Thyme leaf is a delicate and aromatic herb with many health benefits and culinary uses. Thyme is grown in North America, Mediterranean region and Southern Europe. It is definitely one of the most valuable spices found in our kitchens. Sumerians used this minty herb as an antiseptic while Egyptians used it during mummification. Let us look at some thyme leaf benefits…

Health Benefits of Thyme Leaf

• Thyme leaves aid digestion. They soothe the stomach and prevent formation of excess acid. They also provide relief from colic, flatulence and other stomach related problems.
• Thyme can be used as a home remedy for cough, cold, congestion and other mild respiratory problems.
• The herb is good for oral health. Regular use of thyme toothpaste or mouthwashes can help prevent bad breath, plaque formation, mouth ulcers, and laryngitis.
• Healthy skin is what this herb assures users. Skin infections like scabies can be treated with it.
• It is effective against hookworm, threadworm, roundworm, and lice.
• Get rid of dandruff by topical application of herb.
• Thyme stimulates nervous system and prevents insomnia, nervous exhaustion, and depression.
• The antiseptic properties of thyme are due to thymol which aids in healing bruises, insect bites, and wounds.
• Use thyme to relax your tired eyes and soothe them.
• Taking thyme leaves during menstruation would help in relief from associated pains.
• The anti spasmodic benefits of thyme leaf helps in providing relief from cough, epilepsy and diarrhea.

Culinary Uses of Thyme Leaf

Thyme is indigenous to French, Spanish, Italian and French cuisines. Thyme leaf is a strong tasting herb and hence should be used sparingly in recipes to flavor them. Thyme leaf flavor and taste can be retained in recipe if it is added only at end of recipe. Moreover, prolonged cooking of thyme leaves results in loss of valuable essential oils due to evaporation. Use the herb to make medicinal teas and add it generously in soups, sauces, and stews. Thyme is also added with other herbs to make marinades, stuffing for meat, chicken, and fish recipes. They can be used to flavor homemade pizzas and spaghettis.

Thyme leaf benefits make it a wonderful herb. Add it to your daily diet and enjoy its many uses.

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