Anethum graveolens Umbelliferae

The active ingredients in dill are found in the leaves, flowers and seeds. The herb’s principal medicinal uses are as a digestive and sedative. A decoction of dill seed is a valuable anti-flatulent and a useful gripe mixture can be made to relieve colic in babies.

Infuse one or two teaspoons of gently crushed dill seeds in a cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain out the seeds and either give a teaspoon of the infusion to the baby in a bottle or from the spoon after a feed. The dill water can also be taken in a dose of one tablespoon to cure indigestion, hiccups, stomach cramps and insomnia.