Follow Us on Google
Thymus vulgaris L.Family- Lamiaceae
Common names: common thyme, garden thyme, or just thyme.
A perennial, evergreen sub shrub with a generally upright, woody-based stem growing to 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall by 40 cm (16 in) wide. The leaves are arranged as whorls around the stem, evergreen and simple. They have an ovate shape, fine texture and aromatic fragrance. They mainly constitute the edible part for cooking and as a herbal medicine. The flowers have a tube-like calyx and tubular corolla with a three lobed lower lip, and are united in spikes at the top of the branches. The roots are robust, and the fruit consists of a smooth, dark coloured nutlet. The whole plant has a pleasant scent.
Thyme can be propagated from seeds, cuttings or by layering. It can tolerate drought and poor, salty environments. It lives in loamy and sandy soils, having a neutral and alkaline pH. It does not need a lot of water but requires full sunlight. Thyme is cultivated as a culinary herb and medicinal plant.
The phytochemical components of this plant which attribute to its antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antioxidant, expectorant, calming, and anthelmintic properties include flavonoids (methylated flavones); phenolic glycosides, aliphatic alcohols. Biphenyl compounds; phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid) and essential oil containing monoterpenes including thymol, carvacrol, thymol methyl ether e.t.c.
Part used: Leaves.
People have used thyme for many centuries mainly as a flavouring agent and culinary herb. It is popular in many kitchen dishes and used to flavour a wide range of foods, including poultry, stuffings, fish, eggs, meats, sauces, soups, vegetables, cheeses, and pastas. You may easily spot it among the culinary spices when you walk in the grocery store, but did you know that thyme is medicinal “superhero”? It has been an herbal superhero for thousands of years. A symbol of courage throughout the ages, thyme was added to the bath water of Roman soldiers to empower them for battle. The soldiers also exchanged sprigs of thyme as a sign of respect. Romans believed that eating thyme either before or during a meal would protect you from poison. Greeks and Romans burned bundles of thyme to purify their temples and homes, and to evoke a spirit of courage in those who inhaled it.
When next you add this spice to a dish, you may be helping your lungs! The very spice you use in cooking is potent to fight against congestion. Thyme produces strong antiseptic essential oils noted for their natural antibiotic and anti-fungal properties. Thyme tea eliminates bacteria, so it will be effective in treating your infection. This spice has been used since ancient times as a lung remedy. Today, it is also used to prevent and treat respiratory infections and pneumonia.
Battles bacteria and parasites: thyme oil helps treat intestinal infections and bacterial infections in the genitals and urethra. It is useful in treating bacteria that build up in the respiratory system. Apply 2-4 drops directly to the affected area and also take the tea to battle bacteria and parasites.
Thyme oil is antibacterial, anti fungal, spasmolytic and expectorant, so it helps quell bronchitis and a spasmodic cough. Diffuse it, apply it topically to your chest and neck, or add 5-7 drops of thyme oil to boiling water and breathe in the steam. If your cough won’t go away, try this wonderful cooking spice as an infusion. It works well to ease persistent or chronic coughing. To make thyme tea, infuse about 1Tsp. in a teacup of freshly boiled for 10 minutes, strain and drink 3 cups a day. You will be amazed at the result this simple remedy will give.
Thyme also packs a punch when it comes to pain relief. The plant contains thymol, which is an effective vasodilator of blood capillaries. This helps the body transport blood, even stimulating the flow of white blood cells to reduce inflammation and increase the rate of healing. The tea can be used as infusion – 1 standard teacup 2 x daily. Thyme oil, liniment, or ointment can be used topically to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with muscle spasms.
Promotes health hormone balance: with progesterone-balancing effects, thyme may also relieve symptoms of menopause, including mood swings, hot flashes and insomnia. Add 1 Tsp. of thyme to a cup of freshly boiled water, allow to steep for five minutes and drink warm. Take daily for 14 days, preferably at night (not later than 7.30. p.m.). You may also diffuse the oil or apply it to the back of your neck, on your wrists and on the soles of your feet.
Fights uterine fibroids- uterine fibroids are caused by high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone. To help break them up, mix 2 drops each of thyme oil, clary sage and frankincense oils and apply over your lower abdomen 2 x daily. Don’t forget to take some thyme tea.
Boosts skin health: thyme oil protects the skin from harmful bacteria and fungal infection, so it can treat acne, wounds, cuts, rashes and scars. A powerful antioxidant. It can help slow the aging process as well. Apply 2-4 drops of thyme oil topically to the area of concern.
Serves as insect repellent: thyme oil helps keep away pests and parasites that feed on the body, such as mosquitoes, fleas, lice, and bed bugs. Apply it topically or diffuse it. A few drops of thyme oil placed in the closet or kitchen can also repel moths and beetles.
The herb may help conquer your depression- Add 1 Tbsp. of herb mixture to a half liter of boiling water and leave for ten minutes. Drink a cup in the morning and in the evening, before bed. The oil when inhaled can aid concentration and relieve feelings of depression.
Thyme does more than livening up the flavor of food! Enjoy! Please do not use thyme oil during pregnancy. People who have high blood pressure or epilepsy should avoid high doses of thyme extracts.
