Thyme: medicinal properties, scope of application, for what diseases it is used

Thyme is not only a fragrant spice, but also a medicinal herb that is a panacea for a large number of diseases.

Chefs use thyme to prepare various dishes, sauces, and desserts. Decades ago, the herb was used in religious services. It has an incomparable aroma and taste, familiar to many from childhood thanks to the herb Pertussin.

Morphological description

Bogorodskaya grass grows in open, mountainous areas with sandy soil. Thyme can be harvested in the forest and forest-steppe zones of European Russia, Siberia, and Transbaikalia.

This herb is a perennial, creeping shrub. It grows up to 15 centimeters tall. It bears violet-red flowers in dense clusters. Thyme is aromatic, blooming in late June and early July and producing fruit in early August and September. It has a spicy, slightly pungent flavor. It is also known as motherwort, Bogorodskaya grass, pine needles, and frankincense.

Collection and procurement

The plant is harvested and prepared during the flowering period. Harvesting begins after the lilac inflorescences cover the ground. The above-ground portion of the plant should be harvested. Harvesting varies by region. Harvesting can begin in May, and the season ends in August. Harvesting should be done on a sunny, dry day. Avoid dew on the plant, otherwise it will mold. The leaves alone, without the flowers if they haven't yet appeared, can be used for tea. The leaves also provide aroma and health benefits.

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Drying is best done on a piece of linen or cotton cloth, on a baking sheet covered with paper, or in a hanging bunch. To protect the thyme from insects, cover it with a piece of cheesecloth. Drying time depends on the weather and ranges from three to five days.

Chemical composition

Thyme is rich in virtually the entire periodic table. It contains proteins, fats, and carbohydrates essential for the human body.

Vitamin composition of thyme:

• vitamin A;
• vitamin PP;
• vitamin K;
• vitamin C;
• vitamin B1, B2, B4, B6, B9.

This group of vitamins supports immunity and helps cope with various ailments.

Mineral composition of the plant:

• zinc;
• selenium;
• copper;
• manganese;
• sodium;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• calcium.

The essential oils contained in the plant provide antiseptic and bactericidal properties. Carvacrol oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids and tannins astringent, while oleanolic acid tones and helps fight viruses. Ursolic acid helps with a slow metabolism, improves muscle tone, and regulates the endocrine system.

Medicinal properties and scope of application

Thyme has both beneficial properties and contraindications. Its rich composition helps combat a wide range of ailments. Minerals, vitamins, and oils support health, improve vitality, and treat various illnesses and pathologies.

Essential oils combat inflammatory processes in the body. Thymol, a substance known as thymol, fights viruses better than antibiotics. Creeping thyme has medicinal properties for bronchitis and other respiratory ailments. A decoction helps thin mucus, thus having expectorant properties. Creeping thyme can be used for inhalation and gargling.

Thyme herb relieves skin conditions. Boils, purulent wounds, and ulcers heal after using thyme infusions and decoctions.

Thyme's beneficial properties include its ability to increase appetite, relieve gastritis, normalize digestion, and eliminate flatulence. Lemon thyme also exhibits beneficial properties by improving intestinal microflora.

The plant tincture has the ability to relieve pain in cases of neuralgia, sciatica, radiculitis, and headaches.

Thyme helps you fall asleep quickly, fights insomnia, nervous disorders, and depression.

Thyme is of interest to representatives of the stronger sex who want to restore or strengthen their male health.

Contraindications

Due to the rich chemical composition and improper, unsystematic use of the plant, there are a number of contraindications.

Thyme does more harm than good. It should not be used in the following cases:

• gallstone disease, liver problems;
• ulcerative formations in the stomach, diseases of the duodenum;
• atrial fibrillation;
• chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract;
• disruption of the digestive system.

Children under two years of age should not brew the herb, and pregnant women should not do so unless advised and prescribed by a physician. If a pregnant woman has high blood pressure and drinks thyme, her blood pressure may rise even higher. If a pregnant woman has a thyroid condition, she should avoid taking the herb.

Properties and contraindications of thyme for women

Women are prone to mood swings and depression. Medicinal plants regulate the nervous system, making women calmer and more balanced. Thyme is beneficial for women with irregular and painful periods. It is also excellent for treating inflammation of the appendages. Thyme's ability to remove toxins improves bowel function, which improves the appearance of skin, hair, and nails.

Benefits and harms for men

Thanks to its rich chemical composition, namely zinc, selenium, and molybdenum, creeping thyme is recommended for maintaining men's health.

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The plant is used to treat male ailments such as adenoma, prostatitis, and lack of libido. It can be taken as a tincture, decoction, or oil mixture. The benefits of Bogorodskaya herb include improving sleep and relieving fatigue and stress. The herb has contraindications alongside its benefits, so men should consult a doctor before using it for health reasons.

Ways to use thyme

There are many ways to consume the plant. The simplest way is to sew the herb into a pillow. This will improve sleep and relieve nervousness and bad mood.

When to drink decoction, tea, infusion

To treat the respiratory system, as well as during colds, a decoction of the herb is made for gargling and inhalation.

To prepare a decoction, pour 30 grams of the herb into 200 grams of boiling water. Let the decoction steep for 10 minutes. Gargle with this decoction for a sore throat. This remedy can also be taken half a glass three times a day. The course of treatment is 3 to 5 days.

If you use the inhalation solution, you need to inhale the fresh decoction for 10-15 minutes.

For cardiovascular disease, pour 200 grams of boiling water over 2 teaspoons and let steep for 15 minutes. Drink 1/3 cup of the infusion three times a day. This decoction helps with heart failure.

To treat the genitourinary system, prepare a decoction according to the recipe described earlier. After the decoction has cooled, women can douche. For treatment, you can take tea, infusion, or decoction.

To treat nervous disorders, add lemon balm and honey to the tea. When brewing, add 5 grams of mint and 5 grams of thyme. Bring the herbs to a boil in 200 grams of water. After the water has cooled, add 1 teaspoon of honey.

Dry thyme herb

The benefits of thyme are evident not only in the treatment of diseases, but also in cooking and cosmetology.

Infusion for facial skin

For a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, steep 1 tablespoon of thyme in 200 milligrams of boiling water for 30 minutes. Then apply the infusion to a cotton pad and wipe the face. You can also soak a napkin in the infusion and leave it on the face for 20 minutes.

After such use, pores are narrowed, excess fluid is removed from the skin, and complexion is improved.

Infusion for blood pressure

The composition of medicinal herbs is suitable for dilating blood vessels and relieving spasms.

To collect you need:

• 15 grams of dry thyme;
• 5 grams of chamomile;
• 10 grams of fireweed;
• 1 liter of water.

Pour boiling water over the herbs, wrap them in a towel, and let steep for 60 minutes. Take ¼ cup of the infusion 3 times daily.

Thyme tea for women

Tea normalizes hormonal balance, reduces menstrual pain, improves mood, and normalizes the functioning of all gynecological organs. Thyme tea is a complementary therapy for all sorts of women's ailments.

Thyme essential oil

The oil has a strong antioxidant effect. The essential oil is used for aromatherapy, normalizing digestive and respiratory function, and in dermatology. The essential oil is obtained from the herb Thymus vulgaris by evaporating the liquid from all parts of the plant. The oil has a thick consistency. The properties of the oil depend on the region where it grows. Thymol and carvacrol are the main components of the essential oil. Carvacrol is 30 times more potent than phenol in terms of bactericidal and antiseptic properties.

Even during the time of Hippocrates, people used this oil to relieve colds, coughs, laryngitis, asthma, sore throat, and whooping cough. The oil is effective against salmonella, staphylococcus, and enterococcus.

A bath with thyme essential oil added is very good for relieving fatigue. For colds, a few drops of the oil can be added to an inhaler.

Pharmaceuticals

Thyme-based syrups and oils are available in pharmacies. Most preparations are available without a prescription. Homeopathic remedies containing thyme are also available.

Pertussin

The most well-known cough syrup is Pertussin. Given the correct dosage, this medication can be used by both children and adults. The syrup contains thyme extract and is excellent for relieving coughs.

Store the syrup in a cool place. Children should take 0.5 teaspoon twice daily, and adults should take 1 teaspoon twice daily.

Thyme Syrup with Vitamin C

Vitamin syrup has a mucolytic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory effect. Flavonoids and tannins promote mucus removal. Polysaccharides and vitamins accelerate regeneration.

You need to drink this syrup on time:

• acute bronchitis;
• flatulence;
• infectious wounds of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract;
• dry cough.

Children aged 3 to 6 years take 1/2 teaspoon of the syrup, while children aged 3 to 6 years take 1 teaspoon. Adults take 1 tablespoon. At any age, take the syrup 3-4 times a day.

The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor.

Bronchostop

Bronchostop has a mild cough suppressant and a strong mucolytic effect. Marshmallow root, included in the product, coats the mucous membrane, softens, and relieves inflammation. African acacia gum reduces mucous irritation and stimulates salivation, which reduces coughing. Thyme flavonoids are easily transported, making Bronchostop essential for upper respiratory tract colds.

Children under 4 years of age take 5 mg, and those 4 to 12 years of age take 8 mg. Adults take 15 mg of Bronchostop. The dose is administered 3-4 times daily at any age.

Elixir Bronchophyte

Creeping thyme's medicinal properties are showcased in the Bronchophyte elixir. The benefits of thyme and the other herbs included in the elixir are undeniable. The elixir has anti-inflammatory, expectorant, bactericidal, and strengthening properties. Chamomile, linden, licorice, and calamus strengthen the body, improve tissue regeneration, and replenish the body with vitamins.

Take 10 mg twice daily during an exacerbation, 1 hour after meals or 30 minutes before meals. Once symptoms improve, reduce the dosage to 5 mg three times daily.

Codelac Phyto

Codelac Phyto is available in tablet or cough syrup form. This medication is designed to relieve coughs. Codeine, an ingredient in the medication, reduces coughing, while thermopsis increases bronchial secretions and acts as an expectorant. The medication also contains licorice root, sodium bicarbonate, and thyme extract.

Directions for use:

• from 2 to 5 years – 5 mg of the drug;
• from 5 to 8 years old, 10 mg of the drug;
• from 8 to 12 years old, 15 mg of the drug;
• from 12 years old, 20 mg of the drug.

Codelac phyto may enhance the effects of sleeping pills.

Side effects

Thyme has no significant side effects when used in the recommended dose. Essential oils can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and may cause allergies. The herb should not be taken by those with kidney or liver disease or stomach ulcers. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are also contraindicated, as this herb stimulates the uterus.

Reviews

I use pharmacy thyme for coughs. I'm happy with it; it always helps. I give my 6-year-old child thyme tea. It's a great expectorant.

Elizabeth, 32 years old

I harvest my own thyme. I use the flowers for tea and the leaves for cooking. The most delicious thyme I've ever picked grew in the Carpathians. I use the herb medicinally for radiculitis and bronchitis.

Valentina Ivanovna, 54 years old

I drink thyme tea for bronchitis. Treatment takes about 10 days. It even helps with asthma, but you need to steep the tea until it turns brown. It's important to avoid overdosing and side effects.

Alexey, 48 years old

Conclusion

Thyme is a unique plant that's a must-have in your medicine cabinet. It can be used in the form of decoctions, tinctures, teas, and essential oils. It's also used in folk medicine, cosmetology, cooking, and aromatherapy. The herb is excellent for treating viral and cold infections, skin problems, and nervous disorders. When using thyme long-term or systematically, it's best to consult with your doctor to avoid any potential harm.