Thyme ((Thymus vulgaris) is an aromatic herb that can be used to add flavor and aroma to recipes and that also has relaxing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, expectorant and bactericidal properties, which is why it is used to improve mood and treat situations such as coughs and acne.
Thyme, or thyme, is sold in the form of fresh or dehydrated leaves, in supermarkets and street markets, and can be used as a seasoning in cooking or in preparing teas. This aromatic herb is also found in health food stores and pharmacies, in the form of a tincture or essential oil.
What is it for
The main health indications of thyme are:
1. Fight cough
Thyme is rich in organic compounds with anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antitussive action, such as carvacrol and γ-terpinene, which help eliminate excess phlegm from the respiratory tract and combat coughs caused by colds, bronchitis, asthma, sore throat or whooping cough.
2. Control blood pressure
The terpenoids present in thyme, such as thymol and α-terpineol, are organic compounds with antihypertensive action that act to control blood pressure, being very useful for preventing high blood pressure.
Furthermore, the organic compounds present in thyme also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help maintain the health of the arteries and facilitate blood circulation, regulating blood pressure.
3. Prevent cardiovascular diseases
The terpenoids present in thyme have powerful antioxidant action, which reduces damage caused by free radicals in healthy cells, keeping blood vessels healthy and preventing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, atherosclerosis or stroke.
In addition, terpenoids also prevent the oxidation of fat cells, helping to control levels of “bad” cholesterol, LDL, and increase “good” cholesterol, HDL, in the blood.
4. Combat anxiety and stress
Some studies (1,2) show that the essential oils present in thyme, such as limonene, carvacrol and linalool, help combat anxiety and stress by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as GABA, promoting relaxation, well-being and tranquility, and reducing agitation and nervousness.
5. Tratar a acne
Thyme, especially in the form of essential oil, contains thymol, an organic compound that has antiseptic, disinfectant and antimicrobial action, which helps treat acne and other skin problems, such as dermatitis, for example.
6. Maintain healthy teeth and gums
Thyme is rich in thymol, an organic compound that maintains the health of teeth and gums because it inhibits the growth and multiplication of bacteria that can cause cavities or gingivitis, such as Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli.
7. Fight fungal infections
Thymol and limonene, present in thyme essential oil, have powerful antifungal action that helps fight infections caused by fungi, such as Candida albicanswhich can cause skin or nail infections.
Additionally, thyme can also help fight infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformansa type of fungus present in the soil or in pigeon feces, and which can be transmitted to humans by inhalation, causing cryptococcosis, a disease that affects the lungs and nervous system, which can cause pneumonia or meningitis.
8. Help with the treatment of Alzheimer’s
The thymol present in thyme can help in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, because it inhibits cholinesterase, an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine, which is an important neurotransmitter for memory and learning capacity, but which is reduced in people with Alzheimer’s.
In addition, thymol also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, reducing inflammation and damage caused by free radicals in the nervous system, which can help in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. However, more studies in humans are still needed to prove the benefits of thyme in treating Alzheimer’s.
9. Help fight cancer
Thyme can help fight breast, intestinal, cervical, liver and lung cancer, as it is rich in thymol and carvacrol, which are antitumor substances that inhibit the growth and cause the death of cancer cells.
However, scientific studies with humans are still needed to confirm these benefits of thyme in fighting cancer.
How to use
Fresh or dried thyme leaves can be used as a seasoning to prepare meat, fish, vegetables, sauces, pasta or soups, for example.
For medicinal use, the parts of thyme used are its fresh or dried flowers and leaves, from which its active substances are extracted.
1. Thyme tea
To make thyme tea, you can use the fresh or dried leaves of this aromatic herb.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of dried or dehydrated thyme;
- 1 cup (tea) of water.
Preparation mode:
In a pan, boil the water and, after turning off the heat, add the thyme leaves. Cover the pan, let it rest for 10 minutes, strain and then drink. You can drink up to 3 cups of this tea per day.
2. Thyme syrup
Thyme syrup can be prepared using dried thyme and honey and is recommended for relieving coughs and sore throats.
Ingredients:
- 4 small sprigs of fresh thyme;
- 1/2 liter of water;
- 1 cup (tea) of honey.
Preparation mode:
Add the thyme sprigs and water to a pan and bring to a boil over low heat for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it rest for about 3 minutes.
Then, when the mixture is still warm, remove the thyme sprigs and add the honey, mixing well. Take a teaspoon of syrup whenever necessary. Store this syrup in a clean, dry glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
3. Thyme bath soak
Thyme bath soaks can be used to help relieve cough and cold symptoms, or to reduce anxiety and stress.
To do this, simply add 140 g of dried thyme leaves to 1 liter of boiling water. Let it rest for 5 minutes, strain and add the infusion to the bath water. This bath can be done once a week for around 10 to 20 minutes.
4. Inhalation with thyme
Thyme inhalation can be used to calm coughs in cases of colds and flu. To do this, simply place 3 to 4 drops of thyme essential oil and 1 liter of warm water in a basin.
Then, cover your head with a towel, so that it also covers your basin. Tilt your head over the basin and breathe in the steam for 10 minutes.
5. Thyme tincture
Thyme tincture can be used to relieve symptoms of flu, asthma, sore throat and colds. Generally, it is recommended to take 25 drops of thyme tincture, diluted in a glass of water, 2 to 3 times a day.
Possible side effects
Possible side effects with using thyme in the form of a bath are burning, irritation or redness of the skin. Oral use of thyme can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Therefore, the medicinal use of thyme should only be carried out under the guidance of a doctor or other health professional with experience in the use of medicinal plants.
Who shouldn’t use
When used for medicinal purposes, thyme should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, nor is it recommended for children under 12 years of age or for people who have a history of estrogen-dependent diseases, such as breast or ovarian cancer or endometriosis. , for example.
Thyme should not be used for medicinal purposes by people with shortness of breath, open wounds, skin infections, fever, serious infections.
Furthermore, thyme for medicinal purposes should be used with caution by people who have high blood pressure, circulation problems and heart failure.
People with gastritis, ulcers, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome or liver disease should only use thyme under the guidance of a doctor.
