herba-barona) are often used as seasonings for food, while wild thyme ( T. Other species in the Thymus genus also use the common name of "thyme." Lemon thyme ( T. Several cultivars have also been developed, such as 'Silver Queen' and 'Argenteus'. Thymus vulgaris is divided into two subspecies: Thymus vulgaris subs. The thyme plant, or common thyme, belongs to the Thymus genus and the Lamiaceae botanical group, also known as the mint family, which includes many aromatic herbs used in cooking today, such as basil, peppermint ( Mentha x piperita), rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis), sage ( Salvia officinalis), oregano ( Origanum vulgare), and lavender ( Lavandula officinalis). Its pink or purple flowers bloom in early summer, and its gray-green leaves emit its trademark smell. Thyme is an evergreen bush that covers more ground than it stands tall, reaching up to 16 inches (40 cm) in width but just 12 inches (30 cm) in height. Historically, thyme has been used as a culinary ingredient in both Mediterranean and Arabic dishes. In this supplemental form, thyme can usually be found combined with other herbs, such as fenugreek, to enhance its strength or complement its effects. The essential oil of thyme retains the aromatic and antiseptic properties of the herb, and van be applied directly to alleviate skin problems, such as acne, fungus and dermatitis.Ĭapsules. The antifungal, antimicrobial properties of thyme are concentrated in this form, that can be applied topically or being diluted in water before oral consumption.Įssential oil. The leaves of thyme, fresh or dried, have been brewed for centuries as a popular way to extract the essential oils and medicinal action of the herb. This is one of the easiest ways to find the herb in any home, along with black pepper, basil, and rosemary. The most common use for the dried leaves of thyme is culinary, but they can also be prepared in medicinal ways. However, for remedial use, it can steepen in hot water to extract its medicinal properties.ĭried. Fresh thyme is frequently used as a flavoring agent and garnish on larger dishes. However, it can also be found or prepared in supplemental forms, which concentrate the medicinal properties of thyme and are more appropriate for medicinal use. The most common use of thyme is certainly as seasoning herb in a variety of culinary recipes. A health care professional should be consulted before start taking any herbal supplements. The medicinal use of thyme is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since further research is necessary to investigate the effects of the herb during these stages. In medicinal forms, thyme may elevate blood pressure and counteract the effects of antihypertensive drugs. When medicinal forms of thyme are taken in excess, the herb can alter the menstrual cycle. The internal use of thymol, an active compound of thyme present in all medicinal preparations of the herb, can cause abdominal pain when taken in therapeutic doses (0.3 - 1 g). The topical use of thyme essential oil may cause dermatitis. However, it can trigger allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to other herbs of the Lamiaceae family. Thyme is considered generally safe when consumed in culinary amounts. Thyme leaves and stems are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, both of which may carry anti-aging effects, although further research is needed to corroborate this claim.Īntispasmodic properties are also present in herbs like guelder rose and oregano, whereas basil and Oregon grape can provide similar antimicrobial benefits. THYMOL IS BEST KNOWN FOR HAVING ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES. It also possesses mild antispasmodic properties, which are particularly effective on the respiratory system and on muscle tissue. Thymol is best known for containing antimicrobial properties, although it is also antiseptic and antifungal. Thyme is known to contain more than 40 different volatile compounds, but thymol, present in concentrations that range 20 - 54%, is regarded as the main active ingredient of the herb, responsible for most health benefits of thyme. The antifungal and antimicrobial properties of thyme help control infectious diseases due to fungal overgrowth. The same mechanism that helps prevent asthma attacks helps to relieve cold symptoms, including coughing and throat irritation. Mild antispasmodic properties are helpful for preventing muscle spasms that are part of asthma attacks. Thyme is an antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antifungal, making it an ideal disinfectant. Although modern science has validated many of its traditional applications, the medicinal properties of thyme have been used, since ancient times, to:ĭisinfecting wounds and scrapes.
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