Thyme, scientifically known as Thymus Vulgaris is an aromatic perennial evergreen under shrub part of the mint family. The herb with a woody and earthy flavour is best known for its distinct and aromatic flavour addition to dishes and has been used in cuisines around the world. It is known to work best in stews, soups, pizza, pastas and sauces.
There is more to this herb than flavour, but this versatile plant leaves and flowers can come in handy for health and ailments healing. Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which we can benefit from this lovely herb.
FEVER CONTROL
This great herb’s leaves and flowers can be used as a febrifuge, this is because it has the ability to reduce and control fevers. Thyme tea can be quite an effective remedy for fever, however, we would also encourage that alongside getting a fever under control that we also attend to other symptoms and essentially the root of it all.
RESPIRATORY ISSUES
Thyme tea is great in aiding respiratory. Taking a hot Thyme infusion can assist in healing irritable coughs, whooping cough and easing asthma. Thyme as an expectorant is great at thinning and loosening mucus making it easy to cough out in order to clear the respiratory passage. This flavoursome herb also reduces inflammation which may make breathing easier.
Brewing thyme leaves into a strong tea is a highly effective technique to relieve respiratory issues.
ANTHELMINTIC PROPERTIES
Thyme is an anthelmintic, meaning that it has the power to expel worms. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties also see to it that parasites do not survive in your system. So perhaps including this herb into your diet isn’t so bad after all.
ACNE AND DARK MARKS
Thyme oil can be good for the reduction of acne and dark marks; this is due to its antibacterial actions which actively kill bacteria. Although we advise that you use this oil cautiously for your face by avoiding sensitive areas like your eyes, nose and mouth.
To treat skin, a small amount of thyme essential oil is to be mixed with a carrier oil (e.g. coconut oil) and gently applied onto a clean dry face, specifically in the affected areas, this may be done in the evening to avoid sun contact.
PROMOTES ORAL HEALTH
A warm thyme infusion works great as a gargle or mouthwash for sore throat, laryngitis and tonsillitis and infected gums. The mouthwash is also good for controlling bad breath; this is due to its antibacterial properties. Â Thyme oil can also be mixed with carrier oil and applied to the neck for painful tonsils.
Thyme makes a great dish with its flavour and taste, but it also works for more than just those fragrant dishes. It is quite a versatile plant with healing powers. This is even more reason to have your little undershrub in your herb garden or on your window seal so it can always be in reach for those moments you feel under the weather, hot and cold and perhaps feel flu attempting to disrupt your peace.
