Thyme: || Uses and side effect
What is thyme?
Thyme is one of the classic herbs in Mediterranean cuisine
that dates back to ancient times. It was used to both flavor food and prevent
it from spoiling.
Thyme has tiny, narrow, gray-green leaves that grow in
opposite pairs on the square, woody stems. The edges of the stalkless, slightly
hairy leaves are rolled inward.
The blossoms may be white to rose colored or a
blue to purple hue, depending on the species and variety. Flowers are tiny and
tubular and grow in terminal clusters up to 6 in (15.2 cm) long.
Flowering time
is mid-summer. Seeds are minuscule and abundant. Thyme thrives in sunny
locations on dry, stony banks and heaths. The aromatic herb attracts bees that produce
a uniquely flavored honey from the herb. It also acts to repel whiteflies.
How to use thyme for our good healthcare
Thyme has been known since ancient times for its magical,
culinary, and medicinal virtues. Tradition held that an infusion of thyme taken
as a tea on midsummer’s eve would enable one to see the fairies dancing.
Young
women wore a corsage of blossoming thyme to signal their availability for
romance. The generic name may have been inspired by one of thyme’s traditional
attributes.
Greek men
particularly liked the pungent scent of thyme and would rub the herb on their
chests.
The Roman people believed that adding thyme to bath water would impart
energy. They also included thyme in bedding to chase melancholy and to prevent nightmares.
The strong scent of thyme was employed as a moth repellent, and burned as
fumigating incense.
How to make Thyme to
Settle Tea for good healthcare
- One to two (1–2) teaspoons dried thyme, crumbled
- One (1) cup boiling water
- Pour the water over the herb. Steep for 10 minutes and
strain.
A tincture of thyme can also ease digestive complaints. Take
one half to one teaspoon up to three times a day.
Health benefits of thyme settle tea
The antispasmodic properties
of thyme that aid digestive problems also make it useful to ease menstrual
cramps.
The following tea helps to reduce the discomforts of PMS, too. Because
thyme contains a number of minerals including iron, it is beneficial at the end
of a menstrual period as well as during menopause.
How to make Soothing
Thyme Tea for Women' healthcare
- One (1) teaspoon dried lemon balm leaves, crumbled
- Half (½) teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crumbled
- Half (½) teaspoon dried marjoram leaves, crumbled
- One (1) cup boiling water
Combine the herbs and pour the water over them. Steep for ten
(10) to twenty (20) minutes and strain.
Health benefits of soothing thyme tea
Thyme is useful for a range of respiratory problems
including chest colds, wet coughs, hay fever, sinusitis, sore throat, and
tonsillitis.
Its warming and drying properties aid in clearing congestion. For
a respiratory tea, combine equal amounts of thyme and sage.
Thyme medicinal honey
can soothe the throat and help expel mucus. Brew a tea with just thyme to use
as a mouthwash and gargle, which will fight throat infection as well as
gingivitis and bad breath.
Thyme soothes inflamed mucous membranes and brings
relief from asthma attacks.
Make a tea with equal amounts of marjoram and lavender to
drink or to use for a warm compress for the chest. Not only does this herb
fight infection, it also provides support for the immune system.
Like many herbs, thyme eases headaches as well as migraines.
Make a mild tea with 1 teaspoon of thyme and 1 cup of water. The tea can also
be used for a compress on the temples or neck to relieve a tension headache.
Make a stronger infusion to relieve a hangover headache.
Thyme’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it
useful in treating boils and sties. Brew a strong tea and carefully dab it on
with a cotton swab.
Add the tea to a foot soak to relieve athlete’s foot. It
can also be used to make a warm compress to decrease discomfort and fight
infection of an earache.
A thyme tincture will disinfect and help heal cuts.
Also, try an infusion for the bath to heal irritated or rough skin.
Health benefits and uses of thyme Essential Oils
There are a number of thyme essential oils. The one
discussed here is called Thymus vulgaris CT linalool. This essential oil ranges
from clear to pale yellow.
It has a herbaceous and slightly sweet scent.
It is important to know a little about thyme essential oils.
The first distillation of thyme produces an oil called “red” thyme.
This is
because the color can be reddish, reddish-brown, or reddish-orange. Distilling
the plant material a second time results in white thyme oil, which is clear or
pale yellow.
Also, the chemical constituents of thyme vary widely according to
where it is grown, which is why you will find many types of thyme oils.
They
are designated with “CT” meaning chemotype. Thyme has about six or seven
chemotypes, each with different therapeutic properties.
I suggest using Thymus
vulgaris CT linalool, which is known to be more gentle. Designated as one of
the “white” thyme oils, it is often used for people who are sensitive to the
stronger types.
During flu season, use the essential oil in a diffuser to
disinfect a sickroom.
Used as an inhalant, thyme can soothe the inflammation and
ease the discomfort of sinus infections.
Place a few drops of the essential oil
in a clean bottle to use as a nasal inhaler, or increase the potency by mixing
it with hyssop and peppermint. Without touching the bottle to your nose, take a
couple of deep inhalations.
Repeat in a half hour to an hour. The combination
of these three herbs, or just thyme on its own, works well as a steam
inhalation, too.
Clear the Congestion
Thyme Inhaler 2 drops thyme essential oil
- Two (2) drops hyssop essential oil
- One (1) drop peppermint essential oil
Combine the oils in a small bottle with a tight lid. Thyme
helps to reduce the inflammation and irritation of acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Mix it with a carrier oil to use on the skin or combine it with lemon balm to make
a salve.
How to make Healing
Thyme Salve for our good healthcare
- Half (½) cup jojoba or beeswax
- One (1) cup sweet almond carrier oil
- Half (½) cup borage carrier oil 1 teaspoon lemon balm
essential oil
- One (1) teaspoon thyme essential oil
Place the jojoba or beeswax in a mason jar in a saucepan of
water. Warm over low heat until it begins to melt; add the carrier oil.
Stir
gently for about fifteen (15) minutes. Remove from heat, add the essential oils
and stir. Test the thickness by placing a little on a plate and letting it cool
in the fridge for a minute or two.
If you want it firmer, add more jojoba or
beeswax. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of oil. Let it cool and then store
in a cool, dark place.
This herb’s anti-inflammatory properties also work well in a
massage oil to reduce the muscle and joint pain of arthritis and the discomfort
of sciatica.
Additionally, try it as a bath soak with sea or Epsom salts.
Thyme can also be used to relieve scabies. Apply it on its
own in a carrier oil or mix equal amounts of thyme and lavender and dab it on
the affected areas.
Precautions to take in using thyme
Very small amounts of thyme used in culinary preparations
are generally safe. In large amounts, thyme acts as a uterine stimulant.
Pregnant women should not use the herb, tincture, or the essential oil of
thyme.
Excessive use of the undiluted essential oil is toxic.
If the oil is ingested, it may cause gastrointestinal
distress such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Other adverse toxic effects may include headache, muscular
weakness, and dizziness.
The oil of thyme may act to slow the heartbeat,
depress respiration, and lower body temperature. Applied externally in
undiluted form the essential oil may cause skin irritation.
The oil should be diluted before use.
Side effects of thyme
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rated thyme
as ‘‘food safe.’’ The PDR For Herbal Medicine lists ‘‘No health hazards or side
effects’’ when the herb is properly administered in designated therapeutic
dosages.
