The thyme is an aromatic plant that is usually used as a seasoning, in addition to having numerous medicinal properties. The thyme is a small perennial plant formed by a set of leaves and flowers, which can be the latter of white, pink, or lilac. In the world, there are more than 350 species of thyme and have a wide variety of shades and aromas ranging from pine to lemon or eucalyptus.
The thyme is a Mediterranean plant that is naturally located in southeastern Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, although it is already cultivated widely. Among the varieties are the common thyme, the lemon thyme, and the Spanish thyme.
In this article, we discover the main properties and benefits of thyme so that you know everything it can contribute to your body.
Properties of the thyme
The thyme is a very versatile plant, being used both in cooking and seasoning to aromatize and give flavor to meats, vegetables, cheeses, and sausages, as well as to make infusions and in the manufacture of soap, perfumes, syrups, essential oils, creams, and toothpaste, among other medicinal products and cosmetics.
Among the list of nutritional values, you can find a high percentage of vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, riboflavin, copper, manganese, calcium, and, in lower proportions, vitamin B6, folate, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
It also has a good number of volatile oils including borneol, geraniol, carvacol, and thymol. These oils have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, being effective against bacteria and fungi. Its antispasmodic and expectorant action is also notable.
The thyme is a drug with antispasmodic, expectorant, and antiseptic action, among others. It is widespread in our country, where it can be found only (drug, fluid extract, essential oil, etc.) and in numerous associations, especially mixtures for infusions for the treatment of respiratory and digestive conditions or topical antiseptic washings (cutaneous, mouth, vaginals, etc.). The author addresses in this work the pharmacological properties and therapeutic indications of the thyme.
Among the many benefits associated with their properties are:
Helps smooth out the breathing problems of the upper tract
Thanks to its anti-spasmodic and expectorant action, thyme can be used as an antitussive and relaxing of the respiratory system, especially from the area of the bronchial. In addition, the essential oil of thyme increases the activity of the bronchial chills by increasing the bronchoalveolar secretion and making it easier to eliminate it by expectorating.
It’s an effective disinfectant.
Its antiseptic properties give great disinfectant power to the essence of thyme. Thus, its phenolic components have an important antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-viral action. This property makes the thyme an ideal antiseptic for the washing and disinfection of wounds, as well as for the disinfection of the mouth cavity.
Strengthens the immune system
That same antibacterial action enhances the action of immunostimulants.
It’s a diuretic.
In addition, thyme infusions have a diuretic effect helping to remove toxins from the body.
Help regulate intestinal transit
The thyme added to meals provides multiple nutrients and a pleasant and characteristic flavor. By having a lot of fiber, thyme helps prevent constipation and has a positive effect on intestinal transit.
Calm digestive pains
The thyme is also used from the ancient age as a natural remedy to open appetite and promote digestion, eliminating stomach pains, palliating the effects of diarrhea, and preventing the formation of gases.
Provides calcium and phosphorus
Although at the same levels as dairy, thyme has a high calcium and phosphorus content, being ideal for the care of the bones.