Thyme is an evergreen herb with culinary, official, and ornamental uses. The most common of all varieties of Thyme is Thymus vulgaris. Thyme belongs to the genus Thymus of the mint family, and a relative of the oregano genus Organum.

Thyme is one type of herb leaves that sprang up from Egypt. The leaves are eensy-weensy, small oval shape with a short stalk hard.

The aroma of these leaves is very pungent, fragrant and distinctive. Thyme is widely used as a medicinal herb. Thyme is one of the herbs that can be used for decoration or even giving a unique flavor and aroma of the food.

Properties of Thyme

The Thyme leaves are curled, elliptical and very small, measuring about one-eighth of an inch in length and one-sixteenth of an inch in width. The upper area of the leaf is green-grey on top, while the underside is a pale whitish color.

Uses Of Thyme

So, I’m going to tell you some benefits of this little green herb so that you can have the Thyme of your life.

1. How Does Thyme Nourish The Hair?

Thyme oil is helpful for the nourishment of the hair and improves healthy hair. Regular massage with Thyme oil improves blood circulation in the scalp. Thus, improving the health of our hair and makes them look shiny. Thyme oil also helps in adding volume/bounce to your hair, so it’s the THYME to nourish your hair.

2. How Does Thyme Help In Getting Rid Of Dandruff?

One of the main causes of dandruff are the bacteria that tend to develop on the scalp in any season. Therefore, we need a material that contains a natural antiseptic which is present in thyme.

The content therein acts as an antiseptic against bacteria that cause dandruff and foul smell also.

Prepare seven teaspoons of dried thyme and two cups of water, then boil it for 10 minutes, strain, take the water, let it cool. After it could downpour stew thyme to the hair that has been shampooed. Rinsing afterward is optional.

3. How To Get Rid Of Acne Using Thyme?

Thyme, marigold, and myrrh are common herbal alternatives for anti-bacterial skin washes, while scientists have concluded that among these three herbs/flowers, Thyme is the fastest to cure and kill the bacteria that caused the acne. Therefore, give THYME to your skin.

4. Thyme Helps Get Rid Of Yeast Infection

The fungus Candida albicans is one of the common causes of mouth and vaginal yeast infections. Often referred to as “thrush,” vaginal yeast infections are recurring and painful. Thyme oil acts as an herbal medicine for similar kinds of diseases. Therefore, THYME heals everything.

5. Thyme Helps Prevent Colon and Breast Cancer

Thyme is such a lifesaver that it can even prevent types of cancers to develop inside a human body.

The presence of the constituents identified in colon cancer, cytotoxicity-guided activity indicates that extracts of Thymus mastichina L. may have a protective effect against colon cancers.

While in case of Breast cancer researchers in Turkey carried out a study to determine what effect Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) might have on breast cancer activity. So, it’s the THYME to fight cancer.

Health Benefits Of Thyme

These were some of the benefits that one could derive from this little green herb, Thyme.

1) Anti-Carcinogenic:

According to the journal “Nutrition and Cancer,” researchers in Turkey conducted a study on wild thyme, and the result showed that wild thyme might be beneficial in the development of therapeutic drugs for breast cancer treatment.”

2) Anti-Spasmodic:

Many people suffer from coughs, cramps, and aches due to spasms. Spasms are excessive involuntary contractions which may take place in the respiratory tract, nerves, muscles, intestines or other organs and may result in coughs, epileptic or hysterical attacks, cramps and muscular aches, abdominal and intestinal aches, and even spasmodic cholera.

3) Anti-Rheumatic:

There are two main reasons behind rheumatism, arthritis, and gout. The first is improper circulation, and the second one is an increasing concentration of toxins like uric acid in the bloodstream.

Thyme essential oil known as Thymol can sort out both of these problems. Since it is diuretic, it increases urination and helps in the removal of toxins from the human body.

4) Antiseptic:

Thyme Essential Oil(Thymol) is a good antiseptic. It safeguards wounds and sores against infections. This is due to the presence of Caryophyllene and Camphene in thyme/more efficient.

5) Anti-hypertensive:

Researchers at the University of Belgrade, Serbia said that extract obtained from Wild Thyme reduce blood pressure.

6) Bactericidal:

The same Caryophyllene and Camphene, along with a few other components, give thyme essential oil anti-bacterial properties. This inhibits bacterial growth inside and outside of the body. It  kills bacteria as well as keeps them away from the organs in the body.

7) Tonic:

Thyme essential oil also tones up the circulatory system, heart, digestive system, nervous system, muscles, and skin while protecting them and boosting immunity.

8) Cardiac:

This oil is very beneficial for the heart. It keeps the valves functioning correctly while being an anti-spasmodic; it relaxes the arteries and veins and thereby reduces blood pressure and stress on the heart.

Furthermore, this oil strengthens cardiac muscles and tones up the heart, since it is a tonic. Thyme essential oil is good for every part of heart health.

9) Emenagogue:

Women would be amazed to know this property of thyme essential oil. This gives the relief from obstructed and painful menstruation, irregular periods and premature menopause.

10) Cicatrizing:

Thyme essential oil makes scars, and other ugly spots on your body vanish very quickly. These include the surgical marks, marks left by accidental injuries, acne, measles, and sores, etc. So, its THYME to tidy up your skin and feel great.

Some Interesting Facts about Thyme

• There are more than hundred varieties of thyme.

• The ancient Egyptians used thyme in their beliefs and rituals like mummification process.

• Thyme has been associated with courage since ancient times. The Greeks, the Scottish Highlanders, the Romans and the knights of the Middle Ages all thought thyme brought one strength, devotion, and courage.

• The ancient Greeks sprinkled thyme in their baths.

• When the Greeks said that if a person “smelled of Thyme” it meant that the person was elegant, refined, and stylish.

• The Greeks burnt it as an incense/fragrance in sacred temples.

• The Romans used thyme in the treatment of depression.

• Thyme leaves were placed in the coffins to ensure passage to the next world.

• Thyme was sacred to the Druids, who used it to treat depression and waive off negativity.

• In the Middle Ages, people placed it under their pillows to prevent nightmares and aid sound sleep.

• Hymettus honey from Greece is made from bees who gather pollen from wild thyme plants on Mount Hymettus.

• Thyme leaf was once used on bandages to prevent infection.

• The essential oil of thyme/Geraniol is called thymol. It had been isolated in 1725 by the German apothecary Neuiuiann.

• The active ingredient in the Listerine mouthwash is Thyme Oil, Thymol.

• Wit & Wisdom- Burning thyme gets rid of insects/bugs in your house.

Cooking With Thyme:-

a. When cooking with thyme be sure to add it early in the process, so the oils and flavor have time to be released. This herb is excellent when used fresh, and goes well with many typical pasta sauces which often feature peppers and eggplants.

b. “Drink Thyme tea instead of coffee to promote good health.”

c. Thyme also is a great complementary ingredient for many vegetables, including tomatoes and roasted potatoes.

Many grilled and oven roasted fish recipes, such as spigola (sea bass) ortriglie al Forno, call for thyme . For roasted and grilled meats, It marries well with sage and rosemary.

d. When you grill, you can get excellent results if you marinate the chicken for a few hours before cooking with those three herbs (thyme, sage, and rosemary), along with good quality Olive oil and pepper/salt.

Thyme is often used in stocks and stews – it is an essential component of the bouquet garnish and herbes de Provence that is commonly used in Italian cooking and aromatic oils also.

Dishes To Which You Can Add Thyme

You can add thyme to the following recipes to make them healthy:-

• Lemon Rice
• Sautéed Mushrooms
• Pork Roast
• Roasted Chicken
• Seared Sea Scallops
• Spaghetti
• Turkey Brine
• Sandwiches
• Cheese Patties
• Italian Bread Salad

These were the additional benefits one could derive from Thyme, believe me, Thyme is magic.

THYME FOR COURAGE

Thyme stands for “Courage.” Since ancient times, thyme has been associated with courage/bravery and has been used as a natural anti-depressant.

The Greek word for courage is called Thumus, and some say that “thyme” has been derived from this word.

The Romans put thyme in their bathing water to give themselves courage and strength before battles. They also used thyme to fight depression and anxiety.

So, how did thyme, get the goodwill for inspiring courage and lifting up the spirits?

The scent of thyme is invigorating, pungent and pleasant. In aromatherapy, thyme is considered a circulatory system stimulant and is said to raise low blood pressure, which is often a cause of dizziness, lethargy, and depression.

The next time you’re feeling depressed/low or need that extra courage and energy to face the day, try smelling a bit of thyme.

Side Effects Of  Thyme

i. Children

Thyme is safe when consumed by children in normal food amounts. Thyme is also safe when taken as medicine for short periods of time. I would recommend consulting a child specialist before trying it on your baby.

ii. Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

Thyme is not so safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women but can be consumed in reasonable amounts. But it’s not known whether it’s safe to use thyme in more medicinal substantial quantities. Stick to food amounts and limits if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

iii. Allergy To Oregano Or Similar Plants:

People who are allergic to oregano, mint or other Lamiaceae species might also be allergic to thyme.

iv. Bleeding Disorders:

Thyme might slow down the blood clotting. Taking thyme might increase your risk of bleeding, especially if used in excess amounts.

v. In Case Of Hormone Sensitive Conditions

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or: Thyme leaves might act like estrogen in the body. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use thyme.

vi. Surgery

It might slow blood clotting, so there is some concern that it might increase the risk of extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using it at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Conclusion:

While the herb has some household uses, such as keeping moths from linen and beetles from the garden, and is used in soaps, cosmetic creams/gels and perfumes, thyme has also been known for millennia as a healer.

It’s anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anti-microbial ability, primarily from the volatile oils caracole, Borneo, Geraniol, and thymol, have been clinically proven and works like magic; such as acne cream with thyme as an active ingredient is more effective than benzoyl peroxide, henceforth it’s safe and organic. Perhaps it’s not a magnification to say that “thyme heals all wounds.

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