Dill (Anethum graveolens)
A relative of parsley, dill is most famous for pickling and has been used to make
dill pickles for about 400 years. Always a great partner with cucumber.
Curative Qualities: Dill seeds contain carvone as an essential oil. Dill is considered
caminative, stomachic and slightly stimulant. Dill water is given to children for
digestive problems. Also it “destroyeth the hiccups”.
Aroma: seed - Aromatic and somewhat sweet.   weed - Fresh and green
Character:  seed - Aromatic and slightly bitter, similar to caraway.   weed - Sweet
and grassy. More subtle than seed.
Heat Level: 1

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
This seed's name means "little hay," referring to its pleasantly grassy aroma. Its
taste closely resembles that of anise. It is a member of the parsley family. The
flavor of fennel intensifies when roasted. The Puritans would chew fennel during
their meetings, thus giving it the label "meeting seed." It is still chewed as an
after-dinner mint and to aid in digestion.
Curative Qualities: In the first century, Pliny noted that after snakes had shed
their skins, they ate fennel to restore their sight. It has since been used as a
wash for eyestrain and irritations. Chinese and Hindus used it as a snake bite
remedy. The major constituents of Fennel, which include the terpenoid anethole,
are found in the volatile oil. Anethole and other terpenoids inhibit spasms in
smooth muscles, such as those in the intestinal tract, and this is thought to
contribute to fennel’s use as a carminative (gas-relieving and gastrointestinal
tract cramp-relieving agent). Related compounds to anethole may have mild
estrogenic actions, although this has not been proven in humans. Fennel is also
thought to possess diuretic (increase in urine production), choleretic (increase in
production of bile), pain-reducing, fever-reducing, and anti-microbial actions.
Aroma: Warm, sweet and aromatic.
Character: Similar to a mild anise.
Heat Level: 1

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
An ancient spice of the bean family that are hard little seeds which grow in a pod.
The name, literally translated, means "triangle Greek hay." In days of old it was
used to scent inferior hay. Its flavor is enhanced by
roasting, which also decreases its tendency to be a bit bitter. It is mainly used in
hot curry powders, such as vindaloo. It is said to aid in digestion and is believed
to help lower blood pressure. This seed is used in the pharmaceutical industry to
produce progesterone. It is also thought to have a minor hypoglycemic effect.
Bouquet: Warm and penetrating, becoming more pronounced when the seeds
are roasted. Ground, they give off a ‘spicy’ smell, pungent, like an inferior curry
powder which would probably contain too much fenugreek.
Curative Qualities: Fenugreek is a digestive aid. As an emollient it is used in
poultices for boils, cysts and other complaints. Reducing the sugar level of the
blood, it is used in diabetes in conjunction with insulin. It also lowers blood
pressure. Fenugreek relieves congestion, reduces inflammation and fights
infection. Fenugreek contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating
sinus and lung congestion, and loosens & removes excess mucus and phlegm.
Fenugreek is also an excellent source of selenium, an anti-radiant which helps
the body utilize oxygen. Fenugreek is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium and
thiamine. Fenugreek contains mucilagins which are known for soothing and
relaxing inflamed tissues. Fenugreek stimulates the production of mucosal fluids
helping remove allergens and toxins from the respiratory tract. Acting as an
expectorant, Fenugreek alleviates coughing, stimulates perspiration to reduce
fevers, and is beneficial for treating allergies, bronchitis and congestion. In the
East, beverages are made from the seed to ease stomach trouble. The chemical
make-up is curiously similar to cod liver oil, for which a decoction of the seed is
sometimes used as a substitute. Many other properties are ascribed to it in India
and the East and not surprisingly include aphrodisiac.
Aroma: None, unless roasted.
Character: Powerful, aromatic and bittersweet, like burnt sugar. There is a bitter
aftertaste, similar to celery.
Heat Level: 2
Chumley & Stella's Co. - 1006 State Route 94 - Blairstown, NJ - 07825
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Spice Information
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