2024-05-11 14:52:00
Thought thyme was only good for flavoring your dishes? Think once more! This small aromatic plant from the Lamiaceae family is full of active ingredients that are beneficial to our health. Overview of its astonishing properties with an herbalist.
Thyme, a multifaceted plant
Did you know that the composition of thyme varies depending on where it is harvested and the growing conditions? In fact, Thymus vulgaris, from its Latin name, exists in different “chemical races”, called chemotypes:
- Thymol Thyme (most common and most powerful)
- Linalool thyme (the most gentle and versatile)
- Thyme with carvacrol, geraniol, thuyanol…
Each chemotype will have slightly different properties, but they all share one thing in common: they are excellent natural antiseptics, antibacterials and antivirals!
How to take advantage of the benefits of thyme?
Thyme is easy to use on a daily basis, in various forms depending on your needs and wishes:
Infusion of dried leaves
This is the easiest and most economical way. Steep 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, cover to retain the essential oils. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day as a treatment.
Inhaling essential oil
Put 2-3 drops of thyme essential oil in a bowl of warm water and inhale the vapors for 5 minutes, with your head covered with a towel. Ideal for colds, sinusitis, bronchitis.
In skin friction
In 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, add 2 drops of thyme oil and massage the chest, back and soles of the feet. Stimulates the immune system.
As a gargle or mouthwash
Make a concentrated decoction of thyme (1 handful for 200 ml of water, boil for 5 minutes) and use it as a gargle or mouthwash following dilution. Effective once morest sore throats and oral infections.
Be careful, thyme essential oil is dermocaustic: it burns the skin and mucous membranes. Never use it pure, but always diluted!
Thyme, a formidable anti-infection shield
The main advantage of thyme is to be a powerful antiseptic, active once morest many microbes. It fights bacteria as well as viruses and fungi, making it a valuable ally in case of infection.
A broad spectrum antibacterial agent
Thyme is effective once morest Gram+ and Gram-bacteria, responsible for respiratory, ENT, urinary, digestive or skin infections. It enhances the effect of antibiotics and helps prevent resistance.
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An antiviral agent that increases immunity
By stimulating our immune system, thyme helps us fight winter viruses: colds, flu, gastroenteritis… It activates the production of white blood cells and blood circulation.
An antifungal agent once morest mycoses
Thyme is formidable once morest yeasts and fungi, especially Candida albicans which is responsible for oral, digestive and gynecological mycoses. With regular treatments, it helps to rebalance the flora.
To take full advantage of this anti-infective action, remember to consume thyme from the first symptoms and through the winter!
Thyme, a plant that takes care of our digestion
In addition to its disinfecting properties, thyme is a valuable support for our digestive system. It works on several levels:
- It stimulates digestion and relieves postprandial heaviness
- It promotes the secretion of gastric juice and fights bloating
- It eliminates gases and intestinal fermentation
- It rebalances and cleanses the intestinal flora
- It soothes spasms and pain thanks to its antispasmodic effect
Do not hesitate to drink thyme herbal tea following hearty meals, in case of difficult digestion or flora disturbances. Your stomach will thank you!
Thyme to cleanse the urinary tract
Thanks to its diuretic properties, thyme helps drain toxins and prevent urinary tract infections. It is especially recommended in cases of cystitis, urethritis or prostatitis.
Linalool thyme is best suited in cases of kidney sensitivity. Drink up to 1L herbal tea per day during the crisis, then 3-4 cups for prevention. The antiseptic effect is combined with a soothing effect on irritated mucous membranes.
Thyme, a tonic for the nervous system
Do you feel stressed, anxious, depressed? What if you replaced the coffee with a good thyme herbal tea? This plant contains caffeic acid, a tonic for the nervous system.
Thyme has the special feature of stimulating both the physical and mental. It helps chase away fatigue and sluggishness while relieving anxiety and negative emotions. It is the ideal remedy for “frayed nerves”!
Also very useful in cases of sleep disorders, nervousness or seasonal depression. But be careful not to consume it too late at night or you will experience a restless night…
Thyme to relieve muscles and joints
In activated blood circulation, thyme brings heat and nutrients to painful or stiff areas. It is a valuable ally once morest rheumatism, relieving and relaxing the muscles.
You can use it as a poultice (mix the powder with green clay), in a relaxing bath (60g of thyme for 1L of water in a decoction) or in a massage (2 drops of EO in 1 tablespoon of oil).
By stimulating sweating, thyme also helps eliminate toxins and relieve pain. Ideal during the change of season or when you come back from sports!
Thyme, a beauty and wellness herb
Thyme is not left out on the cosmetic side. It can be used for:
- Cleanse oily and acne-prone skin: as a strengthening lotion with thyme hydrosol, as a mask or as a regulating serum
- Strengthen hair and fight hair loss: as a final rinse, in scalp friction, as a nourishing mask
- Clean the mouth area and freshen your breath: in mouthwash, in homemade toothpaste or chewable as is
- Perfume and disinfect indoor air: atmospheric diffusion, potpourri or bouquet garni
Give free rein to your creativity and integrate this plant into your homemade preparations. Your skin, hair and morale will be even more radiant!
Precautions for using thyme
Thyme is a generally well-tolerated plant, but there are some precautions to be aware of:
- In high doses (more than 2 cups/day) it is not recommended at the beginning of pregnancy because it stimulates uterine contractions. Prefer moderate doses and discontinuous courses.
- Thymol essential oil is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes: never use it pure, but always diluted in a vegetable oil.
- Certain chemotypes (with carvacrol and thymol) should be avoided in case of hypertension, coagulation problems or anticoagulation treatments.
- Thyme may interact with certain medications that are metabolized by the liver: ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on long-term treatment.
In herbal tea, decoction or hydrosol, thyme poses no particular danger. However, be careful with essential oils, which are very concentrated in active ingredients.
Your questions – our answers regarding the benefits of thyme
How long can you take a course of thyme herbal tea?
You can drink thyme daily for 3 weeks, then take a break for a week before starting once more. Thyme cures are especially recommended at the change of season (autumn, winter, spring).
In which form is thyme most effective?
It all depends on what you want to use it for. To clean the ENT area, inhalations of essential oils or hydrosol are very effective. For digestive disorders, the infusion will be ideal. And to stimulate immunity, you should consider dry extract capsules to take continuously in winter.
How to choose quality thyme?
Choose organic thyme, harvested in its natural environment and dried at a low temperature to preserve its active ingredients. The leaves should be beautifully green, fragrant and not very crumbled. Avoid tea bags, which are often less rich in active ingredients.
Can we give thyme to children?
Yes, thyme is very useful for strengthening children’s immune system. Prefer thyme hydrosol over linalool, milder than essential oils. You can dilute it in a little honey or syrup to mask the taste. Homemade infusions and syrups will also be suitable for fragile children.
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