Thyme is a Mediterranean plant that is a food, medicinal and ornamental product. The flowers, leaves, and oil of this herb have long been used to treat a range of symptoms and he alth problems. These include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, arthritis, and a sore throat. What is thyme really good for, and are there side effects?
Key facts about thyme
The most common variety is thymus vulgaris. Thyme is believed to have insecticidal, antibacterial, and possibly antifungal properties. People have used it throughout history for embalming and disease prevention.
Thyme is used fresh and dried. Its essential oil is also on sale.
The plant has a number of powerful medicinal effects. Thymol, which is part of it, is one of the mostnaturally occurring classes of substances known as biocides. These are compounds that can destroy harmful organisms such as infectious bacteria.
Used along with other biocides such as carvacrol, thyme has significant antimicrobial properties.
One 2010 study suggests that thymol may reduce bacterial resistance to common drugs, including penicillin.
Thus, scientists say that thyme is useful. There are contraindications to its use, but there are not so many of them.
A bit of history
People have used thyme throughout history. For example, the ancient Egyptians used it as an embalming fluid.
In ancient Greece, people used it as incense in temples and added it to bathing water.
The Romans used thyme as a flavoring for alcoholic beverages and cheeses. They also supposedly offered it as a cure for people who were depressed or melancholy. The Roman army brought thyme to the British Isles when they conquered the lands.
Hippocrates, who lived from 460 to 370 BC. e. and known today as the "Father of Western Medicine", advised thyme for the treatment of respiratory diseases. People grew this herb in gardens and collected it wild.
When the Black Death (plague pandemic) took over Europe in the 1340s, people wore thyme to protect themselves from infection. Scientific studies do not support this specific use, but they have shown that the planthas a number of medicinal properties that modern people can use with benefit. Is thyme useful from the point of view of modern researchers?
Essential oil
The oil of this plant is high in thymol and can be used to fight harmful bacteria and insects. People can use fresh thyme leaves in teas and cooking, as well as place them between layers of laundry to protect the fabric from insects.
Essential oil of thyme includes 20-60 percent thymol. Manufacturers extract it for a range of uses, including scenting soaps and deodorants. Due to its antiseptic and antifungal properties, it is a common ingredient in mouthwashes.
What is thyme good for? People have long used its oil as an insect repellent and antiseptic. Thymol is a common meat preservative and is often added to olive oil by olive farmers.
Unlike fresh leaves, essential oils cannot be ingested or applied directly to the skin. They need to be diluted in a carrier oil such as olive oil.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines thyme essential oils as "generally recognized as safe for their intended use." However, anyone wishing to make significant changes to their treatment should discuss this with their doctor first.
Nutritional properties
Thyme has almost no calories. One portion of itfor tea is about 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs or about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. This amount of raw materials contains less than 1 calorie. Calorie content is represented by carbohydrates, primarily fiber. Why thyme is good for women, men and children?
You don't get many vitamins or minerals from a plant. However, it does contain small amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as magnesium and potassium.
Collection, preparation and storage
If you want to buy fresh grass, look for it on sale in the markets. What does a useful thyme look like? The photo is presented in the article. Choose a plant that has thick tall stems with bright green or greyish green leaves. You should choose grass that has no visible flowers.
When you bring fresh thyme home, don't wash it until you're ready to use it. You can wrap it in a paper towel and place it in a plastic bag. Store thyme in the refrigerator where it should stay fresh for a week or more. When using the herb, separate the leaves from the stems by running your finger along the stem.
He alth benefits
What is thyme good for? It was used by ancient cultures in temples and during funeral rituals. The plant has also gained popularity as a medicinal herb. The herb is still used by people all over the world to treat conditions such as:
- Bad breath.
- Sore throat.
- Colic in children.
- Arthritis.
- Dyspepsia.
- Diarrhea.
- Bedtime.
- Skin diseases.
- Parasite.
- Laryngitis.
- Tonsillitis.
Thyme is also used to stimulate appetite and prevent fluid loss. However, it is worth noting that to date, there is not enough evidence to support the use of the plant for treatment.
What is the use of thyme in tea? There is some preliminary evidence that using thyme along with other herbs may help relieve coughs in patients with upper respiratory infections or colds. Some studies also show that herbal preparations that include this herb may help relieve the symptoms of bronchitis.
Finally, this plant can help stimulate hair growth. A clinical study showed that lavender oil, applied topically with essential oils of thyme, rosemary and cedarwood, can increase the quality of hair.
High blood pressure
Scientists from the University of Belgrade found that an aqueous extract of wild thyme lowered blood pressure in rats. These animals respond to hypertension similarly to humans, so these results are significant for humans. However, more tests are needed to confirm the significance of the data.
What is thyme good for men? Studies have also shown that the plant lowers cholesterol levels. To put it to good use,it is recommended to replace s alt with it when cooking.
Bacterial foodborne infections
A team of scientists from the Center for Animal Research and Veterinary Sciences in Portugal studied the antimicrobial activity of essential oils derived from several aromatic plants, including thyme oil. They reported that even at low concentrations it has shown potential as a natural food preservative, protecting food from several common foodborne bacteria that cause disease in humans.
One Polish study tested thyme and lavender oils and found the former to be effective against resistant strains of Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas bacteria.
Colon Cancer
What are the benefits of thyme herb? A Lisbon study found that extracts from the oilseed plant may protect people from colon cancer.
Breast cancer
Useful properties of thyme for women are as follows. Researchers in Turkey have studied the wild plant's effect on breast cancer activity and behavior in cancer cells. They discovered that the plant was causing their death.
Yeast infection
The beneficial properties of thyme for women are also explained by the antifungal activity of the plant. The fungus Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a common cause of yeast infections in the mouth and vagina. This is a recurring condition called "thrush". Researchers at the University of Turin in Italy have found that thyme essential oil significantly enhances the destruction of C. albicans in the human body.
Various skin problems
What is thyme good for as an external remedy? Skin problems are found all over the world. In some countries, herbal preparations are important medicines.
A team of scientists from the University of Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) conducted a study to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of a 10% chamomile extract cream and a 3% antifungal cream with thyme essential oil for eczema-like lesions. They noted that complete healing occurred in 66.5% of people who received these funds, compared with 28.5% of those who used a placebo.
Researchers concluded that a 3% thyme essential oil cream may represent a relatively readily available and cost-effective option for the treatment of mild to moderate cases of fungal infections. However, they advise further research.
To get rid of acne
Scientists from Leeds (England) tested the effect of tinctures of myrrh, calendula and thyme on Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) - a bacterium that causes acne. They found that thyme can be effective in treating it.
Its antibacterial effect is stronger than standard concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, the active ingredient in most creams and acne treatments.
Benzoyl peroxide also causesburning and skin irritation. This means that thyme tincture may be a good solution for acne treatment with fewer unwanted effects. This explains the benefits of thyme for the body.
So, if you're tired of buying and trying various acne medications and all to no avail, you might be in luck. Thyme is known for its antibacterial properties and can be an excellent acne treatment.
When leaves are immersed in alcohol for days or weeks, it turns into a solution known as a tincture. Researchers in the UK tested the effects of thyme tincture on acne. In one such study, the results were impressive. This natural herbal preparation fought acne better than anti-acne medications that included benzoyl peroxide. Time will tell if this remedy is an effective acne treatment.
For cough treatment
What is the use of thyme in tea? The essential oil of this plant, obtained from its leaves, is often used as a natural cough remedy. In one study, a combination of thyme and ivy leaves helped relieve cough and other symptoms of acute bronchitis.
The next time you experience a cough or sore throat, try drinking thyme tea. The recipe for its preparation: for 200 g of water, take 15 g of thyme and thyme, 1 tsp. black tea. We mix the herbs in a strainer, then cover and insist for 5-7 minutes. If desired, sugar can be added to the finished drink.
Fordisinfection
Mold is a common but potentially dangerous air pollutant that can lurk in your home. Once you find it, take the necessary steps to get rid of it once and for all. Thyme oil can be a good remedy for mold.
You can also make a homemade repellant by mixing four drops of thyme oil with a few tablespoons of olive oil or a little water.
Tiger Mosquito Repellent
Useful properties of the thyme plant include the destruction of tiger mosquitoes. These insects mainly live in the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia. Since the 1990s, they have spread around the world, spreading West Nile virus, yellow fever, St. Louis encephalitis, dengue and chikungunya.
A team from Chungbuk National University in South Korea reported that the combination of thymol, alpha-terpinene and carvacrol was effective in killing tiger mosquito larvae.
Prolongs the stability of vegetable oils
Lipid oxidation is a major problem in food processing and storage. This may result in loss of food quality, stability, safety and nutritional value.
Scientists from Warsaw have investigated whether thyme extract can prolong the stability of sunflower oil at different temperatures. They suggest that the plant may be a strong antioxidant to stabilize this product.
To cheer you up
Essential oil of thyme oftenused for aromatic and therapeutic purposes due to the active substance in its composition - carvacrol. In a 2013 study, carvacrol was shown to affect neuronal activity in a way that makes subjects feel better.
So if you regularly use thyme or thyme oil, it can have a positive effect on your feelings and mood.
For a good appetite
This is a wonderful culinary ingredient that is used in cuisines around the world, especially in France, Italy and throughout the Mediterranean. Thyme has an aroma that is often described as piney. Some people also experience a bitter, floral, herbal taste. Thyme is often included in seasonings such as herbs de Provence, etc. Use it to flavor fish and poultry dishes, as well as pasta.
To do this, use fresh or dried leaves, as well as whole twigs. You can see what these parts of the thyme look like in the photo. Useful properties of the plant can be used for a he althy diet. For example, whole grain macaroni and cheese with mushrooms and thyme is a he althy dish for both children and adults.
Possible side effects and contraindications
Thyme is a Mediterranean herb with dietary and medicinal uses. Most parts of the plant have different uses. Research says the herb can be used to treat ailments such as diarrhea, sore throats, and even arthritis. But some people have also reportedside effects. We examined the beneficial properties of thyme for women. And contraindications to its use are also worth studying.
One of the reasons for the undesirable effects may be that thyme belongs to the same family as mint. Sensitivity to these plants (like mint or oregano) is quite common, especially in women and children. If you are allergic to any of this family, you may also be intolerant to thyme.
What are the side effects of thyme can be felt? Excess consumption of the plant can also cause negative effects. This may be due to the volatile oils in the herb, which can cause problems for some people. Despite the numerous beneficial properties of thyme tea, there are contraindications to its use. If you experience any of the following symptoms, drastically reduce or stop using the herb.
- Headache. Studies show that thyme can activate TRPA1 channel 1 in the human body and this can cause migraines. Its activation has also been found to cause inflammation of sensory nerve endings, which is similar to the effect seen with smoking.
- Asthma attacks. Thymol, the main component of thyme, has been recognized as a powerful asthmagen. It is also a respiratory sensitizer that can aggravate respiratory problems.
- Skin allergy. Some thyme farmers have shown symptoms of contact dermatitis. This allergy, according to the study, was caused bypollen from a plant that these people came into contact with during their work.
Some other side effects of thyme have been reported. While more research is still needed, it is important that you are aware of it. They include the following:
- Hypotonia. An allergic response to thyme can cause hypotension, as has been observed in a number of subjects. Some sources even hint at cardiac arrest when taking the plant's oil.
- Gastrointestinal problems. Taking thyme and its oil by mouth can lead to heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal irritation.
- Endocrine he alth. Thyme extracts can lower levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, which can be detrimental to endocrine he alth.
- Infection of the urethra. Ingestion of thyme may exacerbate inflammation associated with urinary tract infections.
- Muscle weakness.
Possible problems during pregnancy
Despite the numerous beneficial properties of thyme for women, there are contraindications to its use. Due to lack of sufficient data, the plant is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.
How can you prevent these side effects?
Be careful with dosage. There is no specific recommended dose of thyme and it all depends on the individual. Therefore, consult your doctor and stick to the suggested amount.
Conclusion
Thyme is a potent herb, so don't use itthere's too much of her. Be aware of potential side effects and take immediate action if any occur.
