By: Ivana Dragica |
Thyme – an irreplaceable herb in every home pharmacy |
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Thyme is a plant that should be a part of every home pharmacy and kitchen.
Its healing properties and nutritive values have been known for ages.
Thyme is a small plant with intensive taste and scent. It loves southern regions and it needs a lot of sunlight in order to blossom.
It is believed that this plant is originally from the Mediterranean, but today we can find it across the globe.
Thyme genus encompasses many different species, but thymus vulgaris is most commonly used in treatments.
Latin name for thyme is Thymus vulgaris, and it is also known as thyme, garden thyme etc.
Thyme healing effect
Thyme is one of the cheapest remedies available to everyone.
It contains borneol, carvacrol, thymol, saponins, tannins, glycosides, vitamins A, C, D, B-complex, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
Traditionally, it is used for treating anemia, fever, digestive problems, bad breath and hangover.
It is believed that thyme is effective against all types of cramps and that it alleviates PMS problems.
Thyme is good for our stomach, which is why it is used in many dishes.
It’s recommended for children, since it prevents parasite creation, especially worms. It also strengthens children's organism.
Thyme makes our lungs stronger and cleans them of slime. It is effective against all types of cramps, cough, bronchitis, asthma and respiratory problems.
It calms nerves, but does not make us sleepy. Use it if you suffer from anxiety, distress, insomnia, nightmares and headaches.
Thyme tea helps against cough and bronchitis and has antiseptic effects so it is recommended to gurgle it if you suffer from sore throat. Drink thyme tea during flu and cold season as a preventive measure.
For making thyme tea, put one thyme branch into a cup of hot water.
Thyme has the following effects:
- anti-rheumatic
- antiseptic
- anti-coagulative
- bactericide
- aphrodisiac
- tonic
- stimulant
- relaxant
- anti-parasite
- natural preservative and insecticide
Exterior application
For exterior application, you can use thyme for wound disinfection, against boils and burns, for treating sprains, bruises, rheum and toothache.
Scientists claim that thyme tincture is effective for acne treatments.
Thyme tincture proved to be effective in bacteria destruction without causing unpleasant tingling and numbness.
You can apply it in a form of bandages, wraps and lotions. Use a mixture of honey and thyme on smaller wounds in order to prevent infection.
Thyme baths are recommended for children suffering from arthritis, for people with weak nerves, people suffering from rheum and against swellings and sprains.
Thyme essential oils
There are several types of thyme essential oils that differ according to chemical content and effect.
They all have great healing properties.
Thyme chemotype (type of oil dominated by thymol) – has strong antiseptic effects. It destroys viruses and bacteria. Capsules containing thyme are very effective against urinary and respiratory infections. Due to its strong effects it can irritate the skin and mucosa so it is always used diluted.
Linalool chemotype – has strong anti-microbial and anti-fungal effect. It is used against respiratory and urinary infections and in cases of acne problems. It is much milder than thymol.
Geraniol chemotype – effective against fungi sorts Candida, Trychophyton and Microsporum and against Asperillus molds. It is used for treating fungi and bacterial infections of the urinary tract and during childbirth.
Tylenom-4 chemotype – used against Chlamydia, rheumatic diseases and weakness of the organism in general.
P-cimen chemotype – has powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects so it is great for rheumatoid arthritis and muscle pains.
Natural repellent made of thyme
Thyme can be used for making natural insect repellent.
All you need is:
- 60 ml of water
- 60 ml of olive or castor oil
- 10 drops of eucalyptus tincture
- 15 drops of thyme tincture
Mix water and oil until it turns creamy. Then add herbal tinctures. Keep repellent in a dark place in a tightly closed container. Use at as protection against insects in nature.
Thyme in cuisine
The thyme goes great with garlic, tomatoes, olives and wine, so it is an ideal spice for Mediterranean cuisine.
It is used in soups, salads, vegetable dishes, marinades and sauces. Prolonged cooking does not destroy thyme.
But, do not cook it for too long because thyme has a strong scent and a bitter-hot taste.
Planting and cultivation
Choose light, calcareous and rocky soil for planting thyme, since it does not withstand the moisture.
Plant it on a sunny location that is protected against the wind. Pick thyme during the summer and leave several stems for seeds.
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