Since ancient times, thyme has been used as a popular herb for culinary purposes. It is a delicate herb, with a strong fragrance. And it was primarily due to its aromatic properties only that thyme was widely used in ancient Greece. It was burned as incense in sacred temples. Even ancient Egyptians made use of thyme for embalming. It was also used as a symbol of courage in the ancient times. During the medieval times, women used to present their knights with a scarf that had a sprig of thyme stuck over an embroidered bee. Thyme oil has been used extensively for its antiseptic properties as well, since 16th century. The leaves of thyme are curled and are in the shape of ellipse. The upper leaf has green-grey color on the top, whereas the underside bears whitish color. It grows well in sunny weather and well-drained soil. Generally, it is planted during the spring season. Thyme is mainly grown in Asia, Southern Europe, Mediterranean region and North America. In this article, we have listed the health benefits of eating thyme, just for you.
Health Benefits Of Eating Thyme
- Thyme is a natural medicine that is used for treating chest and respiratory problems. It serves as an effective cure for bronchitis, coughs and chest congestion as well.
- The herb is highly effective on mucous membranes present in the lungs and stomach.
- It helps in proper digestion, mainly of the fats. It is especially beneficial when eaten after having mutton or pork.
- Thyme acts as a digestive tonic and increases the appetite, which helps in staying healthy.
- The herb helps reduce symptoms of irritable bowel and colic. It helps in preventing chronic gastritis as well.
- Thyme oil is extremely useful for the body and is used in toothpaste, mouthwashes and ointments.
- The herb makes an excellent solution for gargle and mouthwash, used for dental decay. Also, it is very effective against laryngitis, plaque formation, sore throat, mouth sores, tonsillitis and bad breath.
- Thyme contains thymol, which has antiseptic properties. It can be used as a poultice for insect bites, stings, mastitis and wounds.
- The herb is used to cure hookworm, threadworm and roundworm. It can also destroy skin parasites like the scabies and lice.
- It effectively fights against bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphalococcus aureus and Shingella sonnei are some of the bacteria against which thyme is very effective.
- Thyme consists of thymol and carvacol, which help relax the smooth vessels of the gastrointestinal tract.
- The herb can be used as eyewash to cure sore eyes and also as a hair rinse, to prevent dandruff.
- It has antispasmodic qualities, which provide relief to women during menstruation.
- Thyme works as a tonic and stimulates the nervous system. It alleviates nervous disorders like nightmares, depression, nervous exhaustion, insomnia and melancholy.
- It eases epilepsy, convulsions, menstrual cramps, spasm-induced coughing and diarrhea.
- The thymol present in thyme is found to protect and increase the quantity of healthy fats found in the cell membranes and other structures of the cell.
- Thyme is not found to have any allergic effect. It does not contain any significant amount of purines or oxalates which have negative effects on body.
- Thyme should be added to the dish towards the end of the cooking process. This is so because it tends to lose its delicate flavor when heated excessively.
- Thyme gives a special aroma and taste to the dishes of beans like kidney beans, black beans and pinto beans.
- Thyme also renders wonderful fragrance to the non-vegetarian dishes.