6 Unique Health Benefits of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

December 19, 2023December 19, 2023 Agric4Profits

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.

6 Health Benefits of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

6 Unique 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.

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.

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.