Thyme imparts intense flavour to many recipes; however, the many potential health benefits of Thyme available to you are excellent.
Disclaimer:
I am an affiliate for various programs, and as such should you purchase any products from the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission as a result of the sales at no cost to you.
About Thyme
Thyme is a member of the mint family of which the most common variety is Thymus vulgaris. (Refer to the image below)
Thyme is a well-known herb used in culinary dishes in many parts of Southern Europe, mainly Italian cooking.
Yet, due to this significant herb’s multipurpose uses, it has grown worldwide as a result.
This herb is worth growing in your garden or a pot plant in the kitchen.
Remember, fresh is best.
Multipurpose Uses
Thyme has various uses, not just within the culinary arena, but back in the Ancient day’s Thyme was shown to have many other medical and health benefits.
So let us have a look at some of the multipurpose and beneficial uses.
Courage, Strength, Bravery was the order of the day.
Over the centuries, Thyme was highly prized not only as a herb but believed to enhance and increase the strength, courage, and bravery of many warriors during ancient times.
The Romans added Thyme to their bathwater, which they believed, would further add to their strength, bravery, and courage in battle.
The Greeks had the same idea but would have their warriors massage with Thyme Oil, as this would have been a more potent form.
The Ladies during the Medieval Times would have sprigs of Thyme sewed onto their scarves where they would give to their favoured Knight with the vision that would provide added strength, courage, and bravery.
So as you can see, the same beliefs were around but covered a vast area of different civilizations and times.
During the embalming process in ancient Egypt, Thyme would be placed in the coffin to help the body’s passage into the next realm after physical death.
Guess Thyme does matter.
Medicinal and Health Benefits of Thyme
Not only is it a great and powerful Herb to be used in cooking, but it has many medicinal properties.
Even back as early as 3000 BC the Sumerians, found Thyme to have excellent Antiseptic properties, one of many properties discovered over the years.
Here are some medicinal properties that will benefit your health using Thyme.
Thyme contains an essential oil called Thymol (commonly known as Oil of Thyme), which makes this herb so crucial and vital that it can benefit your health.
Here are some of those properties.
Expectorant
As an expectorant, Oil of Thyme helps loosen congestion by reducing the lungs’ mucus, allowing the coughing to become more productive to help clear the lungs.
Antispasmodic
As an antispasmodic, Thyme helps to suppress spasms, therefore, assisting in reducing any muscular tension.
Such tension can be in the form of stomach cramps and spasms that can cause abdominal pain.
As a result, together with the expectorant and the antispasmodic properties, such actions help reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract.
Very beneficial for those suffering from illnesses such as acute and chronic bronchitis.
Antiseptic/Antibacterial
Both qualities work hand in hand, as the Oil of Thyme is contained in mouthwashes that can help fight tooth decay.
The antiseptic aspects can also help as a skin cleanser, while the Antibacterial can help treat fungal issues such as the athlete’s foot.
Ointments that contain the oil of Thyme (Thymol) can bring much relief against skin wounds and relief to insect bites.
Please note
Thyme as a herb is safe to use; however, take care when using Thyme as an Essential Oil may cause issues.
The essential oil could cause some irritation to the mucous membranes and skin, which may cause allergic reactions.
As with most essential oils, Oil of Thyme is not recommended and is best to avoid for use during pregnancy.
It is advisable to avoid using essential oils internally without a professional practitioner’s recommendation and guidance with qualified knowledge of herbs and their fundamental oil properties.
If not sure who to look for, try Natural Therapy organizations or professionals in Naturopathy and Aromatherapy, for example.
May Thyme be with you?
As Always
