Health Benefits of Thyme
Thyme is a Mediterranean herb from the mint family with dietary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. The herb has over 400 subspecies which has been used for embalming by Ancient Egyptians and as incense by Ancient Greeks. Thyme is used in cooking and is now gaining popularity for its wide range of medicinal qualities.
The Health Benefits of Thyme
There are various benefits of thyme. Thyme benefits for the skin have been studied by various researchers for a while. Thyme can be consumed through oral formats for Bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat, upset stomach, etc. It can be used as a diuretic, to reduce flatulence. It is applied directly to the skin to treat bad breath, swollen tonsils, etc. It is applied to the scalp to help with baldness and to fight bacterial and fungal infections.
Thyme has been used to treat high blood pressure. The aqueous extract of thyme helps in reducing high blood pressure in hypertensive situations. This was confirmed by researchers at the University of Belgrade Serbia. They conducted the tests in rats. It is said that rats respond to hypotension the same way as humans.
Researchers at the Center for Studies of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Portugal, had concluded that thyme could be used as a natural preservative of food. A Polish group of researchers confirmed that thyme oil could be used against resistant strains of Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Pseudomonas bacteria.
In lieu of its antibacterial properties, thyme has been used in acne creams and also in facewashes. A team of researchers at the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia have conducted a study to analyze the thyme benefits for the skin. They found that 66.5% of the people who were treated with the cream containing thyme essential oil presented with full recovery.
Thyme is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A. It is also rich in copper, fiber, iron, and manganese. These can help in boosting immunity. Thyme can be a good source for getting all the vitamins necessary for the body every day.
Thyme helps in strengthening the roots and improves hair growth when combined with other herbs and applied as an essential oil.
Thyme has an active substance called carvacrol which enables its usage for aromatic and therapeutic purposes. Carvacrol in previous studies has shown to affect neuron activity to boost subject mood to have a positive effect on their feeling
Thyme extract can be used to repel mosquitoes. A research team at Chungbuk National University in South Korea found that thyme was effective in killing a particular strain of mosquitoes called the tiger mosquito. Thyme is usually used to kill bacteria, viruses, rats, mice, and other pests.
Thymol, a substance extracted from thyme is rich in antiseptic properties. It is hence actively used in mouthwashes. It is also used to soothe wounds and also to prevent infections.
Thyme has been used to treat cough, congestion, stomach pain, and many other such diseases. Studies have found out that thyme can be used to treat bronchitis, fungal infections, and also skin disorders.
Facts about Thyme
- Hippocrates, the father of western medicine, had prescribed thyme for respiratory conditions.
- During the Black Death, devastating bubonic plague, people used to wear thyme as protection.
- The Romans used to put thyme in cheese and alcohol as a flavoring. They were the ones who introduced the herb to the British when they conquered them.
- It has antibacterial, insecticidal, and antifungal properties
- Ancient Greeks considered Thyme as a source of courage and bravery.
- There are over 350 species of thyme that are native to Europe, Asia, Africa.
- The plant can tolerate frost and drought. It is a perennial plant.
Thyme is used to add flavor to various food items. It also has medicinal properties. It can be used fresh or dried or as an oil in aromatherapy. It can be consumed as a liquid or a capsule. Thyme teas, mouthwashes, face masks, and nasal sprays are gaining popularity.
FAQ’s
- What happens if you eat too much thyme?
Thyme is considered safe when it is consumed in normal food amounts. The overconsumption of thyme may cause an upset stomach, cramps, headaches, and dizziness. Hypotension can also occur as a result of the overconsumption of thyme oil.
- Is thyme anti-inflammatory?
Thyme has anti-inflammatory properties. Various studies over the years have documented the same. The thymol present in thyme has been effective at reducing inflammation. It is hence used in various dental products.
- Is thyme good for the lungs?
Thyme is considered to be beneficial for lung health. It is used to treat cough, cold, bronchitis, and many other respiratory issues. Thyme can be added to the diet to benefit from its medicinal values. It can also be added to tea. Thyme benefits of tea are immense. There are various recipes describing how to make thyme tea.
- What food goes well with Thyme?
Thyme pairs well with potatoes, salmon, onions, garlic, etc. Thyme can be used in Mediterranean cuisines. It is used in pasta, in pesto sauce. Thyme is used in various cuisines around the world majorly in France, Italy, and the Mediterranean. Thyme is the major ingredient in pesto sauce. The leaves and sprigs of thyme can be used in the preparation of meat and poultry.
- Is Thyme bad for the liver?
Thyme is rich in B complex vitamins like beta carotene, vitamin A, K, E, C, and also folic acid. It is known to reduce cholesterol. It also helps in increasing good fats in the liver.
Thymol, a compound present in thyme is a biocide. These are known to destroy harmful organisms. Thyme is considered to have antiviral properties. It is usually recommended to consume thyme at the onset of cold or cough.
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