Thyme is a seemingly delicate herb with a penetrating fragrance from the mint family. It has been part of medicine and cuisine for centuries and is a native of southern Europe and Mediterranean regions. Ancient Egyptians used thyme in their embalming practices. The Romans, who used thyme for aromatic flavoring of alcoholic beverages and cheese, also used its healing attributes to treat melancholy. Recent studies prove that this herb is packed with numerous phyto-nutrients (plant derived compounds), minerals and vitamins that are health benefiting and essential for overall wellness. Thyme has multifarious uses, such as elaborated below.

1. Powerful Anti-Oxidant

Thyme contains many flavonoid phenolic antioxidants like zea-xanthin, lutein, pigenin, naringenin, luteolin, and thymonin. Loaded with antioxidant capacity combined manganese, which is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, make thyme a super antioxidant food.  It is one of many natural liver detox foods. Vitamin-A is a fat-soluble vitamin and an antioxidant that is helpful for maintaining healthy mucus membranes, clear skin and also essential for vision. It is best used in its fresh state as then it has one of the highest antioxidant levels among herbs.

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2. Lowers Blood Pressure

Research proves that thyme helps to significantly lower the heart rate and also able to reduce cholesterol. One simple and effective way to use thyme is to substitute it for salt in food fully or partially. Potassium is an important constituent of cell and body fluids, which help to control heart rate and blood pressure; and thyme, can be substituted for salt to provide the body with adequate amount of potassium. 

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3. Prevents and Protects from Respiratory Diseases

Research suggests that consumption of thyme alone or in combination with various other herbs helps to prevent and relieve people from upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, cough, sore throat and common cold. The healing effect of thyme is attributed to its volatile oil components carvacolo, borneol, geraniol, and most importantly, thymol. Traditionally also it is used as a natural medicine for chest and respiratory problems.

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4. Antimicrobial

Studies show that the volatile oil components of thyme, mainly thymol possess antimicrobial nature against a host of different bacteria and fungi, such as staphalococcus aureus, bacillus subtilis, escherichia coli and shigella sonnei. It is used on the body directly in diluted form to treat fight bacterial and fungal infections in the affected areas.

5. Effective against Acne

The other volatile essential oils in thyme are carvacolo, borneol, and geraniol which have anti-septic and anti-fungal applications along with thymol it makes an effective anti - acne remedy.

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6. Provides Oral Care

Thyme oil is included as a germ killing component in oral care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash etc. Thymol with another chemical, chlorhexidine, is used as a dental varnish to prevent tooth decay. Its presence in mouthwash and toothpaste helps to treat bad breath, caries and gingivitis.

7. Used as a Disinfectant and Pesticide

Thyme has many disinfectant, fungicide and pesticide properties.  It helps to ward off mold – a dangerous air pollutant. It is also used to fight bacteria and viruses, as well as rats, mice, and other animal pests. Study show that thyme extract can repel mosquitoes too.

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8. Important in Aromatherapy

The essential oil of thyme has an active substance called carvacrol, which is known to affect neuron activity in ways that it acts as a stress buster and boosts the feelings of well-being. Thus when used in aromatherapy, its positive effects on mood is experienced. Thyme’s pleasant aroma extends its usage in perfumery and skin care products.

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9. Food Ingredient

Thyme is a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful ingredient that is used in native cuisine of France, Italy, and the Mediterranean. Fresh leaves or whole sprigs are used to add color and taste to the foods.

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Thyme is a highly fragrant and pleasant plant to grow within a garden. It is small in size thus convenient to grow. And since it is packed with minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health, household care and mood elevator, make sure to include it in your herb garden.