Learning about Spices What is a spice? Why were spices important? Sources of spices Perfumes and Incenses  Use of spices as aphrodisiacs Use of spices as medicines Culinary herbs A spice timeline Table of Spices Allspice (Pimento) Anise Black Pepper Cardamom Cassia Chile Pepper Chocolate Cinnamon Clove Coriander (Cilantro) Cumin Dill Fennel Fenugreek Frankincense and Myrrh Galangal Garlic Ginger Horseradish Licorice Mustard Nutmeg and Mace Onion Saffron Sugar Sumac Tamarind Turmeric Vanilla Contacts and Acknowledgments

Common Name DILL Click image to enlarge Genus Species Anethum gravelans Family Apiaceae Origin Southern Europe and Western Asia Cultivated India, North and South America                     Description The name dill may arise from a Norse word, suggesting “lull”; however, there is no evidence of a lulling or soporific, sedative effect of this spicy herb. It is often used as a condiment in European cooking; it is combined with pickled vegetables and is used in fish sauces and in soups. See a list of spices by Taste and Hotness. Useful Parts Dill seeds are used, as well as the dried leaves, and fresh leaves. Medicinal Properties Medically, it is extremely popular as “gripe water” in Europe, where it is used to relieve colic in babies. It is also used as a digestant and to relieve mild bowel disorders in general. There is nothing to support its long-time use for more significant effects, such as stimulating the flow of milk or as a charm against withchraft. See chemicals in spices. Historical View “It possesses, like the fruits of the anise, caraway, fennel, and other aromatic unbelliferous fruits, stimulant, carminative, and aromatic properties; and like anise, it is popularly supposed to promote the secretion of milk. In the form of dill water, etc., it is a common domestic remedy to relieve the flatulence and griping of infants; it is also frequently employed by the medical practitioner as a vehicle for the exhibition of purgative and other medicines to children.” Bentley, Robert and Henry Trimen. Medicinal Plants; being descriptions with original figures of the principal plants employed in medicine and an account of the characters, properties, and uses of their parts and products of medicinal value. London, Churchill, 1880. (WZ 295 B556m 1880) Click image to enlarge

Spice Exhibit URL: http://unitproj.library.ucla.edu/biomed/spice/index.cfm

History & Special Collections
UCLA Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library
12-077 CHS, Box 951798
UCLA
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1798
Tel: 310/825-6940
Fax: 310/825-0465

©2002 Regents of the University of California