Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) belongs to the Lamiaceae, formerly called Labiatae, the mint family of flowering plants. The plant belongs to the Origanum genus, which includes oregano.
What does the name thyme mean? Old French and Middle English are the names’ original languages. The Latin and Greek terms human and then, which signify burn and sacrifice, are its ancestors.
It was once linked to strength, courage, and courage in the past. Roman soldiers showed respect by exchanging sprigs of the herb. Thyme bundles were burned by both the Greeks and the Romans to purify their dwellings and temples. In their bathwater, they frequently used it medicinally as well.
The plant was tucked under pillows throughout the European Middle Ages to promote sound sleep. It was also positioned on coffins during funerals since it was thought that doing so would ensure a deceased person’s passage to the hereafter.
When used in typical food amounts, thyme is regarded as safe. It may be safe for short periods of time when taken in greater doses for therapeutic purposes, but when taken in big doses, it may result in stomach problems.
It is better to use this herb in normal meal levels, not therapeutic ones, while pregnant or nursing. Although thyme is not a frequent food allergen, it is possible to be allergic to it if you have an allergy to oregano or another species of the Lamiaceae family.
It might behave like estrogen in the body for women who have hormone-sensitive diseases such as endometriosis, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, or fibroids. If you have a condition that could be worse by estrogen exposure, stay away from it.
Thyme – is it a vegetable? It is regarded as a herb rather than a vegetable since, unlike vegetables, which are plants that can be eaten as a main element, herbs primarily serve to flavor cuisine. In other words, people often eat fewer herbs than vegetables.
Thyme plants are now widely farmed, and the fresh leaves are frequently dried and used as a flavoring in food. There are many different types of this plant, but French thyme is the most popular.
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6 Health Benefits of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
1. Combats Sore Throat
Thyme oil is a potent natural antibacterial, according to studies, making it an effective treatment for sore throats. Its high concentration of carvacrol is a key factor in its popularity as one of the best essential oils for sore throat relief.
In a recent study, 120 distinct bacterial strains isolated from individuals with illnesses of the mouth, respiratory system, and genitourinary tract were subjected to the effects of thyme oil.
The outcomes of the tests revealed that all of the clinical strains were highly actively inhibited by the thyme plant’s oil. Even against germs that were resistant to antibiotics, it showed good activity.
Add this herb to your soup or drink some thyme tea to help you feel better the next time you have a sore throat.
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2. Reduces High Blood Pressure
Thyme is a wonderful herbal remedy for anyone experiencing the effects of high blood pressure because it has been demonstrated that its use produces antihypertensive activity.
In a recent experiment on animals, it was discovered that thymus Vulgaris extract considerably lowered the heart rates of hypertensive participants. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the extract increased HDL cholesterol levels while decreasing triglyceride, LDL, and cholesterol levels.
Try adding healthy herbs like thyme to your dishes to increase the flavor and vitamin value rather than going overboard with the salt.
3. Combats Food Poisoning
Thyme has the power to not only cleanse already tainted foods but also to aid in preventing food contamination altogether.
In multiple experiments, scientists discovered that the herb’s essential oil has the ability to extend the shelf life of meat and baked items as well as clean lettuce that has been contaminated with Shigella, an infectious agent that causes diarrhea and can seriously harm the intestines.
In one experiment, washing produce in a solution with just 1% oil reduced the amount of Shigella germs to undetectable levels. This implies that using it in your upcoming meal perhaps with some raw greens or salad might actually help reduce your risk of contracting a foodborne disease.
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4. Boosts Mood
This medical herb contains a substance called carvacrol, which has been demonstrated to have some very beneficial mood-boosting benefits.
Carvacrol was able to raise the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus when it was given to mice for seven consecutive days, according to 2013 research. Your mood is mostly influenced by two neurotransmitters: dopamine and serotonin.
The results of this study indicate that carvacrol is an active chemical in the brain that can affect cognitive function via modifying neurotransmitters.
Thyme, if used frequently and in low doses, may enhance feelings of well-being. It is highly anxiolytic, or anxiety-fighting, according to other investigations, the majority of which involved rats.
5. Anticancer
This herb’s active ingredients may be able to prevent the growth of tumors that could turn malignant. More specifically, the essential oil’s main component, carvacrol, has demonstrated anticancer effects, making this advantageous plant a possible food for combating cancer.
Carvacrol was shown to prevent the two colon cancer cell lines from proliferating and migrating, according to a recent study published in the journal Anti-Cancer Drugs. Carvacrol offers therapeutic potential for both preventing and treating colon cancer, according to studies in its entirety.
According to recent animal studies, thyme also has immunomodulatory properties and may be able to treat autoimmune diseases. It has been discovered to have antioxidant benefits in addition to the capacity to reduce the production of various pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can aid in the development of chronic diseases.
6. Fights Broccoli
Thyme has been used for generations to cure coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions organically.
In one research, it was used as an oral therapy that combined thyme and ivy. Two days earlier than the placebo group, the group receiving this combo therapy saw a 50% reduction in coughing spells.
The same group also reported no more negative side effects than the placebo group and zero negative significant side effects. This is supported by an additional study, which also reveals that this herb works effectively as a natural treatment for bronchitis.
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Scientific Evidence and Case Studies on Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
1. Acute Bronchitis and Cough: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study by Kemmerich et al. evaluated the efficacy of a combined extract of thyme and primula root in patients with acute bronchitis. The results demonstrated that the group receiving the thyme combination experienced a 50% reduction in coughing fits two days earlier than the placebo group, confirming its efficacy as an expectorant and cough suppressant.
2. Primary Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Pain): A clinical trial conducted by Salmalian et al. compared the pain-relieving effects of thyme essential oil to ibuprofen in women with primary dysmenorrhea. The study found that the thyme extract was as effective as ibuprofen in reducing the severity of menstrual cramps and pain, likely due to its antispasmodic properties on uterine muscles.
3. Antimicrobial Activity against Resistant Bacteria: Research by Sienkiewicz et al. investigated the antibacterial activity of thyme essential oil against multidrug-resistant clinical strains of bacteria, including MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus). The data showed that thyme oil exhibited strong inhibitory effects against these resistant strains, suggesting its potential as a complementary antimicrobial agent.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: An investigation by Fachini-Queiroz et al. analyzed the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of thymol, the main compound in thyme. The results indicated that thymol significantly inhibited edema (swelling) and leukocyte migration in animal models, validating the traditional use of thyme for treating inflammatory conditions.
5. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): A study by Mihailovic-Stanojevic et al. examined the hypotensive effects of wild thyme extract in laboratory rats with hypertension. The findings revealed that the extract significantly reduced blood pressure and vascular resistance, possibly by modulating the autonomic nervous system and improving the relaxation of blood vessels.
Nutritional Value Of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
1. Thymol: This monoterpene phenol is the primary active compound in thyme essential oil. It possesses powerful antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, which is why thyme is often used in mouthwashes and natural hand sanitizers.
2. Carvacrol: An isomer of thymol, carvacrol works in synergy with thymol to provide antimicrobial protection. It has been shown to affect the cell membranes of bacteria, causing them to break down, and also exhibits mood-enhancing activity by influencing dopamine and serotonin levels.
3. Rosmarinic Acid: Thyme is a significant source of rosmarinic acid, a phenolic compound with potent antioxidant capabilities. It helps suppress allergic responses (like seasonal allergies) and reduces inflammation by neutralizing free radicals in the body.
4. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Fresh thyme leaves contain a high concentration of Vitamin C. This essential water-soluble vitamin supports the immune system, promotes the production of collagen for healthy skin, and aids in the repair of tissues.
5. Luteolin: A flavonoid found in the herb, luteolin acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It has been studied for its neuroprotective effects and its potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by interfering with cell signaling pathways.
6. Manganese: Thyme is an excellent source of manganese. This trace mineral is a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and is essential for bone health and the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins.
7. Iron: The herb provides a good amount of non-heme iron. Iron is critical for the formation of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen throughout the body, helping to prevent fatigue and anemia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
1. Is thyme essential oil safe to ingest?
No, pure thyme essential oil is highly concentrated and can be toxic or cause severe mucosal irritation if swallowed; only culinary forms (fresh or dried leaves) or diluted extracts are safe for ingestion.
2. Can thyme help with acne?
Yes, studies indicate that thyme preparations can be more effective than benzoyl peroxide in killing Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, without the harsh drying side effects.
3. Is thyme safe during pregnancy?
Culinary amounts used in cooking are considered safe, but medicinal doses or concentrated oils should be avoided as they act as a uterine stimulant (emmenagogue).
4. Does thyme tea have caffeine?
No, thyme tea is naturally caffeine-free.
5. How does thyme help with a cough?
The compounds thymol and carvacrol act as expectorants (loosening mucus) and antispasmodics (relaxing the bronchial muscles), which helps calm coughing fits.
6. Is thyme toxic to pets?
While small amounts of fresh leaves are generally safe, thyme essential oil is concentrated and can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested or applied to the skin.
7. Can thyme lower blood pressure?
Animal studies suggest it can reduce heart rate and blood pressure, so those on hypotensive medication should monitor their levels when consuming large medicinal amounts.
8. What is the difference between Lemon Thyme and regular Thyme?
Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus) is a different species that has a distinct citrus scent and flavor due to a higher limonene content, but Thymus vulgaris is the primary medicinal variety.
9. How do I make thyme tea for a sore throat?
Steep 1-2 teaspoons of fresh or dried thyme leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain; adding honey can enhance the soothing effect.
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Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. The health benefits described are based on scientific research and traditional knowledge. They ayre not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any herb or natural remedy for medical purposes.