The Latin name Thymus vulgaris has been cultivated for centuries for culinary and healing uses. The plant originally came from the Mediterranean area and has been adapted to many different climates around the world. It first set its roots to North America when the first colonists, used this herb primarily as food preservative and for medicine during that time.
Ancient Greeks considered thyme as a symbol of style, elegance and courage, and they used it as an incense to cleanse holy areas. Researchers believed that its common name came from thumus, which means "courage," or from another Greek word thymos, which means to perfume." It has been identified in writings over 3,000 years old. In medicine, Thyme is a potent antiseptic, used in cases of anemia, bronchial ailments and intestinal problems. It is used as an antiseptic against tooth decay, and treats fungal infections like athlete's foot and skin parasites such as crab lice. The herb is effective for colic, flatulence, sore throats and colds; likewise it serves as a digestive aid and a hangover remedy. Infusions of thyme are good for headaches, and found to be beneficial for cough related colds and flu as well as whopping cough, because the ingredients are known to loosen and expel mucous. Thyme infusion is also soothing and healing for skin irritations, muscle spasms and fungal infections. This plant contains a constituent that helps in preventing blood clots.
Furthermore, the vapor from thyme essential oil is used to treat respiratory infection. Though if taken internally, thyme oil is known to be poisonous in amounts of a teaspoon, for it is very strong. For many people, the same amount may be too strong externally as well, so she advises caution to users. Thyme oil or infusion can be added to the bath to aid rheumatism and bronchial difficulties.
Moreover, thyme is a good plant for bees; it provides nutritious pollen that imparts delicious flavor to their honey. The clusters of purple flowers readily attract bees. The dried flowers and leaves of thymes can protect cloth from insects. Burning dried thyme also repels insects. Oil of thyme is diluted and used externally as a deodorizer and antiseptic that can prevent mildew. An ointment made with thyme is good for warts. It is useful to help the new mother expel the afterbirth and that an ointment made of the leaves is useful for treating warts, as well as easing the discomfort of gout, and kills worms internally.
Can you imagine all the benefits that you can get from thyme?
Here are some more:
The plant actions are considered to be disinfectant, antiseptic, anodyne, anti-inflammatory, rubefacient, antitussive, aperitif, carminative, demulcent, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, fungicide, nervine, pectoral, sedative, stimulant and vermifuge, such a long list of medical terms, and all from a simple herb!
There are no known contraindications up to the present, although some people are very sensitive to the essential oil, so they should have a patch test first to see if they are allergic.
Thyme is often used in bouquet garni, which are small sprigs of fresh herbs tied together and simmered in various dishes. Since it is an herb that helps the body to digest fatty foods, it is often used as an ingredient in pork, beef, lamb, veal and other heavy meat. It is especially tasty with meat, poultry and game. It has strong taste, so you should use it sparingly in most dishes.
It is easy to plant and grow thyme. The plant is a bushy perennial that loves warm, sunny areas and is found throughout Southern Europe, North America and Asia. It commonly grows to 15 inches tall and makes an excellent ground cover. Trim it back after flowering to prevent it from becoming woody and prune more frequently in summer, when it is in its most vigorous growing period. The flowers range from purple to lilac to white. It prefers well-drained slightly alkaline soils. Thyme can be sown from seed or propagated from stem cuttings.
Bring some indoors to grow on a sunny windowsill. Thyme leaves can be dried easily and it freezes well. Just hang the sprigs for seven days and then store in dark colored bottles. Keep the bottles air tight in cool dark storage places.
Ancient Greeks considered thyme as a symbol of style, elegance and courage, and they used it as an incense to cleanse holy areas. Researchers believed that its common name came from thumus, which means "courage," or from another Greek word thymos, which means to perfume." It has been identified in writings over 3,000 years old. In medicine, Thyme is a potent antiseptic, used in cases of anemia, bronchial ailments and intestinal problems. It is used as an antiseptic against tooth decay, and treats fungal infections like athlete's foot and skin parasites such as crab lice. The herb is effective for colic, flatulence, sore throats and colds; likewise it serves as a digestive aid and a hangover remedy. Infusions of thyme are good for headaches, and found to be beneficial for cough related colds and flu as well as whopping cough, because the ingredients are known to loosen and expel mucous. Thyme infusion is also soothing and healing for skin irritations, muscle spasms and fungal infections. This plant contains a constituent that helps in preventing blood clots.
Furthermore, the vapor from thyme essential oil is used to treat respiratory infection. Though if taken internally, thyme oil is known to be poisonous in amounts of a teaspoon, for it is very strong. For many people, the same amount may be too strong externally as well, so she advises caution to users. Thyme oil or infusion can be added to the bath to aid rheumatism and bronchial difficulties.
Moreover, thyme is a good plant for bees; it provides nutritious pollen that imparts delicious flavor to their honey. The clusters of purple flowers readily attract bees. The dried flowers and leaves of thymes can protect cloth from insects. Burning dried thyme also repels insects. Oil of thyme is diluted and used externally as a deodorizer and antiseptic that can prevent mildew. An ointment made with thyme is good for warts. It is useful to help the new mother expel the afterbirth and that an ointment made of the leaves is useful for treating warts, as well as easing the discomfort of gout, and kills worms internally.
Can you imagine all the benefits that you can get from thyme?
Here are some more:
The plant actions are considered to be disinfectant, antiseptic, anodyne, anti-inflammatory, rubefacient, antitussive, aperitif, carminative, demulcent, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, fungicide, nervine, pectoral, sedative, stimulant and vermifuge, such a long list of medical terms, and all from a simple herb!
There are no known contraindications up to the present, although some people are very sensitive to the essential oil, so they should have a patch test first to see if they are allergic.
Thyme is often used in bouquet garni, which are small sprigs of fresh herbs tied together and simmered in various dishes. Since it is an herb that helps the body to digest fatty foods, it is often used as an ingredient in pork, beef, lamb, veal and other heavy meat. It is especially tasty with meat, poultry and game. It has strong taste, so you should use it sparingly in most dishes.
It is easy to plant and grow thyme. The plant is a bushy perennial that loves warm, sunny areas and is found throughout Southern Europe, North America and Asia. It commonly grows to 15 inches tall and makes an excellent ground cover. Trim it back after flowering to prevent it from becoming woody and prune more frequently in summer, when it is in its most vigorous growing period. The flowers range from purple to lilac to white. It prefers well-drained slightly alkaline soils. Thyme can be sown from seed or propagated from stem cuttings.
Bring some indoors to grow on a sunny windowsill. Thyme leaves can be dried easily and it freezes well. Just hang the sprigs for seven days and then store in dark colored bottles. Keep the bottles air tight in cool dark storage places.
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