The singular history of thyme
Few people who use thyme for its benefits know this. Today there are more than 300 varieties or species of thyme, including common thyme or alpine thyme.
Used by the Egyptians for the embalming of the dead and then by the Greeks to bring courage, thyme was widely distributed in Europe by the Romans who used it mainly for cosmetic purposes. It will be necessary to wait a few more decades and the period of the Middle Ages for thyme to be used for its medicinal virtues, in particular to fight against epidemics and against a whole host of affections.
Today, thyme remains by far associated with its culinary use as a herb of Provence. It is also found as a medicinal plant with multiple properties and associated benefits.
The properties and benefits of thyme
Thyme owes its success in natural treatments for its ability to relieve a whole range of respiratory pathologies. It is particularly recommended quite often to calm:
- Colds;
- coughing fits;
- bronchitis.
Associated with ginger and/or turmeric, thyme shows a certain effectiveness in preventing classic winter illnesses such as the flu, by boosting the vitality of the body. It must be said that thyme is rich in vitamin C.
In another register, less known, thyme has the necessary characteristics to fight against skin diseases (eczema, herpes, chickenpox, acne, etc.) and against dental pain and other mouth conditions. When applied to the skin, thyme can help treat small wounds or reduce the itching sensation in the event of insect bites.
Moreover, it is also one of the plants which, when consumed daily, reduce the risk of developing intestinal hyperpermeability (in the same way as dill, star anise, basil, coriander, cumin, turmeric, fennel, mint, savory…).
How to use thyme well
The most classic use of thyme is to consume the plant in the form of herbal tea or infusion, up to 3 times a day (unless contraindicated). A few grams of thyme (one or two tablespoons) infused in boiling water can indeed relieve many ENT infections such as colds, but also sore throats or coughs.
For the treatment of more serious diseases and infections, thyme is also available in the form of essential oil (EO): thyme EO ct thymol, one of the most powerful antibacterial remedies that exists, and thyme EO ct thujanol, both soothing and anti-inflammatory.
Thyme HE is also one of those found in Essence Drops, an effective natural remedy for sore throats that can be obtained from pharmacies.
Note that thyme EO with thymol or linalool/flowering tops also exerts a repellent action against ticks (to be applied as a spray on clothing).
As with all essential oils, it should be used sparingly (no more than 5 drops per day), and always after consulting a doctor. For a gentler action, especially in case of intestinal pain, use the common thyme hydrosol with linalool chemotype instead, which reduces bloating, flatulence and cleanses the intestines. Pour 2 to 4 teaspoons of hydrosol in a glass of cold or hot water, to drink before or after meals, two to three times a day for three to seven days, depending on the disorder.
Thyme: contraindications
Thyme is a very low allergenic medicinal plant. The number of contraindications associated with thyme is in fact quite limited.
Only the use of thyme in the form of essential oil requires real attention and the advice of a health professional (the concentration of thymol is higher in essential oils than in an infusion of thyme). In some people, the essential oil of thyme thymol, dermocaustic, can cause irritation, including in the digestive tract, and a significant increase in blood pressure. Pregnant women are also required not to use thyme essential oil or even hydrosol throughout their pregnancy.
Thyme thujanol EO is on the other hand much less problematic and it can be used pure, even in children (one to two drops in the throat in case of angina).
