10 Health Benefits of Thyme

Thyme shrub has several medicinal values affiliated to it. Thyme has been used since centuries back all across the world for varied purposes. You too might have this shrub in your backyard, kitchen garden or might have dried thyme in your cupboard to flavor pizzas, sauces, and salads. However, you will be surprised to know that apart from adding taste to several food items, this plant has incredible scope to be included in medicine cabinet too.

Thyme plant makes a good garden plant as it provides sweet-smelling aroma. In Ancient Greek, this plant was used for incense. Thyme flowers are small and have plenty of nectar. Nevertheless, apart from incense, nectar, and flavored honey, thyme plant gives various health benefiting nutrients, vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are vital for wellbeing. Not only this, but thyme is known for its cancer preventing properties too. People have given testimonials suggesting benefits experienced with thyme oil to fight skin cancer.

Health Benefits of Thyme

Mainly thyme is popular for its culinary usage. However, for years this herb has also been known for its remedial qualities concerning respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. Following are some health benefits of thyme herb.

1. Centuries back, Egyptians used thyme as an embalming fluid. It is scientifically proven that thyme has preservative and anti-fungal properties. Thus it can be used to preserve leftover food as its anti-microbial properties will help food last longer. Honey and thyme mixed together can be applied over small wounds to exploit its anti-fungal properties that prevent infection.
2. Thyme like many other herbs and spices, have incredible antioxidant concentrations. Antioxidants are present in almost all plant food products, but are in abundance in thyme. Thus, inclusion of thyme in diet gives immense protection from oxidative stress caused due to free radicals that facilitate aging process. Protection from free radicals helps in preventing various ailments that begin due to aging. Antioxidants provide protection against several degenerative diseases such as arthritis, cancer, heart diseases, macular degeneration, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Thyme extracts can be useful in respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma. A spoon full of honey and finely chopped thyme can be consumed to ease asthma attack. Thyme helps in soothing air passage and the lungs. This herb can also be used effectively to treat sore throats, whooping cough and croups.
4. Thyme is well known for pain relief and antispasmodic properties. Tea brewed with thyme can ease menstrual cramps. Thyme is also helpful in facilitating digestion and clean intestinal tract by removing mucus. Thyme tea can help in reliving gas and bloating.
5. Thyme herb has effective anti-rheumatic properties. Rheumatism is caused due to improper blood circulation and elevated toxic levels in the body. Thyme helps in fighting these two disorders. Thyme acts as a diuretic, and facilitates urination thereby removing toxins from the body. Also, its stimulant properties ensure better circulation throughout the body.
6. Thyme oil is beneficial for cardiac health. Its anti spasmodic properties relaxes cardiac arteries and veins thereby reducing blood pressure and stress on the cardiac muscles. It strengthens heart muscles and keeps heart functioning proper.
7. Thyme can be used in aromatherapy as its properties help relieve pain and change mood. When used as a part of aromatherapy, it can act as a calming agent to soothe stress-related conditions. Thyme bath have been proved effective to treat aches and join pains.
8. Thyme oil can be used in toothpastes, mouthwash, and body ointments. This oil can also be used in mouthwash to prevent bad breath and tooth decay. It provides protection against plaque formation, mouth sores and tonsillitis.
9. Thyme herb has several vitamins and minerals, especially iron. This herb may not be the richest in iron, but two tablespoons of dried thyme can provide us with daily requirement of iron to an adult body.
10. Thyme is also one of the richest sources of manganese, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It also provides ample amount vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B complex, and folic acid. All these nutrients are vital for well being, to control blood pressure, provide neurotransmitters to aid brain’s functionality, to develop healthy mucus membranes, and to develop body’s resistance.

Thyme is a most popular and easily found herb that is used widely in the kitchen cabinet. Apart from adding flavor and taste to various food items, it has certain health related benefits. If you are unaware about it, you will be surprised to know various benefits that are vital and essential for healthy life. Thyme can be used dried or it leaves can be used to prepare tea or even oil can be extracted from thyme stem. According to the research studies, thyme oil has antiseptic properties and it acts as a disinfectant. Other medicinal values of thyme provide protection against several infections. This herb is entirely safe to use and does not have any side effects associated. Include thyme in your daily use as it fights various ailments and keeps systems of the body healthy.