Thyme: A powerful herb for health

18/03/2022
bunch of fresh thyme

What is thyme?

Thyme is a traditional herb, also known as fennel, honeysuckle or thyme. It is a fragrant shrub that when it blooms in summer, has pink-purple flowers which have a unique smell that attracts bees. There are over 400 species of thyme. In Greece, thyme (Thymus capitatus) is common, while in the Western Mediterranean, common thyme (T. vulgaris), which is a cultivated form of wild thyme (T. serpyllum).

Thyme and use

The range of use of thyme in cooking is impressive. It is used as a spice in many cuisines and especially in the Mediterranean. Its taste is strong and slightly caustic. It is a key ingredient in some sauces such as pesto sauce that you can use as a seasoning or add to pasta and rice.

Fresh leaves or whole twigs of the plant can be used in the preparation of meat, poultry and even fish. It is one of the main ingredients of Benedictine liqueur.

In addition to its use in cooking, the herb also has an important reputation for its medicinal properties. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which is why it has been used as a treatment for acne. Its various species have been widely used as a tea, tonic, antitussive and relief from flatulence. Thyme essential oil is expectorant, highly antiseptic while the thymol it contains is an active antifungal.

To make thyme tea, we use dried thyme leaves and shoots which we place in hot water to extract their nutrients. For better taste you can combine it with thyme honey!

Thyme and properties

The properties of thyme make it useful in chronic, fungal infections, as well as an effective remedy for lung infections such as bronchitis and pleurisy.

It contains essential oils such as rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid, which have antispasmodic properties and can help treat bronchitis, sore throats, coughs, laryngitis, asthma, in inflammations of the mouth and infections of the throat. [9]

The delicious infusion can be given for small infections of the throat and lungs, while the fresh leaves can be chewed to soothe a sore throat.

Thyme is rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, folic acid, calcium, potassium, copper, fiber, iron and manganese. [10]

Thyme and species

However, different species of thyme can have quite different compositions and this means significant differences in certain biological activities [1, 2]. The analyzes showed that the main chemical compounds in T. vulgaris are: thymol, carvacrol, camphene, caryophyllin, avutylene, α-terpenol, p-cymene, γ-terpinene, linalool and borneol. But while the thymol content is about 50% in the essential oil of T. vulgaris, this percentage may be 8% in T. capitatus. Also, the composition of an essential oil can be quite different even in the same species, depending on the harvest time. One study showed that the carvacrol content of T. capitatus in northern Sicily was 14.2%, 76.1% and 81.2% when the harvest time was 14/5, 19/6 and 16/7 [3 ].

Thyme and acne

When thyme is immersed in alcohol for days or weeks, it turns into a solution known as a tincture. In a 2010 study, thyme essential oil was found to have antibacterial activity against P. acnes, the bacterium associated with skin conditions in acne. [10] In 2012, researchers at Leeds Metropolitan University in the UK tested the effects of thyme tincture on acne. The findings were presented at a conference of the Society for General Microbiology and were impressive. This natural herb preparation fights acne-causing bacteria better than prescription products [4].

It should be noted, however, that this study was laboratory. Many plants have inhibitory effects on the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses in vitro but there is not much clinical evidence for their effectiveness and safety in treating acne.

Thyme and atopic dermatitis

According to a 2018 study in International Immunopharmacology, the application of thymol to the skin of people with atopic dermatitis has an immediate physiological response. In addition to inhibiting the inflammatory compounds known as cytokines, thymol helps shrink the swollen dermal and epidermal layers of the skin that are characteristic of dermatitis.

In addition, thymol was able to prevent secondary infections caused by the bacterium Staphyloccocus aureus. This very common complication occurs when swollen tissues allow S. aureus to move from the surface of the skin and form reservoirs beneath it.

According to researchers, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of thymol may play a role in the management of chronic atopic dermatitis. [13]

Thyme and respiratory system

Thyme is often used as a natural remedy for coughs and natural congestion in the chest. Alone or in combination with herbs, it is one of the most commonly recommended herbs in Europe for treating dry, spasmodic coughs and pertussis. [11] While fresh thyme is considered to have better results, thyme oils can also be beneficial.

Due to the low toxicity of the herb, it has become a favorite for the treatment of cough in young children. In one study, a combination of thyme and ivy leaves helped relieve cough and other symptoms of acute bronchitis [5].

Thyme and oral hygiene

According to a 2015 study in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers believe that thymol inhibited the production of ergosterol, a cholesterol-like substance needed to boost fungal growth. [13] Note that the anti-inflammatory effects of thymol have been documented in several studies. Thymol is effective in reducing infections and this makes it beneficial for oral health. Thus, it is an ingredient in many dental products, such as e.g. in Listerine oral solution [6].

Thyme and immune system

Thyme oil is effective against resistant strains of Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia and Pseudomonas bacteria. [10]

The thymol it contains is active against bacteria such as salmonella and staphylococcus [7]. This makes thyme a useful tonic for the immune system in chronic infections.

The plant has been used to treat worms (anthelmintic) in children. It is useful in intestinal infections and infections, from gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi and yeasts such as Candida albicans.

Thyme and insect repellent

Thymol is a component of many pesticides and pesticides. One study showed that thyme extract can repel mosquitoes such as e.g. the Tiger mosquito.

The tiger mosquito originates from the tropics of Southeast Asia and has spread around the world since the 1990s, transmitting West Nile virus, dengue fever and other diseases. A research team in South Korea has reported that the combination of thymol, alpha-terpinene and carvacrol was effective in killing its larvae.

For best pest control results, rub thyme leaves between your hands. Note that the Romans burned and spread thyme on the floor to ward off scorpions.

You can make a homemade insect repellent by mixing 4 drops of thyme essential oil in each teaspoon of olive oil or by mixing 5 drops in about 4 tablespoons of water.

Thyme and stability of cooking oils

Lipid oxidation is a serious problem when processing and storing food. May cause a decrease in their quality, stability and safety. Scientists from Poland have examined whether thyme extract can extend the stability of sunflower oil at different temperatures. The conclusion was that thyme stabilizes sunflower oil, which was attributed to its antioxidants.

Thyme is particularly rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, two important antioxidants. The 100 gr. T. Vulgaris leaves contain 4,751 International Units of Vitamin A and 160 mg of Vitamin C. Vitamin A is vital for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin as well as good eyesight. Vitamin C fights pro-inflammatory free radicals. Thyme is also a rich source of flavonoids.

Select and save

There are no instructions for the proper use of thyme for medicinal purposes. It is advisable to consult a specialist to make sure it is the right choice for your situation.

Thyme can be purchased as a dried or fresh herb.

Dried thyme can be safely stored at room temperature for up to two years, but quickly loses its aromatic properties after about a year.

Fresh thyme generally lasts about a week in the refrigerator. its leaves will begin to turn black when it ages. Fresh thyme can be frozen and added to broth and cooked directly from the freezer.

Thyme capsules contain powdered thyme leaves and are usually administered between 250 and 500 mg daily. As a general rule, never exceed the recommended dose on the product label.

Thyme essential oil is usually sold in light-resistant bottles. Be cautious not to use it undisolved on skin or consume it. Choose a thyme tincture which can disolve on some water (according to its uses).

You can store the essential oil in the refrigerator or in a cool, dry room away from direct sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can damage essential oils. [13]

Thyme and side effects

Thyme is safe when consumed as food. There is not enough information to know if it is safe in oral doses. In some people, it may cause indigestion, headache or dizziness.

Care should be taken in the amount taken as taking in large quantities can kill the good bacteria in the gut and disrupt its flora.

It can also slow down blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding if used in large quantities. Therefore, do not use thyme for at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Thyme oil can irritate the mucous membranes, so you should always dilute it well. A case has been reported in Turkey where ingestion of 25 ml of oil caused hepatotoxicity [8].

Do not drink large amounts as a decoction for long periods of time. Thyme is probably safe during pregnancy in a regular dose, however avoid drinking therapeutic doses if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Some people who are allergic to plants of the family Lamiaceae may also be allergic to thyme.

Finally, the plant can act as an estrogen in the body. If you have a condition that can be made worse by exposure to estrogen, do not use it.

References

  1. Evaluation of the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of chitosan edible films incorporated with organic essential oils obtained from four Thymus species.
  2. Assessment of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties on Meat Homogenates of Essential Oils Obtained from Four Thymus Species Achieved from Organic Growth.
  3. Influence of harvesting time on composition of the essential oil of Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffmanns. & Link. growing wild in northern Sicily and its activity on microorganisms affecting historical art crafts.
  4. Thyme may be better for acne than prescription creams.
  5. Efficacy and Tolerability of a Fluid Extract Combination of Thyme Herb and Ivy Leaves and Matched Placebo in Adults Suffering From Acute Bronchitis With Productive Cough. A Prospective, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
  6. THYMOL – ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ORAL HEALTH.
  7. Medicinal and Functional Values of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) Herb.
  8. Acute Hepatitis Associated with Thymus Vulgaris
    Oil Ingestion; Case Report.
  9. Οι θεραπευτικές ιδιότητες του θυμαριού
  10. 12 Health Benefits of Thyme
  11. Thyme
  12. Thyme Tea: Health Benefits, Nutrition Facts, and How to Prepare It
  13. What Is Thymus Vulgaris?

Rita Gkatzouli

Bsc, Pharmacist graduate of School of Pharmacy, AUTH. Specialized in Alternative Therapies, Homeopathy, Homeotoxicology, Bach’s Flower Remedies, Herbal Therary, Gemmotherapy. Blog Chief Editor at Vita4you.gr.

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The content of this blogspot is not and can not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All information is provided to readers solely for informational purposes. There is no intention to substitute this content for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment.

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