What is thyme good for?

What is thyme good for?

Thyme is a very versatile plant, used for medicinal and gastronomic purposes. It has a very nutritious chemical composition, which is reflected in its leaves and in its essential oil. In addition, for ancient civilizations it became a symbol of religious and cultural connotations.

Thyme is used to:

• Add as a condiment in dishes
• Take nutrients for the body
• Medicinal treatments
• Religious and cultural ceremonies

Add as a condiment in dishes

The dried and crushed leaves of thyme are used to add as a seasoning to food. It is even combined with other ingredients to prepare Bouquet gami , a peculiar condiment. The dishes in which thyme is added mainly cover Italian and Mexican cuisines.

Thyme can enhance the flavor of vegetables , beef, and grains. It is used to season French fries, scrambled eggs, bell peppers, and meat skewers. It makes cured meats and cheeses more digestive, and can be added to oils and vinegars.

Included in baked chicken, baked turkey leg, lamb, fish, lentils, mushrooms, cheeses, and various spiced Italian breads. Generally, a 0.25 gram serving of thyme is added for use as a condiment .

Take nutrients for the body

Thyme is a plant that carries in its composition a series of nutrients of various chemical natures:

• Timol
• Anetol
• Borneol
• Carvacrol
• Cineol
• Fiber
• Zinc
• Football
• Match
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Vitamina A (retinol)
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (niacin)
• Oleic acid
• Palmitic acid
• Nicotinic acid
• Linoleic acid
• Amino acids: cysteine, valine, glycine and isoleucine

Medicinal treatments

Thyme is recognized for having very diverse therapeutic properties, among which are:

• As an immunostimulant (stimulates the adrenal cortex)
• As an anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation)
• As a spasmolytic (reduces painful muscle spasms or contractions)
• As an antifungal, to treat Trichomonas vaginalis infections
• As an antimicrobial, to treat Candida albicans infections
• As an antimicrobial, to treat pharyngeal infections
• As an antimicrobial, to treat lung infections
• As an antimicrobial, to treat intestinal infections
• As an antimicrobial, to treat genitourinary infections
• As an antiviral, to treat herpes
• As an antimicrobial, to treat helminth infections
• as a healing
• As a cough preventative
• To regulate digestion
• To stimulate circulation
• To stimulate the central nervous system
• To prevent colds

For each of its functions there will be a way to prepare it. Among the preparations of thyme-based remedies are:

• Thyme broth
• Thyme infusion for washes or gargles
• Thyme brandy to treat stomach upset
• Thyme hot baths
• Thyme infusions to evaporate and inhale its vapors

Religious and cultural ceremonies

Ancient civilizations used thyme for its chemical properties, in procedures and ceremonies. In addition, this plant gained strength as a symbol in religious practices , for example:

• The Egyptians used it to embalm corpses.
• The Greeks used it to prepare their baths.
• The Greeks also used it to burn it as incense in their temples.
• The Romans believed that they could purify their homes with it.
• In the Middle Ages, warriors received thyme leaves from their women, for the belief that these increased their courage.
• Thyme was used at funerals, in the form of incense, to ensure a good transition to eternal life for the deceased.

Thyme contraindications

The consumption of thyme, especially its essential oil, is contraindicated in patients such as:

• Pregnant women
• Lactating women
• Children under 6 years of age
• Patients allergic to its components
• Patients with gastroduodenal ulcer