Thyme is a natural ingredient with culinary, medicinal and ornamental uses. Thyme is of the genus Thymus, most commonly Thymus vulgaris. This species is also known as common thyme or garden thyme. This is a Mediterranean perennial plant which is best suited to well-drained soils.
We can use its flowers, leaves, and oil for the treatment of different conditions, such as arthritis, bedwetting, colic, cough, diarrhea, flatulence, sore throat, and stomachache. It can be also used as a diuretic because it increases urination.
Besides, thyme is beneficial in treating skin problems, as well as other diseases involving your nose, sinuses, and lung. Also, thyme reduces the watering of the eyes and nose caused by hay fever and other allergies.
The essential oil of common thyme contains 20–54% of thymol, as well as other compounds, such as p-Cymene, myrcene, borneol, and linalool. Thymol is a natural biocide, as it is antiseptic and antimicrobial. It is effective against various bacteria and fungi (for example, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Shigella Sonnei). Also, the essential oil of this medicinal plant significantly reduces the effect of Candida albicans, which is the cause of mouth and vaginal yeast infection. Also, Thyme combats parasites such as hookworms and tapeworms.
Here you have some recipes to use thyme:
1. Thyme tea
You can drink this tea to treat conditions related to the respiratory system, such as bronchitis and coughs. You can also use it for gargle to treat tonsillitis, as it reduces swelling and pus formation.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme/1 tablespoon fresh thyme.
- 1 cup water.
Instructions
- Infuse the thyme in 1 cup of water.
- Drink 1-4 cups of this tea a day.
2. Thyme scrubs for lung infections and coughs
Ingredients
- 1 drop thyme essential oil.
- ½ teaspoon olive oil/vegetable oil.
Instructions
- Dilute the thyme essential oil with the olive oil.
- Rub it into the chest and upper back.
- Wash your hands immediately after applying it.
- Note that for children or people with sensitive skin, you should use 1 teaspoon of olive oil instead.
3. Steam inhalations
Thyme is very effective on the respiratory system. It fights infections, dries mucous membranes and relaxes spasms of the bronchial passages.
Ingredients
- Thyme oil.
- ¼ gal water.
- 1 towel (or similar).
Instructions
- Boil the water.
- Turn off the burner.
- Put the thyme oil in the pot of steaming water.
- Wait 5-10 minutes, until the water is not too hot (otherwise, it can be harmful to your skin).
- Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors.
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