For decades now, herbs have been utilized for both culinary and medicinal purposes respectively. These have formed a vital part of our diet and way of life apart from being used in traditional medicine.

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Facts about Thyme

Thyme, an important member of the Mint Family, is widely used in Mediterranean Cuisine. Consequently, it is named as a result of the presence of the substance Thymol, belonging to the Biocides, a naturally occurring class of compounds. Biocides are characteristically known for their abilities to potentially destroy harmful organisms.

Historically, the ancient Egyptians made a good use of Thyme for the sole purpose of embalming. It was also used potentially by the Greeks as incense in temples and is sometimes added to bathing water as it is believed to stimulate courage. It was also used by the Romans for the purification of their houses; they also add it to cheese and liquor production. The Romans believed that thyme assured passage to the next life and therefore were added to coffins during funerals.

Thyme is an aromatic perennial evergreen herb with culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. The most widespread variety is Thymus vulgaris. Thyme belongs to the genus Thymus of the mint family (Lamiaceae), and a relative of the Oregano genus Origanum.

It has an interesting range of use is, it also contains more than 400 sub-species. Special appreciation to its unique taste, thyme has stay put as a culinary staple to this end. It is fast gaining ground for its medicinal properties, which includes its ability to help treat acne commonly called pimples and high blood pressure respectively.

Amazingly, the health benefits of thyme includes its ability to lessen respiratory issues, ease stress, protect against chronic diseases, stimulate blood flow, and prevent fungal infections, improve heart functionality, catalyze (boost) the strength of the immune system.

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Some very important species and cultivars includes:

• Thymus vulgaris: this is also called common thyme, summer thyme, winter thyme, French thyme, or garden thyme English thyme. It is a common culinary used and medicinal herb. This thyme is native to the Mediterranean, it is a perennial plant species which is best suited to well-drained soils and it is a sun loving specie.

• Honeybees: These thyme species produces nectar, but the wild thyme covers a big areas of rocky and droughty soils in the South of Europe and Northen Africa, They serve as an important caterpillar food plant for large and common blue butterflies.

• Thymus pseudolanuginosus: this is commonly called woolly thyme. It is not a culinary herb, but is grown as a ground cover.

• Thymus praecox: It is also called mother of thyme, wild thyme. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant.

• Thymus serpyllum: Also called wild thyme, creeping thyme. It is an important nectar source plant for Thymus citriodorus – various lemon thymes, orange thymes, lime thyme
  

  JUICY HEALTH BENEFITS

  Skin Benefits

  Treats Athlete’s Foot:

  
  
  

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  Thyme possesses antifungal properties which is beneficial for the treatment of athlete’s foot.
  

  Treats Acne (Pimples):
  

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  Thyme contains miraculous anti-bacterial properties which is highly effective in combating or fighting the bacteria that causes skin pimples. It is often added as an element in acne creams and face cleansers.
  

  Sustain Skin Health:

  
  
  

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  Thyme aid in sustaining skin health by eliminating the bacteria responsible for various skin problems. The essential oil extract (concentrated) can be diluted with water and used as a skin toner to make tighter mature skin. This is mild on application to the skin and can be applied to various skin types.
  Thyme remarkably has an outstanding Hair Benefit. They include:
  

  Treat Hair loss (Thinning):

  Thyme essential oil is a great remedy for treating hair loss. It has the potential to make your hair thick and shiny (glittery) as well as battling hair loss.
  

  Treats Dandruff:

  
  
  

  Title: Spotting the symptoms of dandruff Source: headandshoulders.co.uk

  As a result of its anti-bacterial characteristics, its essential oil is effective in the treatment of dandruff and can also remove dirt away from the entire scalp. Thyme is often used as an important addictive in shampoos, conditioners and scalp treatments.
  It should be noted that Surplus usage of red thyme for hair dandruff treatment can cause skin irritation; it is therefore recommended that white thyme be utilized in hair mixtures.
  

  Stimulates Hair Growth:

  
  
  

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  Delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles is vital for hair growth. Thyme improves blood circulation to the scalp. Rubbing an oil mixture with thyme in it or thyme essential oil benefits in facilitating the delivery of nutrients to the scalp and encourages hair growth besides making it healthier and shinier.
  

  Thyme Health Benefits

  Anti-inflammatory Properties:

  
  
  

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  Research has proven that thyme contains numerous anti-inflammatory properties which are effective in preventing chronic inflammation in the body. It can help you get rid of your pimples (acne) problems.
  

  Treatment of Indigestion:

  
  
  

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  The tea is renowned in aiding good digestion, and reduction of gases and bloating effect. This herb contains volatile oils which can cure intestinal cramping.
  

  Treatment of Respiratory Disorders:

  
  
  

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  Thyme’s antiseptic and antibiotic property makes it an efficient cure for respiratory conditions like coughs and bronchitis as well as cold and sore throat. You can make your own thyme tea by steeping a couple of leaves in warm water and allowing it to brew for 5 minutes. It can be sweetened with honey, sugar and milk. Regular consumption of this tea will help to treat respiratory conditions and cold. In case of throat ache, you can boil water along with thyme and gargle with it. Thyme is a proven natural remedy for bronchitis.
  

  Bone Health:

  
  
  

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  Thyme is a good source of Vit. K and a great source of Calcium, Iron and Manganese. These minerals play a crucial role in bone health, enhancing proper bone growth and development, and reducing the risk of bone disorders. Thyme helps in sustaining powerful, healthy bones and preventing bone diseases.
  

  Cardiovascular Benefits:

  
  
  

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  The amazing combination of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of thyme helps prevent chronic inflammation which is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. Thyme oil is particularly beneficial in this regard as its anti-spasmodic property promotes cardiac health. It enables proper functioning of the cardiac valves and relaxes the veins and arteries, reducing blood pressure and strengthening the heart. It is considered a great tonic to improve heart health as it enables your heart to function more efficiently.
  

  Controls Blood Pressure:

  
  
  

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  An aqueous extract from thyme helps in reducing blood pressure in situations of hypertension. The leaves of this herb are rich in potassium which helps in keeping blood pressure and heart rate under control.
  

  Improves Vision:

  
  
  

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  Thyme is also rich in Vitamin A which is a fat soluble vitamin and an antioxidant. This vitamin helps promote healthy vision and minimize eye diseases.
  

  Anti-bacterial Properties:

  The antibacterial properties of thyme profit to combat diverse forms of bacteria and fungi, E.coli being one of them. Thyme oil extract has been found to have fighting power against antibiotic resistant strains of diverse types of bacteria. It can kill off bacteria both inside and outside the body. Thyme tea is also used to disinfect skin and surfaces.
  

  Prevention and Treatment of Anaemia:

  Thyme is an excellent source of iron, providing nearly 20 % of the daily recommended allowance of this mineral. Iron is vital for the development of the red blood cells and energy production. Deficiency of iron can cause anaemia, exhaustion and increased susceptibility to infection. Incorporating thyme in your diet helps in the prevention and treatment of anaemia and other blood disorders.

  Oral Health:

  
  
  

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  The antibacterial properties of thyme make it one of the popular remedies for bad breath as it helps fight bacteria and infection in your mouth. Increase in bacteria in the mouth is responsible for causing bad breath. Thyme is also used as an ingredient in antiseptic mouthwashes meant to cure cavities and gingivitis.

  Boosts the Immune System:

  Thyme is loaded with antioxidants which keep your body healthy by preventing infections and ailments. The volatile oils in thyme benefit the mind by increasing favorable omega 3 fatty acids within the brain, keeping your body cells healthy and slowing down the ageing process. Fatty acids assist in constructing the cell walls and also preserve the structure of the nervous system, the brain and arteries. Being a strong antioxidant, thyme helps protect these fats from damage caused by free radicals. Thyme is considered a great energy tonic to promote a person’s longevity.
  

  Diuretic Properties:

  Its oil is considered a great diuretic which help the body in getting rid of excessive salt, water and other toxins by ever-increasing urinating process. These characteristics make it beneficial for weight loss and lowering blood pressure. It is also useful for individuals with chronic renal failure.
  

  Potential Anti-cancer Properties:

  Research have proved that the constituents found in the extracts of Mastic thyme may protect from colon cancer. The use of wild thyme has been found to induce cell death in the breast cancer cells.
  

  Nutritional Value of Thyme:

  This benefits can be ascribed to its loaded nutritional value. Its nutrients have disease-preventing and health-promoting characteristics. This aromatic herb is loaded with phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins which are vital for good health. The in-depth nutritional profile of this herb is explained in the table given below.
  
  Vitamins: Thyme is also a good source of vitamins. It is particularly rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Vitamin A is an antioxidant, vital for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin as well as good vision. Vitamin C provides resistance against infectious diseases and fights harmful pro-inflammatory free radicals. Among the B-complex vitamins, it is a good source of Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine with a 100 gram serving providing about 0.35 mg or 27% of the daily recommended intake of this vitamin. This vitamin assists in maintaining GABA levels in the brain and acts as a stress buster. Other vitamins found in this herb include Vitamin K, Vitamin E and folic acid.

  Volatile oils: One of the most important essential oils found in thyme is thymol and it is known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It also contains other volatile oils such as carvacolo, geraneol and borneol.

  Antioxidants: Thyme is a rich source of phenolic and flavonoid antioxidants such as lutein, luteolin, zea-xanthin, pigenin and thymonin. Fresh thyme has the highest level of antioxidants among all herbs. It boasts of a total ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of 27426-µmol TE/100 grams.

  Minerals: Thyme is packed with minerals that are vital for optimum health. Its leaves are excellent sources of potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium and selenium. Potassium, being an important component of cells and body fluids, controls heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Iron is involved in red blood cell formation.
  

  REFERENCES

  
  healthline.com
  healthbeckon.com
  organicfacts.net
  Wikipedia