Thyme is a aromatic plant It is usually used as a condiment, in addition to having numerous medicinal properties. Thyme is a small perennial plant made up of a set of leaves and flowers, the latter being white, pink or lilac. In the world there are more than 350 species of thyme and they present a great variety of tones and aromas that go from pine to lemon or eucalyptus.
Thyme is a Mediterranean plant found naturally in Southeastern Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, although it is already widely cultivated. Among the varieties stand out the common thyme, lemon thyme, or 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.
Thyme properties
Thyme is a very versatile plant, being used both in cooking as a condiment to flavor and flavor meats, vegetables, cheeses and sausages, as well as to make infusions and in the manufacture of soap, perfumes, syrups, essential oils, creams and pasta. teeth, among other medicinal and cosmetic products.
Within the list of nutritional values you can find a high percentage of vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, riboflavin, copper, manganese, calcium and, in smaller proportions, vitamin B6, folate, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
It also has a good number of volatile oils These include borneol, geraniol, carvacolo, and thymol. Some oils that have antiseptic, antibacterial properties, being effective against bacteria and fungi. Its antispasmodic and expectorant action also stands out.
Thyme is a drug with action antispasmodic, expectorant and antiseptic, among other. It is very widespread in our country, where it can be found alone (drug, fluid extract, essential oil, etc.) and in numerous associations, especially infusion mixtures for the treatment of respiratory and digestive conditions or for topical antiseptic washes (skin, mouth, vaginal, etc.). The author addresses in this work the pharmacological properties and therapeutic indications of thyme.
Among the many benefits associated with its properties, the following stand out:
Helps soften upper tract respiratory problems
Thanks to its antispasmodic and expectorant action, thyme can be used as an antitussive and relaxant for the respiratory system, especially in the bronchial area. In addition, thyme essential oil increases the activity of the bronchial cilia by increasing bronchioalveolar secretion and making it easier to eliminate when expectorating.
It is an effective disinfectant
Its antiseptic properties confer a great disinfecting power to the essence of thyme. Thus, its phenolic components have an important antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral action. This property makes thyme an ideal antiseptic for washing and disinfecting wounds, as well as for disinfecting the oropharyngeal cavity.
Strengthens the immune system
That same antibacterial action enhances the action of immunostimulants.
It is diuretic
In addition, thyme infusions have a diuretic effect, helping to eliminate toxins from the body.
Helps regulate intestinal transit
Thyme added to meals provides multiple nutrients and a pleasant and characteristic flavor. By having a large amount of fiber, thyme helps prevent constipation and has a positive effect on intestinal transit.
Soothes digestive pains
Thyme has also been used since ancient times as a natural remedy to whet the appetite and promote digestion, eliminating stomach aches, alleviating the effects of diarrhea and preventing the formation of gases.
Provides calcium and phosphorus
Although at the same levels as dairy products, thyme is high in calcium and phosphorus, making it ideal for bone care.