Dill seeds and the leaves have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. Besides its strong and tangy taste, dill has many medicinal properties, which can give the body many essential minerals and other benefits. Historically, dill has been used for various diseases such as bronchitis, ulcers, cardiac disability, fever, gleet and syphilis. Now, scientist are confirming that the herb is also good for oral health.
Dill is a small annual plant and its smooth and fine leaves are very good mouth and breath fresheners. The essential oils from the herb are germicidal antioxidant and disinfectant in nature and are great for oral health. The plant’s properties help end microbial infections in the mouth and the antioxidants minimize the damage to gums and teeth caused by free radicals.
In a study, scientists examined the essential oil extracted from dill seeds for their potential as an eco-friendly antifungal agent source. The test were to explain the herb’s anti-fungal mechanism on the plasma membrane and mitochondria (which convert energy into forms the cells can use) of Aspergillus flavus (a pathogen producing the carcinogen aflatoxin). Researchers showed that the anti-fungal activity of dill oil resulted from its ability to disrupt the permeability barrier of the plasma membrane.
Dill can be used flavor breads, soups, and other dishes. The herb can also be used in homemade salad dressings.
