbels of small yellow flowers, followed by tiny compressed seeds.

It was popular with the [[Egyptians]], [[ancient Greece|Greeks]] and [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], who called it '''"Anethon"''' from which the botanical name was derived. The common name comes from the [[Anglo-Saxon language |Anglo-Saxon]] '''dylle''' or '''dylla''', which then changed to dill. The word means ''''to lull'''' - referring to its soothing properties. In the [[Middle Ages]] it was used as a charm against [[witchcraft]].

From 1812 onwards, when [[Charlemagne]], [[Emperor of France]], ordered the extensive cultivation of this herb, it has been widely used, especially as a culinary herb.

==Oil properties==

Dill oil is known for its grass-like smell and its pale yellow color, with a watery viscosity.

==Uses==

*[[Gripe water]] is often made of the fresh herb and given to babies and children for colic, or other digestive disorders, but dill oil is not used for this purpose, as it is too strong.

*Dill oil has been known to help to overcome the feeling of being overwhelmed and is also helpful for [[digestive]] problems in adults, easing [[flatulence]], [[constipation]] and [[hiccups]].

*Believed to ease the mind, calm [[headaches]] and help with [[excess sweating]] due to [[nervous tension]]. It can also stimulate milk flow in [[Breastfeeding|nursing]] mothers and promotes the healing of wounds.

==Dill Oil Extraction==

Dill oil is extracted by [[steam distillation]], mainly from the seeds, or the whole herb, fresh or partly dried.

[[Category:Essential oils]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]