Thyme has many health benefits. Thyme is one of the herbs that are well known. The leaves are small, oval small with small hard stalk. The aroma is very fragrant and distinctive. Thyme is widely used by the Greeks as a medicinal herb.
Thyme is widely used in almost all European dishes, Portugal, Lebanon, Turkey, Spain, Caribbean and Middle East. The aroma of spices is more delicious when dried. The aroma of thyme is perfect to spice up grilled meat dishes, and soups. In making the broth, thyme is often added to the concoction of 'bouquet of garni' with onions, carrots, green onions and parsley.
Currently Thyme can be purchased in fresh or dried. For dried thyme should be packed in a container with a lid tightly. Always store the remaining dried thyme in the container lid tightly because it is easy to lose flavor when exposed to air.
In traditional medicine, this plant has a long history and is reported to have been used to treat bronchitis, diabetes, fever, sore throat, spleen disorders, warts and disorders of the uterus, and is also considered as an antispasmodic, carminative and tonic. Tea of thyme (1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves boiled in 1 cup boiling water) is believed to cure headaches and tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. While thyme juice added a little vinegar can be used for the treatment of cancer and tumors. Extract and syrup of thyme are used as a traditional medicine in cough. Smoke from burning of thyme can repel insects, and eliminating bacteria, essential oil of thyme is used as a disinfectant and antiseptic in mouthwashes, as well as a fungicide and insecticide.
Nutrition Fact Of Thyme
Thyme herb contains thymol, one of the important essential oils, which scientifically has been found to have antiseptic, anti-fungal characteristics. The other volatile oils in thyme include carvacolo, borneol and geraniol. Thyme also contain minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. Its leaves are one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and selenium. The herb is also a rich source of many important vitamins such as B-complex vitamins, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C and folic acid.
Health Benefits of Thyme
- Bronchitis Treatment and Expectorant Properties. Thyme is a natural medicine that is used for treating chest and respiratory problems. It serves as an effective cure for bronchitis, coughs and chest congestion as well.
- The herb is highly effective on mucous membranes present in the lungs and stomach.
- It helps in proper digestion, mainly of the fats. It is especially beneficial when eaten after having mutton or pork.
- Good for digestion. Thyme acts as a digestive tonic and increases the appetite, which helps in staying healthy. The herb helps reduce symptoms of irritable bowel and colic. It helps in preventing chronic gastritis as well.
- Thyme oil is useful for the body and is used in toothpaste, mouthwashes and ointments.
- The herb makes an excellent solution for gargle and mouthwash, used for dental decay. Also, it is very effective against laryngitis, plaque formation, sore throat, mouth sores, tonsillitis and bad breath.
- Thyme contains thymol, which has antiseptic properties. It can be used as a poultice for insect bites, stings, mastitis and wounds.
- The herb is used to cure hookworm, threadworm and roundworm. It can also destroy skin parasites like the scabies and lice.
- It effectively fights against bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphalococcus aureus and Shingella sonnei are some of the bacteria against which thyme is very effective.
- Thyme consists of thymol and carvacol, which help relax the smooth vessels of the gastrointestinal tract.
- The herb can be used as eyewash to cure sore eyes and also as a hair rinse, to prevent dandruff.
- It has antispasmodic qualities, which provide relief to women during menstruation.
- Thyme works as a tonic and stimulates the nervous system. It alleviates nervous disorders like nightmares, depression, nervous exhaustion, insomnia and melancholy.
- It eases epilepsy, convulsions, menstrual cramps, spasm-induced coughing and diarrhea.
- The thymol present in thyme is found to protect and increase the quantity of healthy fats found in the cell membranes and other structures of the cell.
