Thyme is used mainly in the kitchen as an aromatic herb. However, not everyone knows that this plant has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, so it can be used to treat various diseases. Consider what are the benefits and harms of mountain thyme for the human body.
Description
Thyme (thyme) is a plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae. Currently found in Eurasia and North Africa on dry, sunny, limestone mountain slopes. It is also grown in Russia, most often in home gardens, for medicinal and cosmetic purposes or as a spice in the kitchen.
Mountain thyme (in the photo) - perennial, low bushes, have straight or partially creeping, highly branched stems with oval-oblong leaves. Small flowers from mauve to light purple decorate the plant from May to September. A characteristic feature of the herb is its spicy aroma and slightly pungent taste.
Properties of mountain thyme properties have been evaluated since ancient times. The Egyptians used it as a preservative for food, as well as as the main ingredient in the embalming mixture. The Romans willingly used thyme infusion for bathing - they believed that in this way their bodies gain strength. The ancient Greeks, in turn, used herbal tea as a diuretic and disinfectant.
Composition
Among the active ingredients contained in the grass of thyme, we can distinguish:
- essential oils, primarily thymol - a substance with a strong antibacterial and expectorant effect;
- flavonoids - compounds with antioxidant and antifungal properties;
- minerals - mainly iron, calcium, selenium, manganese, potassium and magnesium;
- vitamins - beta-carotene, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, niacin, folic acid.
Healing properties
The richness of active ingredients makes thyme a popular treatment for various diseases. Among the most important beneficial properties of mountain thyme stands out primarily:
- expectorant action
- antibacterial effect
- anti-inflammatory effect
- antifungal activity
- diastolic effects
- sweatshops
- soothing effect.
Thyme - use in medicine and cosmetology
The grass effectively supports the respiratory and digestive systems.
- Respiratory system. Thanks to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, the herb effectively relieves sore throat that occurs with a cold or flu. In pharmacies, ready-made preparations containing plant extract are available. You can also use home-made medicines (infusion, rinse, tincture). Thyme can be used to treat cough, it has an expectorant and antibacterial effect, so it is best used in the treatment of wet cough.
- Digestive system. Grass facilitates the digestive system. Tea or infusion from the plant can be used as a natural remedy for constipation or diarrhea. Herbal preparations are designed to treat gastritis, relieve intestinal irritation and liver problems.
- Thyme for acne and oily skin. An infusion of grass applied to the skin with defects can significantly improve its condition. Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, the plant soothes acne symptoms and prevents their formation and development.
- Thyme for dandruff and oily hair. To improve the condition of the scalp and hair, you can buy ready-made shampoos and other cosmetics with grass. You can also use homemade recipes, such as a rinse aid.
- Thyme with tooth inflammation. This plant is a component of many herbal toothpastes because it helps repair damaged gums. Rinsing the mouth with a tincture of grass is especially recommended in case of irritated gums and open tooth necks.
Using thyme in the kitchen
Thyme is a well-known spice that goes well with other herbs, such as parsley, bay leaf or mint. It can be used in the preparation of many dishes. It is great as a complement to meat, as well as salads.
Adding one teaspoon of herbs as a seasoning to heavier meals reduces the likelihood of stomach problems and improves digestion. Thyme goes well with fish and homemade sauces. Some even add it to herbal liquors. However, do not use too much thyme, because it is bitter in itself and its large amount can change the taste of the dish.
Contraindications and side effects
Consider, in addition to the above beneficial properties of mountain thyme, contraindications and side effects when taking this herb. Too large or frequent therapeutic doses of thyme extract can cause food poisoning. This is manifested by nausea, vomiting, gastritis. Do not take grass oil orally - poisoning caused by it is very dangerous and can even lead to death. One of the essential oils contained in thyme, namely thymol, is responsible for such reactions of the body. Its large consumption leads to damage to internal organs, including the liver and heart, and paralysis of the central nervous system.
Pregnant women should avoid taking thyme. The oil of this plant can have an adverse effect on the development of the fetus, lead to premature birth, stimulating the uterus to contractions.
Thyme Expectorant Syrup
To prepare a cough syrup, it is necessary to put 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, 1 chopped onion in a small container and pour all with 1 glass of water. Cover and cook for half an hour. Then cool and strain the broth. Add 5 tablespoons of honey to the mixture and mix well. This syrup should be stored at room temperature for three days. It is taken in three tablespoons 3-4 times a day. Do not give to children under 3 years old.
Mountain thyme tea
Herbal tea is drunk to improve digestion and is used to rinse the mouth for inflammation of the teeth and gums.
For its preparation, a stalk of fresh thyme is poured with a glass of boiling water and left covered for about 15 minutes. After brewing, the stem should be removed. You can add honey and lemon to tea. When used as a mouthwash, wait until the infusion has cooled.
Thyme for hair
Thyme infusion (without honey and lemon), you can rinse your hair immediately after washing (do not rinse). You can also apply a few drops of grass oil on a special comb to massage your scalp and distribute the product on your hair.
Face tonic
A quarter of a tablespoon of dried thyme pour 1/4 cup boiling water and then cook for 20 minutes. Cool and strain. The resulting tonic is impregnated with a cotton swab and wiped the problematic skin twice a day. Store in the refrigerator for three days.