What To Do With Dill Seed

I just cleared out a bunch of arugula plants from June and noticed the dill is going to seed. The plant is very large and so there will be a good harvest. I will probably harvest dill weed while I'm at it. What shall I do with all the abundance?

Dill, in the carrot family Apiaceae along with parsley, asafoetida, fennel and queen anne's lace (wild carrot) is carminative - helps relieve gas. These are known as being aromatic plants with hollow stems. Somehow this information makes dill pickling seem that much more cool. This wikipedia entry offers many recipe ideas for using dill among different cultures. I must try making Holy Ghost Soup soon, some kind of vegan version.

I like this website's little bits of anecdote. Dill pillows were placed in cribs to lull babies. A pouch of dill worn could lull one's heart and clear the mind. The plant outside our fence functions to protect our slumhouse, of course. According to herb-magic.com, if I soak the seeds for 3 days then take a dill bath with them I will improve the state of my love affairs. Hmmm...

In addition to being carminative, dill seed is said to be mildly antibacterial due to its volatile oils, and is compared to garlic. I do not believe I've seen dill seed essential oil sold in stores though. Dill seeds also contain antioxidant compounds, calcium and iron. A good plant source of iron is important to know. Here is more information about iron for vegan diets. Plenty of necessity in this plant.

What To Do With Dill Seed

I just cleared out a bunch of arugula plants from June and noticed the dill is going to seed. The plant is very large and so there will be a good harvest. I will probably harvest dill weed while I'm at it. What shall I do with all the abundance?

Dill, in the carrot family Apiaceae along with parsley, asafoetida, fennel and queen anne's lace (wild carrot) is carminative - helps relieve gas. These are known as being aromatic plants with hollow stems. Somehow this information makes dill pickling seem that much more cool. This wikipedia entry offers many recipe ideas for using dill among different cultures. I must try making Holy Ghost Soup soon, some kind of vegan version.

I like this website's little bits of anecdote. Dill pillows were placed in cribs to lull babies. A pouch of dill worn could lull one's heart and clear the mind. The plant outside our fence functions to protect our slumhouse, of course. According to herb-magic.com, if I soak the seeds for 3 days then take a dill bath with them I will improve the state of my love affairs. Hmmm...

In addition to being carminative, dill seed is said to be mildly antibacterial due to its volatile oils, and is compared to garlic. I do not believe I've seen dill seed essential oil sold in stores though. Dill seeds also contain antioxidant compounds, calcium and iron. A good plant source of iron is important to know. Here is more information about iron for vegan diets. Plenty of necessity in this plant.

Thyme for Clear Skin

The Thyme plant in the garden has really spread in the last two weeks. I'm curious to see if this will continue. At the same time I think it's asking for some attention, so I'm harvesting quite a bit to dry, for fresh sprigs for cooking, and for medicinal use. Another thing I'm researching right now is natural, organic skin care. Since skin is the largest organ of the body, and is most important for releasing toxins, if I am dealing with inflammations then I must turn my attention to what is getting in the way of thorough, constant detox. As I write this post I am wearing a French green clay mask! LOL.

Do you drink water, regularly clean yourself, eat fresh food, avoid drugs and processed foods, exercise? You're probably good. Me personally, I like to drink coffee. And although I bike most everywhere, I could sweat more (as the Bastyr doctor put it, "you have to actually sweat"). Internally, the right foods and herbs will aid your liver and kidneys - key for processing toxins. Externally, the right cleaning and herbs will aid your skin. I like all the information about various home remedies.

*Astringent and antispetic plant medicines.* Astringents cause tissue to constrict, so will close skin pores off from external irritants, and internally, will tone organ tissues. Cold water is the most classic astingent! Also oatmeal, yarrow and witch hazel. Antiseptics are antimicrobial and antibacterial, so fight against germs hanging out on the skin or in the body. Although the body produces it's own antiseptics (like gastic acids in the stomach) it's worthwhile to get help from plants. Dill, lavender, oregano, eucalyptus and thyme are all known for their antiseptic properties. If you pay attention to herbal skin products in stores you have seen these plant ingredients at the forefront. I am making a salve of oatmeal, witch hazel and lavender today.

In Medieval Europe Thyme was used to treat epilepsy and depression. Not only is thyme a strong antiseptic, but also an antispasmodic - so good for coughs and releasing phlegm. It's essential oil "Thymol" is antifungal. I wonder how to produce essential oils? I do not have the capacity right now but that would be so interesting to learn. http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Essential-Oils Here is a resource about other things to do with thyme: http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodhealthinformation/a/thymehealth.htm Lotions, mouthwash, toothpaste, insect repellant. Now I just have to find the time...