THYME AND ITS PROPERTIES

Thymus is a genus with around 1500 species of herbaceous and perennial aromatic plants, commonly known as thyme, from the Teneadas family (Lamiaceae). They are native to the temperate regions of Europe, North Africa and Asia.

Several members of the genus, among which the best known and type species is Thymus vulgaris, are grown as a condiment and ornamental plant

In ancient Greece, thyme was used as a medicinal plant, to heal serious wounds. On the other hand, the thyme was also used in the Middle Ages, as a very valuable medicinal plant, for example against asthma or dyspnea. Nowadays thyme is used in many different ways. Of the species of the genus Timo, dry or fresh herbs are used as a source of essential oils, as are oleoresins, as a garden plant and as a medicinal plant used in folk medicine, homeopathy, and increasingly in traditional medicine. However, only a small part of the species, namely Thymus mastichina, Thymus serpyllum, Thymus vulgaris and Thymus zygis are of commercial importance. For the production of the pharmaceutical drug (thymus herba) according to the European Pharmacopoeia, the use of two types of Thymus, T. vulgaris and T. zygis or a mixture of both is allowed.

According to the data of the Spanish Database of Food Composition is a food rich in iron, providing 123.6 milligrams per 100 grams of edible portion.

Thyme is an aromatic herb quite common in Mediterranean cuisine. Due to its intense odor and characteristic flavor it is used in different elaborations, and is a familiar element in stews, grills, marinades, marinades and dressings (for example, for olives), which, besides its organoleptic characteristics, Digestive diseases. It can be used both fresh and dry, depending on the recipe.

Properties

Thyme, taken as an infusion, helps relieve respiratory problems. It is by no means the only property of thyme, as it is also antiseptic and disinfectant thanks to its thymol content. In fact, one of the less-known uses of thyme is to use it as a cleanser, adding thyme to hot water and a little soap. It is allowed to cool, and with a sprayer the surface to be cleaned is sprayed.

 The thyme, mixed with honey, can be used as a wound disinfectant. Also, thyme has antioxidant properties, thanks to its flavonoid content, as well as being an excellent source of minerals (calcium, iron, manganese) and fiber.

Benefits of Thyme

At the digestive level: Thyme has great properties as antiseptic, antispasmodic and antibiotic, so it is frequently used in treatments against slow digestive processes, stomach pains, abdominal cramps, flatulence and other digestive disorders. It also has a discreet action paratisida, and is advised in cases of tapeworm, pinworms or ascaris.

To relieve the pain caused by indigestion or "good eating" it is useful to make the following recipe. Add to a cup of boiling water a pinch of mint, one of fennel and one of thyme, cover and let boil for 10 minutes. Once the time has passed proceed to pour the drink and without adding sugar take it several times a day, you will see how the discomfort disappears.

The infusion is prepared at the rate of 30 grams of the plant at the rate of one liter of water, and in greater concentration if it is intended to be used externally. It is advisable to drink one cup of the infusion after each meal, as it not only benefits the digestive functions, but also has great virtues as a general tonic. If taken on an empty stomach usually eliminates the intestinal parasites.

For the skin: Since ancient times it has been used to wash the skin in cases of ulcers, pyorrhea or stomatitis, and thanks to its quality as a sedative is common its use to relieve psoriasis. Likewise, its decoction can be used in cases of halitosis or bad breath. The alcohol of thyme is recommended to strengthen the skin and its benefits as an anti-inflammatory is indicated for conditions such as decubitus ulcers.

To regulate the excessive secretion of fat in the face, the cause of some skin conditions such as acne, it is advisable to boil two tablespoons of dried thyme leaves and boil them in half a liter of water. Before boiling, you should cover your head with a towel and approach the vapors emanating from the container for a period of 5 minutes, after which it will be necessary to go through the face a piece of ice covered by a cloth to close the Pores and prevent the absorption of impurities.

Breathing: It has pectoral, expectorant and antitussive properties, which makes it a great ally to fight diseases such as flu, cough, colds and even asthma.

Various uses: For cases of conjunctivitis it is necessary to moisten a gauze in the infusion of the plant to relieve and relax the eyes. It is frequently used in gastronomy, because together with oregano and parsley it gives exquisite flavors and aromas. It is also considered an aphrodisiac.