Thyme is one of the most common spices to be found in any kitchen. But did you know that this simple herb is actually capable of much more than making a meal taste and smell delicious? In fact, thyme has been used throughout ancient history by peoples such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for purifying incense, perfumes, and medicines. That’s right! Thyme has a number of incredible medicinal properties that can be harnessed even today to naturally heal your body.
#1. Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-inflammatory properties of Thyme give it a wide variety of useful applications to the body. Taken internally, it can ease the discomfort of intestinal inflammatory diseases. It can also be used to relieve skin irritation and can also serve as a relaxant for inflamed or cramping muscles.
#2. Antibacterial and Antifungal
Thyme is well known for having powerful antiseptic and antibacterial properties. When tested by scientists, it was discovered that Thyme extracts effectively inhibited the growth of bacterias that are otherwise resistant to standard antibiotics. This makes it an excellent agent in both fighting and protecting against infection. Thyme also contains a molecular compound called thymol, which has powerful antifungal properties and can combat yeast-causing candida, environmental mold and spores, and other fungal-based threats to your health.
#3. Respiratory Relief
One of thyme’s oldest uses in medicine has been as an aid against respiratory problems such as a cough, bronchitis, asthma, and allergies. Thyme is both anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic, meaning it reduces irritation and inflammation that can block our airways and soothe discomfort that causes coughing. It reduces phlegm and mucus and prevents the production of additional microbes that can lead to respiratory illness. Research has also shown that thyme extracts may even combat the growth of lung cancer cells.
#4. Heart Health
Potassium is one of the most crucial components of the body’s muscle function, and no muscle is more important in the body than the heart. Thyme contains 5 mg of potassium per teaspoon, and regular consumption is just another great way to deliver this powerful mineral to your body. Potassium is also vasoactive, meaning it helps to relax the walls of blood vessels to reduce stress on the cardiovascular system and help lower blood pressure.
#5. Improves Circulation
Thyme is rich in iron, which makes it an ideal agent to help promotes the body’s production of healthy red blood cells. It is also high in compounds called antioxidants, which inhibit the production of free radicals and other harmful oxidizing agents in the bloodstream. This leads to healthy circulation and proper oxygenation of the body and its organs.
#6. Promotes Skin Health
Acne which is primarily caused when the pores of the skin is infected by a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes. Because of its antibacterial properties, thyme is a strong and natural combatant against this common skin condition. A study conducted in 2013 at Leeds Beckett University discovered that a tincture made from thyme was not only capable of killing Propionibacterium acne, but it actually did so better than benzoyl peroxide, the main ingredient in most acne treatment creams and washes.
Source:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2233768/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22313307
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17209812
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27369807
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/potassium-and-your-heart
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1008195019618