Thyme: A Herb That Gives You Courage
thyme herb
Thyme, botanically known as Thymus vulgaris, is a perennial garden herb that has been employed since ancient times for medicinal and culinary uses. The name Thyme is a derivative of a Greek word meaning ‘to fumigate’. It is said that the Greeks used Thyme as incense because it symbolized grace and elegance. Thyme has traditionally been associated with courage, with medieval women giving sprigs of thyme to knights going into battle; it has also been used as an herbal remedy for a host of ailments. Thyme, a perennial herb, is grown in regions with temperate climates. Thyme came from the Mediterranean in the 11th century and is found in many gardens. Most people know the thyme plant as Garden Thyme (thymus vulgaris) or as Mother Thyme. The Egyptians, in ancient times, used thyme as an embalming agent on their deceased pharaohs. In Greece, thyme was burned in incense in their sacred temples.
One of the popular among culinary herb plants, thyme originally is native to southern Europe and Mediterranean regions. Roman soldiers are said to have bathed in thyme to energize for battle. Thyme has been used for various purposes throughout the centuries. Thyme, along with roses, was often added to homes in the ancient past to provide a sweet-smelling aroma. The ancient Greeks used thyme for incense while the Romans were known to add thyme to cheese and alcoholic beverages. They are all native to southern Europe and Western Asia, but they are now cultivated commercially in many parts of the world. Much of the commercial thyme comes from Spain, which has 37 varieties of thyme.
Plant Description of Thyme
Thyme is a delicate herb which is both pungent and hot with a penetrating fragrance. There are over 350 species of thyme, which include orange thyme, silver thyme, lemon thyme, and the common French thyme. Many species are good garden plants, having a neat habit, fragrant foliage and small pink or lilac flowers. Botanically, it belongs to the family of limiaceae of the genus of thymus, which includes many subspecies among which the most popular variety is Thymus vulgaris or French thyme. The thyme plant is a perennial shrub with thin woody base and square stems. It reaches about 15 to 30 cm in length, featuring very small, light green colored, paler underneath, slightly curved aromatic leaves. The plants can be erect and bushy, reaching 18 inches in height or creeping and spreading, growing to about 3 inches high. Small, fragrant rich, lilac or white color flowers appear in summer.
Thyme has a pleasant aroma, which is one reason it’s so popular in tea. Although the flowers are small they are very numerous, and they produce copious nectar, making thyme flowers a favorite of the honey bee. Some of the finest-flavored honey comes from thyme nectar. The leaves have unique aromas providing a variety of odors such as pine scent, a camphor-like scent, caraway scent, lemon, orange, tangerine, celery, or a eucalyptus-like scent. The unique aromas and flavors of the various thyme plants are the result of subtle differences in the terpenoid composition of the essential oil they contain.
Recently, researchers have discovered important volatile oil components of thyme that bring about its healing effects. They are known to include carvacolo, borneol, geraniol, but most importantly, thymol. Thyme is rich in flavonoids like naringenin, apigenin, luteolin and thymonin. It is also a good source of fiber, calcium, manganese and iron. It contains the volatile oil thymol and flavonoids apigenin, naringenin, luteolin and thymonin.
Health Benefits of Thyme
Thyme is a fabulous herb for healing a large number of ailments. Thyme tea is another great way to enjoy health benefits of this herb. Thyme tea is not only refreshing and delicious, but is also good for health. Even tea brewed with thyme, honey and water, and maybe a squeeze of lemon, can act like a healing potion. Drinking a warm thyme tea sweetened with thyme honey is a pleasant and tasty way to get various benefits. He who drinks a cup of thyme tea instead of coffee in the morning will soon feel the beneficial effect: enlivened spirits, great comfort in the stomach, no coughing in the morning and an overall well-being. The volatile oil components of thyme are the most responsible for its health benefits. Apart from using thyme to flavor dishes, another way to enjoy the refreshing flavor of this herb is through its tea. Thyme is a popular home remedy for a number of ailments, and its tea is one of the most effective ways to drive the health benefits of this herb.
Thyme For Respiratory Ailments
It’s popular in treating many chest infections. This herb has been used as a remedy for upper respiratory infections for centuries. Thyme is one of the proven bronchitis natural remedies. The University of Maryland Medical Center says it can help treat bronchitis and relieve coughs. UMMC also states that thyme has been approved for this use by the German Commission E, which evaluates safety and efficacy of herbal preparations in Germany. Thyme helps to soothe irritated airways, fight off any infection in the lungs, and prevent bronchial spasms. It can provide relief in many respiratory illnesses including, acute and chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma and laryngitis. Throat gargling with tepid thyme water or drinking few sips of thyme tea may help relieve coughs, sore throat, and bronchitis symptoms. Try brewing a little thyme in hot water, a thyme tea if you will, and gargling it for a few minutes. This not only helps with coughs, but can aid in easing a sore throat.
Thyme is also an effective additive for treating the flu or the common cold. Thyme enhances the action of the cilia in the bronchi and directly acts on the bronchial mucosa. The thymol in thyme is not only a great natural antiseptic, but it’s also a great expectorant. Because of its essential oil, thyme possesses expectorant and bronchial antispasmodic properties. The terpenoids are responsible for the expectorant activity of thyme while a variety of flavonoids are responsible for the spasmolytic effect of thyme on the bronchioles. Other conditions thyme has been credited with alleviating include mild sore throat, post nasal drip, sciatica, gout, headaches and rheumatic pain.
Thyme As An Antiseptic
Thyme oil has demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity. Volatile oils from thyme are effective against various bacteria and fungi, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Shigella sonnei. Research has shown that thyme essential oil can decontaminate Shigella on lettuce. Shigella sonnei is a bacteria that causes diarrhea. Washing vegetables and fruits with just 1 per cent of thymol essential oil added to the wash, dropped the number of Shigella bacteria below detection point. The herb has antifungal properties too. These qualities have been proven by laboratory tests and these tests have shown that it does in fact destroy many forms of fungus and disease causing bacteria. Thyme essential oil can kill off bacteria both inside and outside the body. The herb can be very effective in cases where antibiotics are not used or have not worked well. In other words, thyme contains a pretty strong natural antiseptic. Using thyme to make a tea, then pouring the tea into a spray bottle and using it as a cleaning product is a good way to destroy mildew and other bacteria. Thymol is an antiseptic and disinfectant that prevents the occurrence of putrefaction. Thyme is often used in natural toothpastes. During world war one hospitals used thyme oil as an antiseptic for cleaning and sterilizing. Thyme oil is often added to many of today’s cleaning products.
Thyme For Wounds
Thyme cleans scrapes and cuts immediately with its antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Its tea treats plaque, tumors, deep wounds and bruises. Because of its natural abilities as an antiseptic, thyme is known to be good for cleansing minor wounds, such as small cuts and the like. The thymol in thyme helps to prevent bacteria from growing on and within wounds, and acts to help prevent infection. Thymol has proven effective in the treatment of wounds, ulcers and abscesses, and is an invaluable disinfectant that is highly effective in disinfecting sick rooms. Apart from these, this tea or its tea bags can be applied topically to treat minor cuts, wounds and bruises. The fresh herb can be crushed to release the active ingredients and applied to cuts and wounds as a natural antiseptic, though the fresh herb may be irritating to those who have sensitive skin. Thymol, research has shown, can cure and treat abscesses, ulcers and wounds. In fact, several people disinfect sick rooms with thymol.
Thyme For Parasites
Thyme combats parasites, such as hookworms and tapeworms, within the digestive tract. Thyme is a vermifuge and daily consumption of it helps keep worms and other parasites from dwelling in your body. This tea can flush out parasites from the body. So, do think of a cup of thyme tea for a healthier life. Drinking a little thyme tea and rubbing some thyme or thyme oil on the skin can help to get rid of ringworm. It is also effective for treating athlete’s foot and other skin parasites. Thyme tea bags can also be effective in getting rid of lice, scabies and crabs. Adding a few drops of thyme oil to your shampoo and washing your hair with it, kills head lice. It is also useful to treat yeast infections.
Thyme For Brain Health
Uses for the thyme oil are many. The oil is used to help with memory and concentration. Some fascinating research presented in the British Journal Nutrition found a rather unique way in which thyme may also support brain health. In this experiment, one group of rats was given a thyme supplement and another group was used as control. The control group did not receive any supplementation. After the completion of the study, the researchers analyzed the rats’ brains to determine whether the thyme supplementation provoked any negative or positive changes. It was found that the levels of antioxidants in the brains of the mice receiving thyme were comparable to antioxidant levels of much younger mice. Pyridoxine keeps up GABA (beneficial neurotransmitter in the brain) levels in the brain, which has stress buster function. It is also believed to stimulate the production of healthy omega 3 fatty cells in the brain and hence promotes brain health.
Thyme For Ageing
One of the primary reasons why cognitive abilities decline with age is because of reduced blood flow to the brain. It appears that both rosemary and thyme may be viable, dietary tools in combating this unwanted occurrence. Thyme is rich in flavonoids, potent antioxidants able to fight against free radicals, and further protect the body against cellular damage and resulting diseases. Thyme also contains a variety of flavonoids that increase its antioxidant capacity. The volatile oil, thymol, is a powerful antioxidant. The primary job of antioxidants is to protect your cells against the oxidative stress caused by free radicals, considered to be the primary cause of the aging process. Protecting yourself against free radicals with antioxidants is the most effective way to reduce the risk of many health problems associated with aging. This property may protect the brain cells from aging and prevent age-related degenerative diseases. Thyme oil helped to protect against age-related changes in the brain cells of rats. Studies are ongoing to determine whether thyme can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Thyme For digestive disorders
Thyme tea is often recommended by herbal healers to promote good digestion and relieve gas and bloating. According to “Aromatherapy for Professionals,” by herbalists Shirley and Len Price, the volatile oils in thyme give it carminative –or gas-reducing– properties. Thyme is beneficial for various disorders of digestive tract, and it is useful in conditions like excessive flatulence, nausea, indigestion, colic and loss of appetite. It also alleviates chronic gastritis, a lack of appetite, indigestion, colic and irritable bowel syndrome. Thyme is said to aid digestion of fats, making it an excellent complement for any recipes using oils and fats. Thyme tea has also been known to be helpful for stomach upsets, coughs, and fevers. Thyme can even help in better digestion and can dissolve as well as remove the mucus in the intestines. Thyme is an excellent expectorant, meaning that it discharges fluid or phlegm from the digestive tract. There is also a fair amount of fiber in thyme, making this herb an excellent choice when suffering from stomach and bowel troubles. Its phenols allow it to work as an antispasmodic, helping to relieve intestinal cramping. Thyme tea helps ease the muscles of the stomach, which relieves it from stomach aches.
Thyme For A Healthy Heart
Because of its unique blend of antioxidants, thyme is considered one of the top antioxidant foods around. Antioxidants can be important in helping to prevent heart disease and possibly even some forms of cancer. Thyme has its fair share of potassium, too. Potassium is good for the bloodstream and the blood pressure. Potassium helps the body to control the heart rate, and it also helps to cleanse the bloodstream of detrimental materials. It’s important to note that these desirable circulatory changes occurred without increasing the risk of bleeding issues, such as those that are sometimes found with synthetic blood thinning medications. Thymol is the primary volatile oil components of the thyme herb – and research tests on mice have shown that thymol can protect and increase healthy fats in cell membranes and cell structures. An even more surprising finding was that the levels of certain healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil), were significantly higher in the thyme supplemented animals. It also stimulates healthy blood circulation. Without a properly functioning circulatory system, one can’t expect to be mentally sharp.
Thyme For Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps: Thyme is also a natural antispasmodic, which means it has the ability to help with menstrual cramps and the pains caused by such. Drinking tea made from the green leaves of thyme can help ease menstrual cramps and relieve PMS symptoms. A few cups a day will ease menstrual cramps as well as relieve the tenseness and moodiness that often accompanies PMS (or the “MS” itself). Because of its antispasmodic qualities it is also of great relief to women suffering from cramps during their monthly periods.
Thyme For Mouth Disorders
Taking a drink, or tea, with this herb is a traditional and ancient remedy for soothing sore throats, easing the symptoms of colds and treating infected gums and mouth ulcers. Thyme based formulations have been used as an anti-septic mouthwash in the treatment of caries and gingivitis. Thyme contains a natural oil known as thymus vulgaris, which is at least 25 percent thymol, a natural antiseptic. ‘Thymol’ found in thyme is an essential ingredient of many mouthwashes to treat infection of the gums and throat, bad breath and inflammation of the mouth, due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Thyme has very powerful anti-bacterial properties and it’s easy to see why many oral products like toothpastes and mouthwash make full use of the thyme plant and its extracted essential oil. So, if you’re in need of a clean mouth but don’t have any mouthwash from the store, look to see if you’ve got some thyme in your kitchen cupboards. If so, chew a little of the thyme. It will help to cleanse your mouth and rid it of germs. The oil of thyme is used in mouthwashes to treat inflammations of the mouth, and throat infections. Thyme is one of the top bad breath remedies and helps to fight bacteria and infection in your mouth. Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria multiplying in the mouth. A thyme mouthwash can eliminate the bacteria that are the cause of bad breath. So, this tea can also be used as a mouthwash to prevent these conditions. Thyme herb is also thought to be good for toothache. gargling with thyme tea can reduce swelling and pus formation in tonsillitis.
Thyme For Cancer Prevention
All the members of the mint family, including thyme, possess terpenoids which are recognized for their cancer preventive properties. Rosmarinic and ursolic acids are major terpenoids in thyme that possess anti-cancer properties. Thyme tea can help prevent cancer. The terpenoids in this herb are considered cancer protectors and there is a significant amount of these compounds present.
Thyme For Muscular Pain
Thyme can relieve muscular and joint pain. Adding a few drops of thyme oil to a carrier oil and using it to massage painful joints and muscles can help provide relief. Uses for the tincture include the strengthening of limbs of children who are weak, especially those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
Thyme For Relaxation
The thyme bath brings immediate relief and brings on restful sleep. In addition, it may have a calming effect in stress-related conditions. In addition, two recent human studies also demonstrated an anti-anxiety and fatigue reducing effect in participants utilizing rosemary essential oil as a form of aromatherapy.
Thyme As A Diuretic
Thyme can naturally urge your body to shed excess fluid and some sodium and toxins. Sodium makes the body hold fluid, while a diuretic helps the body to get rid of extra fluid. Extra fluid can be rough on the heart, in severe cases even leading to congestive heart disease. Thyme as a diuretic would likely work best in a tea or oil form.
Thyme For Alcoholism
Drinking of thyme tea is also recommended for alcoholism. The alcoholic is given one tablespoon every 15 minutes. The tea causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, increased urine and much perspiration. The appetite is increased and the patient becomes very thirsty. Thyme herb can be made into a tea, which can ease the symptoms of a hangover. Used as a tea it can relieve both hangovers and also most herbalists recommend it as a digestive aid or tonic.
Thyme For Skin
This herb can be made into a strong tea which can be used to disinfect skin and surfaces. Wild thyme extract is also available and is often used in skin care products for its astringent and antioxidant properties, helping to clear the skin of blemishes and keeping it looking younger. Thyme oil has a warming effect on the skin and penetrates into muscles and joints. Studies are finding that thyme may be a much better treatment for acne than all of the current medications available. You should not apply thyme oil to the skin in a concentrated form as may cause severe irritation.
Thyme For Depression
It treats nervous disorders such as depression, insomnia, nightmares, exhaustion and melancholy. Someone who is suffering from over stimulation or depression would use the thyme bath. Some have used it to treat depression and stress, and it is known that the Romans used it as a cure for melancholy. The essential oil can be used to lift moods and calm people who are stressed.
Thyme For Boosting Immunity
One of the top health benefits of thyme is the immune boosting effect that this herb has on the body. The numerous antioxidants that thyme contains help your body stay healthy by preventing infection, illness, and disease.
Thyme For Children
The savory flavor of thyme makes it a great herb that can be mixed with honey and lime for a warm and soothing drink for children. It is even used to remove nightmares from children. Some believe that thyme can stop children from having nightmares.
Thyme As A Nutritional Supplement
The health benefits of thyme include the fact that there are many essential vitamins and minerals in this herb that the body needs for optimal health and fitness. Thyme tea is also an excellent source of vitamin K, vital to normal blood clotting, with 2 taps. supplying 48.01mcg, or 60 percent of the DV. Thyme tea is also a very good source of manganese, supplying 12 percent of the DV, and calcium, providing 5.4 of the DV in 2 tsp.2 teaspoons of thyme (about 3 gems) has vitamin K (60 per cent of RDA), iron (20 per cent of RDA), manganese (10 per cent of RDA), and calcium (5 per cent of RDA). Vitamin K is vital for normal blood clotting. It is also a good source of the minerals manganese and calcium. Apart from the common vitamins and minerals, thyme has volatile oil components that researchers are discovering many health benefits. These volatile oil components are: carvacolo, borneol, geraniol, and thymol.
Thyme As a Culinary Herb
Thyme is a commonly used culinary herb. Thyme herb imparts intense flavor to the recipes and should be added sparingly. When used for cooking, thyme should be added when the dish is almost cooked, as this will bring out the best of its aromatic qualities. This is due to thyme being heat-sensitive, and prolonged exposure to high heat will kill thyme’s delicate flavour. Thyme herb can be used to marinate chicken and vegetable recipes. Thyme has been used in the preparation of season soups, and sauces. It is one of the components of Bouquet Garni (French for Garnished Bouquet) – which is actually a bunch of herbs strung together, mainly for preparation of soups, stock, broth, and stews. Bouquet garni is normally tied together, so that it is easily removed once the dish is cooked. Bouquet Garni normally consists of thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. But some cooks like to also add a combination of basil, rosemary, carrots, leeks, and onions. It is commonly used on roasted vegetables and meats as well as in soups and stews. Scientists are now trying to develop natural food preservatives based on thyme essential oils. Like other members of the mint family, it too has a wonderful aroma that is excellent to flavor meat and vegetable dishes.
Side Effects of Thyme
Thyme is generally safe to use and has no side effects. Allergic reaction to thyme is unlikely. However, the essential oil of thyme may be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, and may cause an allergic reaction. Thyme tea is not known to cause any major side effect, unless one is allergic to this herb. Some varieties produce a stronger reaction than others. Medicinal doses of thyme and especially thyme oil are not recommended during pregnancy as thyme can act as a uterine stimulant. Thyme should not be used by pregnant women as it will increase blood pressure, so use with caution. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness and trouble breathing. But if allergic reactions start to show (e.g. rash, itching, red spots, swelling, dizziness, difficulty in breathing), discontinue consumption, and seek medical attention immediately. It has been observed that people allergic to oregano are more likely to develop an allergic reaction to thyme and its preparations. Breastfeeding women may better avoid this herb and its tea, or take them only in a small amount. Raw thyme or thyme oil can cause a skin reaction in some people, so always check with a doctor before trying this. If your problems worsen or continue for more than a short amount of time, always remember to go see a doctor.
Category: HERBAL TEAS
