Thyme has been used throughout history for its curative powers. The Greeks used the oils for massage and perfume. Roman soldiers put the oils and leaves into their baths and believed they enhanced their strength. Scottish highlanders drank thyme tea to ward off bad dreams and give them courage and fortitude. From ancient Egypt to modern times, thyme has been used as an ingredient in embalming fluid, as it fights off mold and bacteria and helps to prevent decay. Lords and ladies in the Middle Ages believed that sprigs of thyme, such as the ones shown below, would protect them from disease, plagues, and famine. Nobility would carry thyme around and bring it to their noses when they encountered unpleasant odors.
Today, thyme is used as a natural medicine in oil, tea or leaf form, and it is a common ingredient in many different cuisines. Thyme alleviates sore throats, eases hangovers, eliminates dandruff, clears up acne, improves circulation, and aids in digestion. Take a look at a few of the many ways thyme can benefit you and your physical well-being.
Cough Elixir
Thyme tea will help eliminate coughs, soothe sore throats, and even treat bronchitis. Tests conducted at the University of Maryland Medical Center showed that thyme worked as a relaxant on irritated throat tissue. Try a cup of thyme tea with honey and lemon the next time you are experiencing a cough or a sore throat.
Hangover Cure
Thyme tea is known to soothe an upset stomach and ease the tension in tired, aching muscles. No one understands muscle aches and belly pain more than someone who’s had too much fun the night before. Add a teaspoon of honey to your tea for an extra coat of comfort for your woeful tummy.
Brain Health
Thyme is rich in antioxidants. One of the strongest antioxidants, thymol, is found in abundance in thyme leaves. Clinical studies have shown that thymol helps to increase the amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in brain tissue in laboratory rats. Scientists believe it is possible thyme may be key to preventing Alzheimer’s disease, but more research is still needed to know for sure.
Acne Prevention
Studies have been conducted on using thyme tinctures on patients with acne in the UK, and they showed thyme steeped in alcohol is as effective as many over-the-counter acne treatments at eliminating and preventing pimples.
Mood Booster
Thyme oil has long been used in aromatherapy practices for calming and relaxing effects. Recent studies have shown an active ingredient of thyme oil, carvacrol, had a positive effect on test subjects’ mood and increased their sense of well-being.
Dandruff Treatment
Thymol, an ingredient earlier mentioned as being found in thyme, is also helpful in preventing dandruff due to its antiseptic properties. Make a strong tea, and allow to cool to room temperature. Apply the tea to your scalp after washing it, and allow to dry into the hair and scalp. Repeat this process twice a week until dandruff disappears.
Blood Pressure Regulator
A test conducted on laboratory rats in 2014 found thyme extract helped slow the heart rate of rats with high blood pressure while also lowering their cholesterol levels. Try recipes that include thyme, or substitute thyme for oregano, sage or rosemary.
Cancer Fighter
Studies orchestrated in Turkey in 2012 showed wild thyme promoted cell death in breast cancer cells. Another study conducted in Portugal, also in 2012, showed thyme extracts could protect the body from colon cancer. More research is needed, but the results of initial tests are quite promising.
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[Source: The Complete Book of Herbs, Healthline, Livestrong, Medical News Today]
