Thyme is yet another of God’s plants that can be used as food and medicine. The chemicals in many of the herbs are called phytochemicals and they protect the plant from disease and cancer. So when you eat these plants you also become protected from disease and cancer.
Thyme’s flowers, leaves and oil make this herb beneficial in many various health conditions. Thyme contains vitamin C, copper, fiber and manganese. Besides the common minerals and vitamins that thyme contains it also contains volatile oil components of borneol, carvacolo, geranio and thymol. Thyme and its components have been studied and have been considered great sources of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Studies indicate that thyme can be taken orally for bronchitis and whooping cough. Other significant research indicates using thyme for arthritis, stomach aches and pains, diarrhea, intestinal gas and parasitic worm infections. Thyme for children has been used for bedwetting and colic. Thyme can be used as an appetite stimulant. Studies indicate thyme can be used on the skin for skin disorders, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sore mouth and bad breath. The oil in thyme can be added to mouthwash as a germ killer and also can be used to fight bacterial and fungal infections. Yeast infections or “thrush” have been reduced with the use of thyme.
Studies regarding thyme have included that the use of thyme for acne. Thyme produces an antibacterial effect which is effective in killing the bacteria more than any acne prescription. The property of Cicatrisant in thyme has been considered for removing scars, surgical marks, pox, measles or sores.
Studies have shown that thyme is helpful in reducing blood pressure and may be a protector against hypertension. Thyme has been determined to be an aid in the healing of arthritis, rheumatism and gout. This is because thyme as a diuretic will increases urination which in turn would flush the toxins out of the body and the stimulant factor of thyme works together for additional healing.
Thyme has been used as a natural preservative against numerous common bacteria that are foodborne and several strains of Enteroccoccus, Escherichia, Pseudomonasgenera and Staphylococcus.
Further studies are being conducted on the effect of thyme against colon and breast cancer. Current results show thyme as having a protective effect for colon cancer and also in breast cancer thyme induces cell death.
Studies have been conducted for the use of thyme in killing off the Tiger mosquito larvae as there has been increased incidences of Chikungunya fever, dengue fever, St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and Yellow fever virus. As thyme contains components of Camphene and Caryophyllene, it can be used as an antiseptic for the protection of sores and wounds and against them becoming infected.
Another property contained in thyme is Emenagogue which women can use for the relief of abdominal pain, depression, fatigue, nausea and other symptoms associated with menstruation. It can also be used as a delay in menopause by stimulating major hormones such as estrogen.
You can blend fresh thyme into homemade salad dressings like cucumber, lemon, and thyme blended together for a light and fresh tasting powerhouse of phytochemicals.
Hippocrates said “Let your food be your medicine” and we see this very clearly when it comes to the herbs and the power of their phytochemicals.
