Thyme has a long history of use in natural medicine in connection with chest and respiratory problems including coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion. Only recently, however, have researchers pinpointed some of the components in thyme that bring about its healing effects. The volatile oil components of thyme are now known to include carvacolo, borneol, geraniol, but most importantly, thymol.
Significant Anti-Oxidant Protection of Cellular Membranes Thymol - named after the herb itself - is the primary volatile oil constituent of thyme, and its health-supporting effects are well documented. In studies on aging in rats, thymol has been found to protect and significantly increase the percentage of healthy fats found in cell membranes and other cell structures. In particular, the amount of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid) in brain, kidney, and heart cell membranes was increased after dietary supplementation with thyme. In other studies looking more closely at changes in the brains cells themselves, researchers found that the maximum benefits of thyme occurred when the food was introduced very early in the lifecycle of the rats, but was less effective in offsetting the problems in brain cell aging when introduced late in the aging process.
Introduction:
An aromatic herb in the mint family, thyme grows to a height of fifteen inches, with small rounded leaves and pink flowers on woody stems. This herb is not the same species as mother of thyme of wild thyme. Experts in language tell us that thymeÍs name was derived form the Greek word thumus, or courage. In Medieval times, knights wore sprigs of thyme on their armor as a sign of courage. The scent of thyme was thought to give them strength in the midst of battle, as well as relief form pain.
Constituents:
Alpha-linolenic acid, anethole, apigenin, borneol, caffeic acid, calcium, chromium, eugenol, ferulic acid, geraniol, kaempferol, limonene, lithium, luteolin, magnesium, manganese, methionine, p-coumaric acid, potassium, rosmarinic acid, selenium, thymol, tryptophan, ursolic acid.
Parts Used:
The dried leaf.
Typical Preparations:
Teas, tinctures, baths, gargles, toothpaste.
Summary:
Oil of thyme is the main ingredient in the mouthwash Listerine. Thyme is a strong antiseptic used externally for infected cuts and scrapes and infernally for oral and respiratory infections. Bath washes made from teas of thyme allowed to cool treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot and also vaginal yeast infections. Thyme contains tannins that cause proteins in skin to cross-link, forming a barrier to infection.
Teas of thyme can be taken orally to treat allergies, asthma, colds, and coughs. The essential oil in the herb encourages coughing up of phlegm It stops spasms of the bronchial passages. Inhaling essential oil of thyme placed in hot water as aromatherapy has the same benefits.
Precautions:
No one should take thyme oil internally. Women who are pregnant should not drink thyme tea, although small amounts of thyme used in cooking do not cause side effects. Do not take thyme as a medicine if you have a duodenal ulcer or if you have thyroid disease.
Most Popular Thyme Recipes! APPETIZERS
Thyme Rolls On
8 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese
I Tablespoon freshly chopped thyme
I Tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
1/2 Teaspoon finely minced garlic
Blend all ingredients thoroughly and roll into a 1" diameter log in wax paper. Refrigerate overnight. Slice into 1/4" wheels and serve on crackers.
Thyme And Again
8 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese 4 oz. sour cream
2 Tablespoons chopped thyme leaves
1 Tablespoon coarsely chopped basil
1 Tablespoon minced parsley
Blend all ingredients thoroughly and chill overnight. Place in serving bowl and garnish with signature basil, parsley, and thyme leaves. Serve on a tray of crackers and/or vegetable sticks. Guests will visit this appetizer "thyme and again".
Pita Pizza Thyme
1 Package of flat pita bread (about 12 flats)
4 Tablespoons olive oil
4 Tablespoons dried thyme, crushed
I Tablespoons dried oregano, crushed
Cut each flat into 6 triangles. Brush the top of each triangle with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with thyme and oregano. Toast in hot oven until golden brown. Serve hot as an appetizer or use for dinner bread. ("Zatar", Thymbra spicata, is the Middle Eastern counterpart found in specialty shops.) Yield: 72 pieces.
BEVERAGES
Lemon Thyme Lift
2 Cups water
1/2 Teaspoon fresh lemon thyme leaves
1/2 Teaspoon honey
Bring water to a boil and remove from the heat. Add thyme leaves and steep for 5 minutes. Strain into cups and add honey. Relax and enjoy.
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