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Program Info
April Meeting: "The Beauty of Wildflowers" Presentation and Herbal Shoppe
When: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
10 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Wimberley Presbyterian Church
956 FM2325, Wimberley, TX 78676
RSVP to Lisa Valentine at valentine_lisa@msn.com
2023-2024 Calendar of Events |
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Herb of the Month - April 2024
(Click on the image below for recipes)
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
 The earliest known record of dill as a medicinal herb was found in Egypt 5,000 years ago when the plant was referred to as a "soothing medicine".
Gladiators were fed meals covered with dill because it was hoped that the herb would grant them valor and courage.
Dill seeds are often called "meetinghouse seeds" because they were chewed during long church services to keep members awake, kids quiet, freshen breath and quiet noisy stomachs.
Likely due its strong smell, dill was believed to provide protection from witchcraft.
Dill was often added to love potions and aphrodisiacs.
In Germany and Belgium, brides would attach a sprig of dill to their wedding gowns or put it in their bouquets in hopes that happiness would bless their marriages.
Dill is a host plant for butterflies, providing larval food and protection.
Dill has been associated with being an effective remedy for flatulence, a digestive aid and a cure for hiccups.
The Greeks used dill as a sleep aid, covering their eyes with the plant while they slept.
Dill grows best in full sun and in cooler weather. Hot weather promotes flowering which also causes the plant to stop producing leaves.
Sow seeds directly in the ground or container outdoors. Harvest seeds when they turn tan by cutting the flowerhead and hanging to dry upside down. Attach a paper bag to collect the seed as it dries.
Oil from dill foliage is used in the food industry for flavoring while oil obtained from the seeds is used to produce soaps and perfumes.
Dill contains anti-inflammatory properties as well as detoxifying compounds.
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