Indigenous to Mediterranean, Italian, French, and Spanish cuisines, the culinary and medicinal reputation of thyme is indeed a long-standing one. The Sumerians used this minty, woodsy herb as an antiseptic while the Egyptians used it for mummification. Years later, thyme medicinal uses continue to be explored and exploited widely. From treating menstrual cramps to relieving chest congestion, thyme deemed as the ultimate herbal cure for a host of conditions. Apart from flavoring your spaghettis and homemade pizzas, thyme helps to fortify the body against chronic conditions, relieve spasms, and relax the senses. For more on medicinal uses of thyme, scroll down the write-up.

Benefits Of Thyme

• Thyme could be your handiest weapon against common cold and flu. Sipping on thyme tea won’t just help to assuage the symptoms of bronchial and respiratory condition, but also help to relieve chest congestion and blocked nose.
• Eating thyme after a heavy, fatty meal will aid in easy digestion. Besides, thyme helps to whet up appetite and can be used as a digestive tonic to avoid digestive disorders and alleviate irritable bowel syndrome and colic.
• Thyme is used extensively to ease symptoms of chronic gastritis, enteritis, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain.
• Thyme oil is believed to beneficial for oral care and is extensively used in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and ointments to fortify dental health and prevent tooth decay. Thyme not only helps to keep away plaque formation, mouth sores, and bad breath, but is also an effective cure for laryngitis and tonsillitis.

Other Medicinal Uses Of Thyme

• Thyme contains antiseptic properties and can be used to treat insect bites, stings, mastitis and wounds.
• Thyme is nature’s best weapon against worms like hookworm, threadworm and roundworm, and even lice and skin parasites.
• Thyme helps to assuage spasms, epilepsy, convulsions, and menstrual cramps.

Side Effects Of Thyme

• Although thyme is pretty much easy to digest and comes with no major complications, at times, it could prove to be a bit too strong for people when used externally. Hence, caution is recommended.
• Some people are sensitive to thyme essential oil. So a patch test before application is recommended.
• Pregnant women should steer clear of thyme as it is a potent uterine stimulant and can trigger complications.

Thyme is endowed with many medicinal properties, which makes it an indispensable item on your spice rack. Add a dash of extra thyme seasoning to your soups, pastas, and dips and enjoy a dose of taste and health.

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