15 MAGNIFICENT PROPERTIES OF THYME FOR HEALTH - NUTRITION - 2025

The properties of thyme for health are antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidepressant, anticancer, antifungal, disinfectant, among others that you will find below.

Thyme has a long history of use in natural medicine as it is considered a very powerful herb, capable of treating dozens of diseases.

For something Hippocrates the "father of medicine", describes in his writings the therapeutic uses of thyme.

15 healthy contributions of thyme for our health

1- It has antimicrobial capacity

Researchers from different universities in Romania conducted a study that tested the antimicrobial effectiveness of thyme in seven bacteria related to common foods and fungi, including Salmonella, and their results demonstrate its effectiveness against all these bacteria.

2- It is immunostimulating

While thyme protects us as an antimicrobial agent for cleaning and food safety, it can also help us respond to microbes we encounter.

The journal International Immunopharmacology published a study in 2014, in which thymol, one of the main substances in thyme essential oil, was shown to be a stimulant of white blood cells and the immune system.

Additionally, thyme is packed with vitamin C and is a good source of vitamin A, copper, fiber, iron, and manganese.

So if you're feeling a little sick, thyme can help you get back to good health.

3- It is a strong antidepressant

One of the pathways thymol appears to have in the body is through neurotransmitters associated with depression.

In a 2015 post in Behavioral Brain Research, Chinese researchers looked at anti-inflammatory relief on the neurotransmitters that cause depression. Its potential as an antidepressant therapy is exciting.

4- It has anti-cancer properties

In another study, cancer cells were tested to see how they coped with ten powerful essential oils. Thyme was one of those oils, and it stood out from the crowd as the most beneficial against malignant cells of the prostate, lung carcinoma and breast cancer.

While it cannot be said enough because the studies are preliminary, some scientists are hopeful about a future in which naturally-derived products can replace toxic chemicals in the treatment of cancer.

5- Serves as an antihypertensive

Researchers at the University of Belgrade in Serbia found in a study in rats that an extract obtained from wild thyme lowered blood pressure. These rodents tend to have similar responses to people when they have hypertension, so the results could have implications for humans.

6- Powerful antifungal

A team from the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia conducted a study to evaluate the therapeutic antifungal benefits of a cream made from chamomile extract and another made from thyme essential oil.

They found that more than 65 percent of the patients treated with a cream containing thyme essential oil were completely cured, compared with about 30 percent of those who used a placebo or chamomile.

The researchers concluded that: "A 3 percent thyme essential oil cream may represent a relatively inexpensive and readily available opportunity to treat and cure mild to moderate cases of fungal infections," but recommend further research.

7- Remedy for acne

Scientists from Leeds, UK, tested the effects of myrrh, calendula, thyme and tinctures on the bacteria that cause acne. They found that thyme can be a very effective remedy.

Its antibacterial effect was found to be stronger than standard concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, the active ingredient used in most creams and washes that are recommended for acne.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies thyme essential oils as "generally recognized as safe."

However, those who plan to make a change in the treatment of a health condition should first consult with their doctor.

8- Improves cough symptoms

Researchers from the Essen Department of Comprehensive Gastroenterology in Germany conducted a review in which they systematically evaluated the literature on herbal medicine for coughs caused by upper respiratory tract infection and the common cold.

This review found strong evidence that thyme is significantly superior to placebo in relieving the frequency and severity of people with cough symptoms.

So next time you are faced with a cough or a sore throat, try sipping some thyme tea.

9- It is healing

This is a huge property of thyme when used in essential oil on scars and other blemishes to make them fade. This includes marks from surgeries, accidental injuries, acne, smallpox, among others.

10- Disinfectant properties

Mold is a common air pollutant that can be potentially dangerous to health. Thyme oil may be the answer for low concentrations of mold, as thyme essential oil has many fungicidal properties as I have explained above.

Research suggests that it can be used as a disinfectant in homes where there is a low concentration of mold.

11- Repellent against mosquitoes

The dengue virus is transmitted by a mosquito called Aedes aegypti, and various plants are used to control its reproduction.

In a study by the Autonomous University of Nuevo León in Mexico, the effectiveness of the chemical composition of some essential oils, including thyme, was evaluated against two populations of larvae of these mosquitoes, concluding that it had activity against the larvae of the strain.

In addition, the aforementioned component thymol is also an ingredient in many pesticides and repellants for both the outdoors and indoors.

You can make a homemade repellent by mixing four drops of thyme oil with one teaspoon of olive oil, or mixing five drops for every 2 ounces of water.

12- It is antiseptic

Thyme essential oil is a good natural remedy for wounds and sores, as it protects against infections. This is mainly due to the presence of components such as caryophyllene and camphene.

13- Carminative effect

Gases that build up in the stomach can deprive you of your appetite and sleep, causing severe stomach aches, vomiting, headaches, cramps, and nausea.

Thyme essential oil is a carminative and antispasmodic, so it forces the elimination of gases through downward movement.

14- Great diuretic

If you are suffering from water retention in the body, you can surely benefit from thyme, as it helps to eliminate excess water, salts and toxins from the body. This in turn helps you reduce weight, lower blood pressure, reduce fat, and improve digestion.

15- Cure candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infection caused by various varieties of candida (fungi), which usually appears in the mouth or vagina and is common in people with diabetes, pregnant women or people with AIDS.

Researchers at the University of Turin in Italy determined the effect of thyme essential oil on Candida albicans in the human body. The team reported that the oil significantly improves this disease.

Precautions

Small amounts of thyme used in culinary preparations are generally safe. In large quantities, thyme acts as a uterine stimulant.

Pregnant women should not use the herb, tincture or essential oil of thyme, that is, under any of its presentations, as it can harm the fetus.

Excessive use of pure essential oil is toxic. If the oil is ingested, it can cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Other adverse toxic effects can include headache, muscle weakness, and dizziness. Applied externally in undiluted form can cause skin irritation. The oil must be diluted before use.

Nutritional information

A serving of (100 grams) of Thyme contains:

101 kilocalories of energy (5 percent DV)

24.45 grams of carbohydrates (18 percent DV)

5.56 grams of protein (10 percent DV)

1.68 grams of total fat (8.4 percent DV)

14 grams of dietary fiber (37 percent DV)

1,824 milligrams of niacin (11 percent

DV) 0.348 milligrams of pyridoxine (27 percent

DV) 0.471 milligrams of riboflavin (36 percent DV)

4751 IU of vitamin A (158 percent

DV) 160.1 milligrams of vitamin C (266 percent DV)

9 milligrams sodium (0.5 percent DV)

609 milligrams potassium (13 percent DV)

405 milligrams calcium (40.5 percent DV)

17.45 milligrams iron (218 percent DV)

1,719 milligrams magnesium (75 percent DV)

106 milligrams manganese (15 percent DV)

1.81 milligrams zinc (16.5 percent DV)

Interesting data

- The Romans used thyme in their alcoholic beverages because they said it gave them energy.

- Thyme oils serve to preserve food for longer, thus preventing it from being contaminated.

- The Egyptians used thyme oil to embalm their pharaohs and thus preserve them for many years.

- The Greeks used thyme as incense in many of their temples, in turn they said that smelling this spice was synonymous with courage and bravery.

- Thyme is native to Asia, Europe, and Mediterranean regions.

- In medieval times there was a ritual where women gave the bravest knights scarves with an embroidered thyme branch.

- It has a narrow, gray to green stem covered with hairs. Measures 16 inches tall.

- In the past, there were people who placed a thyme leaf under the pillow to ensure pleasant dreams.

- In ancient times, thyme was part of funeral rituals. A coffin full of thyme was a direct and safe way to move on to the next life.

- Currently 100 different types of thyme are known.

- The Greeks when saying that someone “smelled of thyme” meant that that person was elegant and refined.

- One of the active ingredients in Listerine mouthwash is thyme.

Recipes

Sautéed mushrooms with thyme

This recipe is very fast, in less than 20 minutes you can have these mushrooms with thyme accompanying your favorite dishes. You can use with white wine to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of butter

1 tablespoon of oil

¼ cup of finely chopped onions

3/8 teaspoon of salt

½ kilo of mushrooms

1/3 cup of dry white wine

4 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme

preparation:

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the oil and onions. Cook for several minutes until the onions turn a golden color.

Add the mushrooms and salt and stir for another 15 minutes or until the mushrooms are brown and the liquid has been consumed.

Add the white wine and cook for 2 more minutes. Finally, add the thyme and cook for 30 seconds.

Once you have followed these steps, it will be ready to serve and accompany your meals.

Roast pork with thyme

A quick and delicious recipe, perfect to accompany great moments. A great way to cook pork in a healthy and wonderful way. Makes 12 servings.

Ingredients:

2 kilos of pork

3 cloves of garlic

1 teaspoon of salt

½ tablespoon of ground black pepper

3 bay leaves

½ cup of vinegar

1 teaspoon of thyme

preparation:

First, preheat the oven to 325º. Then with a knife, make small cuts in the pork, so that when seasoning, the flavors enter easier.

Add garlic, salt and pepper to the cuts to season the meat and let it rest for a few minutes to concentrate the essences.

Place the bay leaves in the bottom of the tray that is prepared to take to the oven and then put the seasoned meat on them.

In a separate container, mix vinegar and thyme to create a sauce that you should place on top of the pork.

Bake for 3 hours, and confirm the degree of doneness of the pork, as it is quite delicate. Frequently stir the pork in the vinegar and thyme juice to allow the flavors to concentrate.

Once ready, let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving with any side of your choice.

Thyme fillets with sautéed mushrooms

Another very easy recipe to make, which will only take you 30 minutes. Very healthy, delicious and can be accompanied by boiled carrots or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon dried thyme

1 kilo of beef fillets

300 grams of mushrooms

¼ cup onion, minced

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons red wine

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Salt and pepper to taste

preparation:

In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and thyme, stir until a seasoning forms.

Take the beef steaks and season until the mixture is well attached. Let it rest for a few minutes.

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, stir for at least 1 minute.

Later, add the mushrooms until they soften and add the red wine, and let it cook over low heat, until most of the liquid has been consumed.

Heat oil in another skillet over medium-high heat and fry the fillets for 5 to 7 minutes on each side (or to the doneness of your preference). Serve on plates and top with mushrooms.

References

1. http://www.webmd.com
2. http://nutritiondata.self.com
3. http://www.foodiecrush.com
4. http://www.whfoods.com
5. http://foodfacts.mercola.com
6. http://www.foodreference.com