Thyme, which belongs to labiatae family, has many benefits to health, such as cancer prevention, blood sugar reduction and urination. The oil and water of this plant are just as healing as the flowers and leaves. The oil obtained by the steam distillation method from the flowers of thyme is known for its hair and skin health benefits. However, excessive thyme consumption may cause serious complications in people with certain health problems. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor before consuming thyme tea, oil or water.
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What is thyme?
Thyme is a general name given to plant species that grow more in grassy, forest coasts and fields. Thyme, which used as spice in variety of dishes, has a distinctive smell. This plant, which loves the sun and heat, grow in rocky areas and mountains where the soil temperature is high. Flowers and leaves can be used as a medicine as well as a sweetener in foods. Also it is used in the components of perfumes and toothpaste.
How to use thyme?
Thyme usually as a spice, offers a unique taste to our food, can be used in different ways. While the plant is mostly brewed and consumed as tea, thyme oil prepared from this plant is usually added to cosmetic products. It is used extensively in Mouthwashes, ointments and aromatherapy oils.
Thyme oil often used in the shampoo, conditioner, anti-aging skin care cream and oral care products. You can buy this oil from herbal shops as you can prepare yourself from the plant. Finally, you can consume the thyme water which you produce by filtering the water from the brewed the plant.
Thyme nutrition facts
This medicinal plant, which is extremely rich in terms of Potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, selenium and calcium is a vitamin and mineral reservoir. It also a great source of beta-carotene, folic acid and B-complex vitamins which contains a large amount of vitamins C, A, K, E.
Health benefits of thyme and thyme oil
Thyme and cardiovascular health
Reduces and balances cholesterol levels. It also takes care of cardiovascular health. In addition to protecting the person against the negative effects of high blood pressure, it also treats a serious cardiovascular disorder known as atherosclerosis.
It significantly reduces the risk of most people suffering from cardiovascular disorders, including heart attacks. Especially in patients with low blood pressure, relieves symptoms such as weakness and sudden fall by balancing blood pressure.
Protects against cancer
It protects the person against many types of cancer, mainly colon cancer, and prevents cancer cells from spreading into larger areas. It presents a therapeutic feature to prevent breast cancer. It stops the formation of cancer cells through the ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, lutein, beta-sitosterol and carvacrol found in its components.
Prevents inflammation
Thyme oil, which suppresses the COX-2 enzyme, the main cause of many inflammatory processes, fights inflammation with the help of carvacrol and thymol in its components. It can be used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases as rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Supports immune system
As a unique source of vitamins A and C, it strengthens the immune system and reduces the likelihood of a person experiencing respiratory tract infections such as influenza and flu, especially in cold weather. It protects us against diseases through its inflammatory effects, accelerating the formation of white blood cells in our bodies. The oil of the thyme applied to the wounds shortens the healing process of the wounds.
Effective in the treatment of dyspraxia
It is especially effective in children with the treatment of developmental coordination disorder (DYSPRAXIA). Thyme oil can also be used to treat this neurological disease that affects movement and causes limitation of movement in the individual.
Resolves digestive system problems
Thanks to this feature, thyme oil, which contributes to the destruction of toxins and harmful substances in our body, also positively affects the digestive system. Regularly consumed thyme tea mediates the removal of gastrointestinal complaints such as indigestion, gas, bloating. It also relieves intestinal cramps by exhibiting anti-spasmodic properties.
Thyme and menstruation cycle
This plant, which can also be used as a menstrual flow stimulator, regulates the menstrual cycle in a healthy way in women. It is also good for menstrual bowel cramps and pains. Starting one week before the menstrual period, the daily consumption of tea regularly prevents the delay in menstruation.
Good for eye care
As a vitamin A-rich nutrient, it protects the person against night blindness, one of the serious consequences of vitamin A deficiency. It contributes to the prevention of many eye disorders, especially macular degeneration.
Treats respiratory tract disorders
It strengthens the immune system and treats respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and cough in a natural way. Thyme tea relieving sore throat is recommended by physicians because it relieves the symptoms of acute bronchitis.
Protects oral care
The thyme oil that even destroy the antibiotic resistant bacteria and microbes, protects oral health. Mouthwash with this oil having antiseptic effect, relieves the problems such as tooth decay, inflammation in the gums, dental plaques. As a strong antiseptic, it cleanses our mouth from bacteria and germs.
Thyme oil is good for skin health
The thyme oil, which is also effective in the treatment of acne, wound, cuts, heals wounds directly when applied to the skin. This oil, which is effective in the treatment of eczema characterized with skin cracks and swellings, slows down the effects of aging as a magnificent antioxidant.
Boil the thyme oil in hot water for 20 minutes to use it for acne treatment. Then add a few drops of thyme oil to a piece of cotton. Finally, wipe the acne on your skin with this cotton. In addition, thyme oil, a natural skin cleanser and peels the skin to purify the toxins.
Thyme oil removes headache
When you drop a few drops of thyme oil into your forehead when you have a headache, and gently massage your forehead, you may experience relieving of severe migraine headache. You may feel a general improvement in your mood even when you breathe this oil that is good for stress and tension.
Relieves food poisoning symptoms
As an anti-bacterial herb, it prevents serious complications of food poisoning. However, in case of food poisoning, you should consult your doctor before using thyme. Because in some cases may cause side effects.
Thyme stops coughing
Thyme tea, which relieves symptoms of bronchitis and asthma, is a powerful anti-inflammatory as well as a wonderful expectorant and relieves cough.
Prevents hair loss
Thyme oil which is effective in the treatment of scurf also stops the hair loss. You can add a little amount of it and lavender oil to your shampoo in order to have stronger, more vivid and shiny hair.
Gives energy
Bloodstream stimulating thyme oil makes you feel more energetic and positive. In the evenings, you can consume thyme tea in the evenings to get rid of your tiredness. You may even feel better when you breathe in the essential thyme oil.
Other benefits of thyme
- Thyme oil applied to the area that is painful in the skin, relieves pain
- Helps you to get a healthier sleep.
- Helps to lose weight.
- It protects the brain against diseases such as Alzhemeir and Parkinson’s.
- Increases Omega 3 fatty acid levels, contributes to brain health
- In the treatment of depression, thyme can be used in aromatherapy treatment.
- Diuretic
- Treats insect bites.
- It supports muscle and bone development with the iron in its components.
Which diseases thyme protects against?
Regular use of small amounts of thyme in meals, prevents the development of diseases such as cold and fungus, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, cancer, cholesterol, rheumatism, tumor, anemia in children, Alzheimer.
Does thyme help to lose weight?
Thyme, which allows the metabolism to work faster, contributes to the person lose weight. Thyme water or thyme tea, which is regularly consumed on an empty stomach for at least one month, helps the person to lower his weight in a short time.
Benefits of thyme tea
- It stimulates the menstrual flow and relieves menstrual pain
- Resolves stomach problems such as gastritis and reflux.
- Detoxifies the body of germs and toxins with detox effect.
- Good for psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, etc.
- Takes fatigue off the person.
- Good for Diarrhea.
- Antipyretic.
- It is a diuretic.
- Regulates the sleep period.
- Relieves chest pains.
How is thyme tea made?
Boil a glass of water in a teapot. Add 1 teaspoon of thyme to the boiled water. Infuse the tea for 10 minutes and filter. Add 1 tablespoon organic honey and 2 tablespoon lemon juice.
Side effects of thyme tea
- Irritation of mucous membranes
- Some allergic reactions
- Decrease in thyroid hormone levels
- Serious health problems such as coma, seizure, cardiac arrest
Especially pregnant women, nursing mothers, those suffering from blood pressure problems and those below the age of 18 should avoid thyme consumption. Consumption of thyme tea in pregnant women may cause miscarriage and hypertension in patients with blood pressure problems.
The above side effects are more common in people who are allergic to thyme and are overdosed. If you use a regular prescription or non-prescription medicine, if you have a sensitive metabolism, consult a doctor before consuming it.
Benefits of thyme water
- Just like thyme tea, it stimulates menstrual flow and relieves menstrual pains.
- Relieves headache.
- Purifies the intestines from harmful bacteria and germs.
- Relieves muscular, joint, rheumatic pain when applied topically with the throat oil.
- It cuts the cough and shows expectorant effect.
- Cleans the lungs. This aspect can also be consumed by smokers.
- Meets a significant part of the body’s calcium, iron and magnesium needs.
How is its water made?
Squeeze 2 pieces of tomato juice and add a lemon juice and a pinch of fresh thyme. You can consume this mixture every day.
