The Natural Health Benefits of Thyme
Thyme is a popular culinary herb and is found in most kitchens today. However, few would be aware what the medicinal benefits of thyme are.
Thyme is full of vitamins A and C. It is a natural diuretic, it stimulates the appetite and can relieve the pain and inconvenience of colic, bronchitis, arthritis and more.
Thyme’s ancient history includes being revered in Roman times as a healing herb and for protecting against diseases and illnesses.
It was used to protect the population from diseases that might occur through eating meat, (that may have started to go bad, as it was before the days of refrigeration), and it was also used to medicate bandages for wounds.
This is one of the remarkable abilities of thyme, the prevention of food poisoning by decontaminating the food and preventing contamination in the first place.
Other Health Benefits
- Antifungal and Antibacterial Properties
Thyme and the herb, oregano, are close cousins and both have many of the same healing qualities. Both contain Carvacrol and both are useful in antibacterial and antifungal applications which benefit from the antioxidants in the herbs.
Thyme is still used medicinally in many traditional remedies today to take advantage of its antifungal and antibacterial components. Products as popular as Listerine some Vicks vapor type products use thyme for its aromatic and healing properties.
Thyme essential oil is used in most sore throat remedies and ‘throat drops’ as an antibacterial element, as it helps fight strains of bacteria in the respiratory tract.
Thyme is also beneficial for fighting bacteria in the urinary tract, to prevent and overcome infection.
- Boosts Many of the Body’s “Systems”
The immune and respiratory systems of your body benefit greatly from the effects of thyme as do the nervous and digestive systems.
- Reduce High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
If you have hypertension (high blood pressure), you can benefit from thyme’s ability to help reduce high BP levels. Thyme is also helpful for lowering LDL cholesterol levels.
- Boosts Dopamine and Serotonin Levels
Thyme can boost your mood with the pungent component, Carvacrol – an active molecule that helps neurotransmitters in the brain increase levels of the mood boosters, dopamine and serotonin.
- Protect Against Tumor Growth
One of the most important findings in research on thyme is that it may help fight and prevent the onslaught of tumors and cancer – especially colon cancer. Protecting against tumor growth is a very positive finding and research is ongoing. As research continues, more breakthroughs are expected in the many medicinal possibilities for thyme.
About Thyme
Thyme is from the mint family of herbs. The leaves of thyme are generally dried and used as a seasoning for many recipes.
Bees are attracted to thyme flowers and honey from the herb is popular, especially in Sicily where thyme honey has been famous for generations.
When you add thyme to your favorite dishes, you can be happy knowing you are adding lots of goodness, as well as flavor, to your family’s meals. It’s a versatile little herb, that not only brings out bold tastes but benefits your health.
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