Benefits of Thyme: Aroma, History and Names

Thyme: You must have heard about the mint family, but you might find thyme a new term. It is also a part of the mint family, with an outstanding aroma and an impressive part of culinary staples. To add more, it is full of several health benefits and might work wonders for skin and in some infections, too.

Don't Miss This Information About Thyme

To start with, this member of the mint family has more than 400 subspecies. You must be thinking, really, is it true! Thyme herb has a very unique aroma and is often used in making different useful things. The land of Uttarakhand is known to grow the best species of thyme herb, and its leaves, flowers, and buds are used in the preparation of food and medicine to add extra smell besides the health benefits. Under the subheads of thyme uses, thyme oil has always been the head.

History of Thyme

With its roots beginning from the Mediterranean region, thyme has come a long way to serve symbolic, medicinal and culinary properties. Egypt and Greece have ancient records of using thyme in incense. The Romans are the ones who introduced it to Britain for its culinary qualities.

Checking its relevance to the Medieval and Elizabethan eras, thyme uses were elaborated in the magical and fairy life. Many herbalists have also emphasised using thyme to treat some ailments like cold and cough. Thyme herbs also possess antiseptic properties due to the presence of thymol compounds in them. Pharmaceuticals prefer it too due to these properties.

Thyme has chemicals that might come forward to serve in fungal and bacterial infections. It is full of antioxidant properties.

Different Names of Thyme

Thyme is known by different names. Scientifically, it is regarded as Thymus vulgaris. This name is given to the common thyme. Wild thyme is scientifically called Thymus serpyllum, and lemon thyme is regarded as Thymus citriodorus. Other names by which it is known worldwide are English Thyme, Broad Leaved Thyme, Wolly Thyme, Caraway Thyme, Garden Thyme, and Creeping Thyme. People in Hindi address thyme as Banajwain. Thyme has a bundle of advantages for people who know the right use of it. People are always seen taking wild thyme as thyme, but they are not the same.

Thyme Tea-Sip and Say

You must be thinking, if you read it right! Yes, you did. Thyme tea is known to boost immunity system as it is packed with antioxidant properties and Vitamin C. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial features, and it might help to deal with respiratory issues, common cold, and flu. You may call it a kind of ayurvedic kadha that has other benefits too. It benefits one's overall wellbeing. Good for digestion, it might help to maintain healthy mineral levels in the body. It brings calcium and iron to support your inner self. It might also help with overall mental wellbeing, too.

Ways to Prepare Thyme Tea

Take some boiling water and pour it into a teapot. Take some dry thyme leaves, or in some cases, you can take the fresh ones too. Put it in the teapot. Pour the hot water and cover it. Leave it aside for some time. The covered lid traps the steam, adds the aroma, and releases the essential oil. After 5 minutes, sieve it and enjoy the fabulous flavour. You can also keep it for ten minutes if you want a stronger flavour.

Benefits to Extract from Thymus Vulgaris

Thyme uses are enormous, and people are seen using it for different purposes. Thyme leaf, thyme seeds, thyme herb, dried thyme, and drinking thyme tea are some ways in which people enjoy its benefits.

People use thyme benefits for multiple purposes. Starting with the common cold, hair problems, people seem to enjoy thyme uses in several ways. Thyme has also earned a distinctive role due to its unbeatable, attractive aroma, which helps it to hold a great place in the culinary staple. Some of the benefits that you cannot fail to enjoy while using thyme are as follows:

1. Might Help with Flawless Skin

Thyme uses work more prominently when it is about skin. Acne is a common problem that might ruin the entire skin, but with antibacterial properties, thyme might help get rid of it. People buy so many things to make their skin clean and clear, but this small herb might help you with it easily. When mixed with specially mixed liquid for sometime, it can be turned into a tincture which is good for the skin.  

2. Might Help with Cold and Cough

An oil is prepared with thyme leaf, which might help to treat a common cold. It can be mixed with several other leaves like ivy, primula, etc, to treat a cold. It may sound unbelievable, but people in Western countries prefer it when dealing with a cold and cough. For better results, you can try drinking thyme tea and see if your sore throat feels better or not.

Besides masala chai, this herbal tea might help you to deal with annoying colds and coughs.

3. Might Help To Increase Immunity

You must be thinking, is it possible that some herb can boost your immunity? A body needs several types of vitamins, and imagine getting them through a fragrant herb- thyme. This herb contains several needed nutrients, which include:

• Copper
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Manganese
• Iron
• Fiber

Though it is always advisable to consult your doctor first before starting with anything new, even when it is a herb.

4. Might Help with Disinfection

You must have witnessed mold in your surroundings. Not to mention, it is highly dangerous to the surroundings, causing air pollutants. People are seen using thyme oil to remove it and disinfect completely. Though handling it by professionals is always what we suggest, people are seen using it to handle this unwanted situation.

5. Might Help to Get Rid of Pests

Among the thyme benefits, thymol needs special mention. It is a variety of thyme oil, and you will find it in the ingredients of several pesticides. It can be used for both outdoor and indoor pest treatments. The list of pests that might be treated with thyme is as follows:

1. Rodents
2. Bacteria
3. Virus
4. Mosqitoes
5. Other Regular pests

6. Process of Making a Homemade Repellent

People also make homemade repellent with it. For this, they need only four drops of thyme oil, which needs to be mixed with a teaspoon of olive oil. For those who don't want to use olive oil, they can use five drops of thyme oil in two ounces of water.

7. Aroma- The Deadly Combination

Ever visited a beauty store and felt a sudden attraction to the aromatic air around? Thyme herb serves several benefits, and indeed, the aroma it has is at the top. It might be the effect of thyme, which can be used in the preparation of natural skin care products. In several deodorants, it can be seen as a common ingredient and is often an important part of potpourri. In aromatherapy, thyme is used in its oil, which is used to lift mood towards relaxation.

8. Mood Relaxation

For sure, next time, while buying any essential oil, you will check for thyme oil in the ingredient list. Due to its attractive aroma, it is continuously used in therapeutic and aromatic purposes. It also has active compounds, termed carvacol, which might help in gaining better concentration. It has a good effect on both mood regulating hormones, dopamine and serotonin. Dried thyme or thyme oil may boost the mood in a positive way and let you feel mentally healthy.

10. Cooking- Might Add More Flavours

In several cuisines, thyme is used worldwide. You will find them commonly widespread in Italy, France and the whole of the Mediterranean. Pesto sauce, which may be there on your dining table, has thyme too. This sauce makes your pasta or rice tastier. Thyme leaves or dried thyme are used in many cuisines. Adding it to your diet may make you healthier. It also increases the shelf life of cooking oil. It has antioxidant properties, which might help preserve sunflower oil at different temperatures for longer.

11. Might Help To Fight Bacterial Infection

Food poisoning is a common problem these days, and thyme may come to the rescue here. It is believed that it might work as a natural preservative and can give a good fight against several foodborne bacteria. These bacteria can cause several health issues. It works effectively against Enterocococcus, Staphylococcus and more bacteria. In this way, it will help you in getting rid of food poisoning to an extent.

12. Yeast Infection-Yes, Thyme Herb Covers It

The Thyme vulgaris plant helps against bacteria and fungi, too. If you keep thyme oil, you will find a very low count of fungicides if preserved for a long time.

Thyme Vulgaris Plant- A Herb To Preserve In The Long Run

Thyme has several purposes to serve and is popular for its versatility. Besides gifting you good skin, hair, health, and taste, the thyme plant is indeed something to be added to your home. Thyme chai boosts mood and supports overall health. The aromatic air is something you cannot miss while enjoying thyme. Remember to consult your doctor before introducing it to your daily life. An herb that is good for one might not help others. Thyme is something to cherish, only if you know how to grab the best out of it!