Thyme - the amazing properties of this herb. Herb thyme, medicinal properties and contraindications

In the article we discuss thyme - useful properties and contraindications for use. You will learn what thyme herb heals and how it is used in traditional medicine, cosmetology and cooking. Following our advice, you will learn how to prepare infusions and decoctions of the plant. We will tell you how to drink thyme for cough, pressure, female diseases, prostatitis and alcoholism.

Thyme is a genus of perennial essential oil shrubs and shrubs of the Lamiaceae family (lat. Lamiaceae). The Latin name is Thymus. Thyme is also known as thyme. The plant is used in folk medicine, cosmetology, perfumery and cooking. This is a good honey plant.

Appearance (photo) thyme

Thyme has woody erect or creeping shoots. The shrub is strongly branched, grows up to 30 cm in height.

The leaves are hard, rounded, ovate or oblong. They are located on short petioles.

On the tops of the shoots, capitate or elongated pink-lilac inflorescences are formed. The flowering period is from June to August, depending on the region. In appearance, thyme inflorescences look like oregano. These plants are often confused. Read more about how to distinguish them in the article - Thyme and oregano are one and the same.

Fruits are boxes with small black-brown nuts of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape. They ripen from August to September.

Thyme is widely distributed in the wild. It grows almost throughout Europe, Central Asia, North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Caucasus. The plant is found in the steppes, forests, tundra, on rocky slopes.

Chemical composition

Thyme contains:

• essential oils;
• gum;
• B vitamins;
• vitamin C;
• tannins;
• ursolic acid;
• oleic acid;
• bitterness;
• terpenes;
• triterpenoids;
• organic pigments;
• minerals.

Due to its rich composition, thyme has a lot of useful properties. We will tell you more about the medicinal properties of thyme herb and contraindications for use.

The healing properties of thyme

Today, the beneficial properties of thyme herb have been studied quite well, so it is widely used in herbal medicine.. The plant is used to treat diseases of the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems, the musculoskeletal system and skin diseases.

Thyme is used as a sedative. When taken regularly, the plant has a sedative effect, normalizes sleep, and also eliminates increased nervous excitability.

Thyme has anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic effects. Plant-based products are used as antipyretic drugs.

Thyme is used to treat bronchopulmonary diseases. The plant has a powerful expectorant and bronchodilatory effect.

Thyme has a beneficial effect on the digestive system. It normalizes the microflora in the intestines, increases appetite, eliminates intestinal obstruction and flatulence.

Useful thyme for the kidneys and genitourinary system. It has antispasmodic and analgesic effects in urolithiasis, cystitis and pyelonephritis.

Plant-based products are used externally to treat wounds and burns. Thyme has antiseptic, disinfectant and wound healing effects.

For women

The beneficial properties of thyme on the body extend to the reproductive system. Means based on the plant normalize the female hormonal background, eliminate pain during menstruation and effectively cope with inflammatory diseases of the genital organs.

The plant is often used in dietetics. Why do women who want to lose weight drink thyme? The plant helps food to digest faster, normalizes metabolic processes in the body and removes toxins.

For men

Why do men need thyme? The plant contains selenium and molybdenum, necessary for men's health. They increase potency and improve spermatogenesis.

Thyme is used to prevent and treat prostatitis. Means based on it quickly relieve inflammation, improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs and have a diuretic effect.

For kids

Has thyme beneficial properties for children. Baths with a decoction of the plant gently calm the child's nervous system and normalize sleep. Thyme syrup effectively copes with whooping cough - the drug quickly eliminates paroxysmal cough and relieves spasms of the larynx.

You have learned the beneficial properties and uses of thyme for men, women and children. Now we will tell you how the plant is used in cooking.

Thyme in cooking

In cooking, fresh and dried thyme are used.

In cooking, fresh or dried thyme leaves are used as a seasoning. The plant has a bitter taste and a spicy aroma. The spice is added to dishes from meat, fish, vegetables, used in conservation and baking. Thyme emphasizes the taste of cheese, mushrooms, honey, apples, lentils and beans.

Thyme is included in spice mixtures, such as Provence herbs. The spice is combined with bay leaf, rosemary, tarragon, oregano, lavender, parsley and marjoram.

Thyme in cosmetology

Thyme-based products are used for skin and hair care. In cosmetology, decoctions, infusions and thyme oil are used.

Thyme tightens loose skin, tightens pores and eliminates puffiness. Based on the plant, face masks and lotions are made.

For hair care at home, rinse solutions and hair masks are prepared. Thyme infusion is added to shampoos and balms. We will tell you what thyme is used for in cosmetology.

Compress for the face

Means based on thyme have an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect on the skin of the face. With regular cosmetic procedures, they normalize the metabolic processes of skin cells, reduce its fat content and swelling.

Ingredients:

1. Thyme - 1 tablespoon.
2. Water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Pour the thyme with a glass of boiling water, cover and let it brew for 30 minutes.

How to use: Moisten a tissue base for masks or gauze in the resulting infusion, wring out and apply to the face. Wet the wipe every 5 minutes. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.

Result: Compress tightens pores, tones the skin and removes excess fluid.

Hair rinses

A decoction of the plant is used to rinse the hair. It nourishes and strengthens curls, eliminates split ends. Eliminates dandruff with regular use.

Ingredients:

1. Thyme - 5 gr.
2. Nettle - 5 gr.
3. Hop cones - 5 gr.
4. Birch leaf - 5 gr.
5. Water - 1 liter.

How to cook: Pour dry herbs with water, put in a water bath and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from heat, cover and infuse for 30 minutes.

How to use: Wash your hair with regular shampoo and rinse your hair with the resulting decoction. Repeat the procedure 2 times a week.

Result: The product strengthens hair follicles, prevents baldness and makes curls more manageable and silky.

Thyme in folk medicine

In folk medicine, tea, decoctions and infusions are made with thyme.

Having considered the medicinal properties of the plant, it became clear how useful thyme herb is. It has a beneficial effect on all body systems. Means based on thyme increase immunity.

The healing properties of thyme affect the musculoskeletal system. Means based on it are used to treat diseases of the joints. At the same time, they are taken orally and applied externally in the form of compresses and rubbing to enhance the therapeutic effect. Thyme is used to treat rheumatism, radiculitis, sciatica.

At home, infusions, decoctions and tea are prepared from thyme. Depending on the disease, they are taken orally or used externally. We will tell you how and from what they drink thyme in folk medicine.

Cough and bronchitis syrup

The beneficial properties of thyme herb are widely used not only in folk, but also in official medicine. The plant is part of the pharmaceutical preparation for coughing - Pertussin.

At home, an infusion, decoction or syrup based on a plant will help to cope with a strong cough. Thyme has an expectorant, antispasmodic and disinfectant action. Read more in the article - Thyme for cough.

Ingredients:

1. Fresh thyme - 1 bunch.
2. Water - 450 ml.
3. Garlic - 5 cloves.
4. Honey - 300 gr.

How to cook: Rinse the herbs and flowers of thyme under running water, spread them on a towel, let dry. Cut the grass into large pieces, fill with water and put on a minimum fire. Simmer until the water is reduced by half, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the drink from heat, cool and strain. Add garlic juice and honey to it, mix. If the syrup is intended for children, then it is better not to add garlic. Store in a closed jar in the refrigerator.

How to use: Take 1 teaspoon 2 times a day.

Result: The syrup dilutes phlegm, removes it and relieves spasms of the larynx.

Infusion of pressure

Thyme dilates blood vessels and relieves their spasms. An infusion of the plant is used to treat hypertension.

Ingredients:

1. Dry thyme - 15 gr.
2. Fireweed - 10 gr.
3. Chamomile - 5 gr.
4. Water - 1 liter.

How to cook: Pour dry ingredients with a liter of boiling water, cover, warm with a towel and leave for 45-60 minutes.

How to use: Take ¼ cup 3 times a day.

Result: Infusion normalizes the cardiovascular system, lowers blood pressure and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.

Tea for women's diseases

Tea with thyme normalizes the hormonal background of a woman, eliminates mood swings and has an analgesic effect during PMS. The drink is taken to treat inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system. Read more in the article - Tea with thyme benefits.

Ingredients:

1. Leaves or flowers of thyme - 1 teaspoon.
2. Water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Brew dry thyme with a glass of boiling water, insist for 10-15 minutes. Strain the finished tea through a strainer.

How to use: Take 1 glass 3 times a day.

Result: Tea effectively eliminates inflammatory processes, normalizes hormonal levels, improves mood.

Decoction of prostatitis

Thyme has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects. A decoction of the plant is used for infectious diseases of the genitourinary system. The tool eliminates swelling, pain and facilitates urination.

Ingredients:

1. Thyme - 2 tablespoons.
2. Water - 100 ml.

How to cook: Pour dry thyme leaves with water, put in a water bath and bring to a boil. Boil the product for 10 minutes, then remove from the stove and insist under the lid for at least 2 hours.

How to use: Take 50 ml of decoction 2 times a day before meals.

Result: The product relieves inflammation, eliminates pain and increases potency.

Infusion from alcoholism

Thyme infusion contains thymol, which provokes bouts of nausea when in contact with alcohol. The remedy causes an aversion to alcohol.

Ingredients:

1. Thyme - 15 gr.
2. Water - 500 ml.

How to cook: Pour the thyme with 250 ml of water, put on the stove, bring to a boil and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, drain liquid and squeeze out leaves. Fill them with a second glass of water, after boiling it. Infuse the remedy for 30 minutes.

How to use: Take 50-70 ml of infusion 3-5 times a day. The course of treatment is from 1 to 2 weeks.

Result: With regular use, thyme infusion develops a strong aversion to alcohol. The patient develops nausea at the smell of alcohol.

You learned the beneficial properties of thyme and its use in traditional medicine. Now let's talk about contraindications to the use of plant-based products. After all, despite the mass of useful properties, thyme herb can have a negative effect on the body with an independent increase in the dosage or course of administration.

For more information about thyme, see the video:

Contraindications and possible harm

Contraindications to the use of thyme-based products:

• gastritis;
• stomach or duodenal ulcer;
• diabetes;
• individual intolerance.

Thyme-based products should be taken with caution in asthma and tuberculosis. The expectorant effect of the plant can provoke a complication of these diseases.

Taking funds based on thyme during pregnancy and lactation is possible only after consultation with a specialist. With self-medication, the plant can adversely affect the development of the baby. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage and tell you how to take thyme correctly. Read more in the articles - Thyme for pregnant women and Thyme for breastfeeding.

What to remember

1. The medicinal properties of thyme are widely used not only in folk, but also in official medicine.
2. The beneficial properties of thyme herb and contraindications for use lie in the chemical composition of the plant.
3. Despite the mass of useful properties, thyme herb has a number of contraindications and can have a negative effect on the body with an independent increase in the dosage or course of administration.

Landscape designers and owners of suburban areas often decorate a flower bed with thyme, but not everyone knows that this beautiful flower is very good for health. You will not find this name in every herbal reference book, as it is commonly referred to as thyme in herbal medicine. In ancient times, magical abilities were attributed to this herb, it was used in religious rituals. Thyme grass symbolizes strength, courage and courage. In every Slavic hut there was always a spicy aroma: the family stocked up healing bouquets and used them in the treatment of all diseases.

The composition and properties of medicinal herbs

The main distinguishing feature of thyme is its unique aroma, which cannot be confused with anything else. In many ways, the smell is due to substances present in the plant. It contains:

• essential oils;
• phenols;
• resins;
• thymol;
• flavonoids;
• vitamins and minerals;
• gum;
• tannins;
• organic acids;
• phytoncides.

This combination makes thyme an indispensable component of many recipes in traditional medicine. Healers were well aware of the benefits of thyme, and used these properties in their potions. The range of useful qualities is huge.

The medicinal composition of fragrant herbs has the following qualities:

• destroys pathogenic bacteria;
• calms the nervous system;
• removes mucus from the lungs;
• relieves pain;
• improves metabolism;
• removes excess fluid from the tissues;
• stops inflammatory processes;
• normalizes hormonal levels

Health Benefits of Thyme

Since ancient times, people have used the phytoncidal properties of the plant during epidemics. The thymol contained in it kills bacteria that cannot develop resistance to the strongest antimicrobial compound. Medicinal compounds were even used to combat such dangerous infections as tuberculosis and typhoid. Everyone knew how thyme is useful, and they knew how to use medicinal herbs.

Interesting fact

During the First World War, in hospitals, surgeons did not treat instruments for operations with chemical disinfectant solutions, but with thyme.

Since this plant is considered a cure for all diseases, the benefits of thyme for men and women will not fit on one page. It is impossible to describe everything, only its main qualities can be distinguished.

The healing qualities of thyme are not limited to the destruction of microbes. When taking it:

• edema is removed, as a result, blood pressure decreases;
• infected wounds heal quickly;
• cough passes;
• improves the condition of diseased joints.

Indications for the use of thyme

Traditional healers can use thyme to treat almost all diseases. Official medicine also recognized the healing effect of thyme and introduces it into medicines. This herb helps a lot when a person is tormented by the following conditions:

• pain;
• cold;
• insomnia;
• hormonal disorders;
• respiratory diseases;
• skin problems;
• digestive disorders;
• increased nervousness;
• arthritis, arthrosis.

When using medicinal herbs, it is necessary to take into account the beneficial properties and contraindications. If you have a variety of illnesses, check with your doctor to find out if thyme is compatible with your condition and the medications you are taking. You have heard how thyme is useful, and the specialist knows about the negative aspects of this plant.

If you find a recipe that recommends using thyme, check to see if a mistake has crept into it. There is another medicinal herb, savory, but it is used in other compositions and dosages, they have different indications and contraindications. On some resources, the authors confuse these plants.

When Benefit Turns Harm

The concentration of chemical and biological compounds in thyme is very high; if used improperly, thyme, the beneficial properties of which in normal cases are not in doubt, can become poisonous. It cannot be brewed by eye, like or. When preparing medicinal potions, you need to carefully look at the dosage and do not exceed it. With a single dose of too much, nausea and vomiting may begin, and allergic skin rashes may appear. If abuse continues for a long time, hypothyroidism is possible.

Harm can bring improperly harvested raw materials. You need to cut off the aerial part during flowering. Dry the grass in the shade with good ventilation. Turn the plants over from time to time so that the bottom does not start to deteriorate. With proper harvesting, the benefits of thyme for the body will be maximum.

thyme for women

If you have irregular, painful periods, call on thyme for help. The benefits of thyme for women are not limited to this. Inflammation of the appendages is a frequent consequence of a tribute to fashion. Couturiers recommend short fur coats and jackets that do not go well with the harsh Russian winters. The result is numerous inflammations of the reproductive organs, problems with pregnancy.

Women are more emotional than men. Thyme preparations will allow them to relieve depression, bouts of bad mood. Often the cause of depression is excess weight, dissatisfaction with one's own appearance. Looking in the mirror of your skin and hair also often adds stress to beautiful ladies. All women's problems will be solved by a real man and a symbol of masculinity - thyme. It will relieve inflammation, improve metabolism, rid the body of toxins, and your beauty will be revealed to the whole world.

Thyme treatment for men

Thyme is not in vain considered a symbol of male qualities: strength, courage. The benefits of thyme for men are invaluable. The plant contains a lot of zinc, molybdenum and selenium, which are necessary for the good functioning of the genitals. From prostatitis, adenoma and other male problems, brew 1 tbsp. a spoonful of thyme in a glass of boiling water and insist in a thermos for one hour. Drink 3 tbsp. spoons 3 times a day. Remember that only fresh infusion has healing properties, do not cook it for a week, brew it every day.

Helps with male problems and external use of thyme. Fill it with vegetable oil and leave for 30 days. Before going to bed, rub the composition into the perineum. The benefits of thyme preparations for men have been known and used since ancient times.

How to apply medicinal herb

If you use thyme for treatment, the benefits and harms of a medicinal plant depend on the method of application. The simplest use of thyme is to sew a bunch of dry grass into a pillow. This remedy for insomnia was used by our great-grandmothers. The same method can be used if you are constantly in a bad mood, often experiencing anger, irritability, or fear and nervousness.

If all mental problems arise due to the alcoholism of one of the family members, try to eradicate the bad habit without his knowledge. Pound the dry grass into powder and sprinkle it in food so that a person eats a teaspoon of thyme in a day. An unfamiliar taste and aroma can be attributed to a new seasoning. Usually after taking thyme, drinking alcohol causes nausea and stomach discomfort.

Keep in mind that in everything you need to observe the measure. When you drink thyme tea, the benefits and harms depend on the amount and concentration.

Traditional medicine has collected many recipes for the medicinal use of thyme. Here is some of them.

1. For colds and coughs, pour 1 tbsp. a spoonful of thyme herb with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 30 minutes. 3 times a day after meals, mix 2 tbsp. spoons of infusion with 1 teaspoon of honey and drink.
2. For inhalation, mix equal parts of pine and birch buds, thyme, and eucalyptus leaves. In 2 cups of water, boil 3 tbsp. collection spoons for a few minutes and cool slightly so as not to burn the respiratory tract.
3. Eye wash 3 tbsp. brew a spoonful of thyme in a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse for 1 hour. The same infusion can be used for compresses for joint pain.
4. For rubbing after a stroke, take a glass of thyme, pour 1 liter of olive oil into it. Keep the mixture in a water bath for 2 hours, then leave to infuse for 12 hours. Rub over the spine from the bottom up and into the paralyzed parts of the body. Oil infusion can also be used for cosmetic purposes: rub into hair, make face masks.

To get rid of a headache, you can wash your hair with a decoction of thyme.

Recipes for recovery

Thyme can also be used as a spice. Add a small amount of aromatic herb to salads, hot dishes, pickles and marinades. It is used in medicinal and cosmetic preparations.

1. Infusion for rinsing. In a glass of boiling water, brew a tablespoon of thyme herb, keep covered for 15 minutes.
2. Tea. In a glass of boiling water, put 1 teaspoon of thyme, let it brew for several minutes.
3. Alcohol tincture. In 150 g of alcohol, put 30 g of thyme, leave for 10 days.
4. Oil for inhalation, massage and baths. Pour 30 g of dry thyme into 100 g of olive oil, leave for 15 days.
5. Wine tincture. Mix 1 liter of dry white wine and 100 g of thyme. Infuse at room temperature for 7 days. Bring to a boil, wrap in a blanket and keep warm for 6 hours, then strain.

Contraindications

With complex diseases, very poor health, it is better not to self-medicate. Thyme helps with many diseases, but if used incorrectly, it can only exacerbate the problem. If you use the services of a phytotherapist, be sure to tell him about all the medicines and procedures that you are prescribed. Not all treatment methods are compatible with each other, perhaps the specialist will advise you to wait a little while taking medicinal decoctions.

Doctors warn that there are diseases in which thyme is contraindicated. In some cases, it can be taken with caution under the supervision of a doctor. Consult if you have:

• problems with the thyroid gland;
• pregnancy;
• heavy menstruation: the plant relaxes smooth muscles and can increase bleeding;
• liver or kidney disease;
• arrhythmia;
• constipation;
• diabetes;
• hepatitis;
• allergy to preparations with thyme;
• ulcers of the stomach or intestines;
• cerebrovascular diseases.

Thyme can also be used to treat children. In these cases, special care must be taken. It is better not to give this herb to babies under 2 years old at all; for older children to use it, you need to consult a pediatrician. The doctor will select the right dosage depending on the age, weight and health of the child.

There are many medicinal plants. Only specialists know how to use them correctly and combine them in various collections. Thyme is useful for many diseases, it can be used for general healing and strengthening of the body. The main condition: do not overdo it and do not turn benefit into harm. Do not listen to the advice of friends, in this matter the best friend should be a doctor. Do everything according to medical recommendations and use healing potions for health.

Jan-21-2017

What is thyme, medicinal properties and contraindications, what are the beneficial properties of this plant, all this is of great interest to those who lead a healthy lifestyle, monitor their health, and are interested in folk methods of treatment, including with the help of medicinal herbs and spices . So we will try to answer these questions in the following article.

Thyme (creeping thyme) is a perennial shrub up to 15 cm high with creeping shoots and a strong aromatic smell. Its thin pubescent stems are red-brown. Leaves opposite, short-petiolate, elliptical or ovate, up to 10 mm long and 3.5 mm wide, rigid. The flowers are small, pinkish-lilac, collected in axillary semi-whorls, forming capitate inflorescences at the ends of the branches.

The fruits consist of 4 dark brown nuts. Blossoms in June-August, fruits ripen in August-September. Propagated by seeds and vegetatively (seedlings). Raw materials are harvested in the flowering phase, on the growing moon, at sunrise, by dew, cutting off shoots without rough stem bases.

Women are advised to collect purple-red flowers in June - July, while the purple color is clearly visible in the color. For men, it is better to use pink thyme flowers collected in July - August. Dry raw materials in attics, under sheds, spreading it in a thin layer, stirring occasionally. In fire dryers, the temperature should not exceed 34–40 °C. After drying, the raw material is threshed, separating the coarse stems. Shelf life - 2 years.

Thyme is one of the oldest medicinal and spicy aromatic plants, used since time immemorial and as a cult plant.

Creeping thyme is found in almost the entire steppe zone of Eurasia. Although the homeland of common thyme is the Mediterranean and in the wild it is found on the northwestern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in Spain and in the south of France, it is cultivated even in the Krasnodar Territory.

Thyme is undemanding to soil fertility. Plots with high standing heavy clay soil are completely unsuitable for them, plants suffer from prolonged stagnant moisture.

Thyme is propagated by seeds, and species with creeping shoots are vegetatively. Under the culture, areas lit by the sun, closed from cold winds, are taken away. The seeds are very small, so they are sown superficially, no deeper than 1 cm. It can be sown both in spring in open ground and late in autumn under snow. Seeds need high soil moisture to germinate. Small seedlings appear after 2-4 weeks and develop very slowly at first.

Thyme care consists in thorough cleaning of weeds, loosening the soil between rows and fertilizing with mineral fertilizers. For seed purposes, thyme is harvested from the second year of vegetation. The crop is harvested in the phase of mass flowering, starting from the second year of life, in dry weather. The first cutting of the aboveground mass is carried out in June, the second in September - October.

It is not for nothing that thyme is called a first-aid kit. Small leaves of thyme are completely dotted with glands containing fragrant essential oil. It is used in medicine as a highly effective bactericidal agent. The herb contains 0.6% -1.0% essential oil. Tannins and dyes, bitterness, gum, cinchona, coffee, ursulic, chlorogenic, oleic and oleanolic acids, flavonoids, resins, fats, a large amount of mineral salts, vitamin C were also found in the grass. An inconspicuous-looking plant belongs to the category of aphrodisiacs.

The benefits of thyme:

The ground part of the plant contains 0.5 - 1% essential oil, its main component is thymol, as well as carvacrol, linen, caryophyllene, borneol, terpineol, terpinene. Thymol is one of the strongest antiseptics today. In addition to the essential oil, creeping thyme contains bitter, resinous and tannins, flavonoids, triterpene, ursolic, thymic, oleanic, caffeic acids, saponins, minerals, vitamin C and carotene.

Thanks to this composition, creeping thyme is widely used in herbal medicine. It is used as an expectorant (an extract is made from common thyme and added to pectusin, a cough mixture). In combination with other carminative herbs, thyme is useful for bloating, colic, intestinal dysbacteriosis. Infusion plants rinse the mouth and throat with tonsillitis and stomatitis.

Thyme effectively helps with such diseases as articular and muscular rheumatism, bruises and non-infectious rashes. In the fight against them, they take baths from thyme.

Thyme essential oil is very useful in cosmetology. It stops hair loss, restores life to weakened, damaged hair, exposed to intense chemicals in the process of dyeing and curling.

Thyme tea helps children with dysbacteriosis.

Thyme extract and its essential oil are used in the perfumery and cosmetic industry in lotions, creams for normal and oily skin, shampoos and bath foams, as a fragrance for toilet soap, lipstick, and toothpastes. If you hang a cloth bag with thyme in your apartment, harmful microorganisms and chemical pollutants will disappear from the air. Their place will be taken by useful and fragrant thyme phytoncides. And if you shift clothes to them in the closet, he scares away the moth.

Thyme is widely used as a condiment and spice, it can be added to food as a seasoning on its own, but more often it is included in mixtures.

In everyday life, thyme is used as a spice for salting, urinating, as a seasoning for vegetable, meat, fish dishes, for flavoring sausages, sauces, cheeses, jelly, and tea. In cooking, the top parts of non-woody twigs are used: they are often added to sandwich butter together with tarragon and to flavor honey. Thyme greens can be added to food as an independent seasoning. However, most often it is included in various herbal mixtures for garnish, where it is indispensable along with parsley and bay leaf. Thyme is also used in cosmetics.

The thyme plant is a wonderful addition to tea and in the manufacture of aromatic alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Harm:

Any plant can harm a person if abused. The use of an excessive amount of decoction can provoke insomnia, nightmares. The correct dosage of thyme decoction is necessary for hypertensive patients, people suffering from Parkinson's disease. Taking decoctions is not combined with some active drugs, a doctor's consultation in this case will not be superfluous.

The harm of thyme decoctions when taken with alcohol is obvious! This can lead to low blood sugar and other unpleasant consequences. Herb, thyme spices can harm people suffering from peptic ulcer, pyelonephritis.

But the main warning is that active thyme accumulates toxic substances. To use a plant for treatment, recovery, you must be sure that it is collected far from roads, industrial enterprises with harmful emissions. The ecological impeccability of the place where the plant is collected is the key to its effectiveness and benefits, otherwise there will only be harm!

In addition, it should be remembered that herbal treatment requires compliance with:

Thyme is used both in folk and official medicine with great activity. The spice contains essential oils, flavonoids, vitamins C, E, B vitamins, rutin. This herb is rich in potassium, zinc, manganese, concentrates iron, magnesium, selenium, barium. There are a number of useful properties of thyme spices:

• It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, refreshing effect.
• It is indispensable in cases where it is necessary to achieve an analgesic effect, as it has a good effect on sensitive nerve endings. It is considered a pain reliever for sciatica.
• An infusion of the herb, a liquid extract, is used as an expectorant and bactericide. It is indicated for bronchitis, whooping cough, softens cough.
• For some diseases of the stomach and intestines, the medicine "thymol" is prescribed, it is prepared on the basis of thyme.
• In dentistry, with the help of thyme compounds, areas of manipulation are anesthetized, and the oral cavity is disinfected.
• In folk practice, thyme tea is used as a diaphoretic and diuretic.

The plant has an antiseptic, bactericidal, analgesic, diuretic, expectorant, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antitumor, mild hypnotic, sedative (calming) effect.

Thyme herb tea is useful for insomnia, sluggish circulation, anemia, nervous exhaustion, prolonged depressive and stressful conditions, "twilight" state of mind, constant negative effects on the nervous system, poor memory, hypertension, cerebral sclerosis in old age, irritability, neurosis, epilepsy, hysteria, convulsive syndromes, atherosclerosis, pain in the heart, gout, anorexia

To improve digestion, secretion of juice in the stomach and intestines, with gastric and intestinal colic and convulsions, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, heartburn, flatulence, constipation, urinary tract infections, nephritis, pyelonephritis, articular and muscular rheumatism, paralysis, arthritis, sciatica , bronchial asthma, asthmatoid conditions in the clinical picture of diencephalic paroxysms, whooping cough, dry and spasmodic cough, colds and infectious diseases of the respiratory system, influenza, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, edema, puerperal fever, weakening of the immune forces of the body, as a remedy for the treatment of alcoholism and antihelminthic agent for removing the tapeworm.

What is useful thyme for men?

It is useful to fall in love with thyme tea for men who find it difficult to be sexually active, who have problems with potency, especially provoked by alcohol abuse.

Tea. 1 - 2 tsp dry crushed grass with flowers, pour 0.2 liters of boiling water, leave, wrapped, 4 - 6 hours at room temperature, strain. Drink fractionally - in 4 - 6 doses during the day with your favorite sweetness. Tea is prepared daily and drunk for a long time, without interruption.

Tea with thyme prefabricated. Thyme, blackberry leaves, hemp and viburnum (1:2: 1:10); thyme, plantain, coltsfoot flowers (1:2:3). 1 st. l. mixtures, honey to taste. Prepare in the same way as tea with thyme.

In families where there have been cases of brain dysfunction in previous generations, it is necessary to use this simple remedy at the first sign of the disease, or even earlier. Thyme tea perfectly improves memory and brain performance.

What does thyme cure?

How to take thyme for the treatment of various diseases:

Tea to improve digestion:

Would need:

• Thyme - 2 tsp
• Boiling water - 0.5 l

What to do:

Pour boiling water over thyme, leave for 10-15 minutes. Strain. The resulting tea is divided into 3 parts. Drink warm, 3 times a day.

Infusion of thyme with high nervous excitement, stress, anxiety, chronic fatigue:

Would need:

1. Thyme - 2 tbsp. l.
2. Melissa - 2 tbsp. l.
3. Peppermint - 2 tbsp. l.
4. Black currant leaves - 2 tbsp. l.
5. Motherwort - 2 tbsp. l.

What to do:

Mix herbs. Take 1 tbsp. l. collection, place in a thermos, pour 250 ml of boiling water and leave for 2 hours. Drink before going to bed 100 g of infusion.

Tincture of thyme in complex measures for recovery after a stroke:

Would need:

• Dried thyme - 10 tbsp. l.
• Vodka - 0.5 l

What to do:

Pour thyme with vodka. Insist 2 weeks. Rub the tincture into the numb parts of the body.

Recipes from the book by R. Volkova “Encyclopedia of immunity protection. Ginger, turmeric, rose hips and other natural immune stimulants.

How to treat thyme cough?

- Mix in equal parts by volume thyme grass, raspberry, walnut, fig leaves, black elderberry leaves and flowers, linden color.

1 st. pour a spoonful of dry chopped mixture with 1 cup of boiled milk, insist until it cools down, strain. Drink during the day in a warm form in small sips when coughing.

- Mix in parts by weight thyme herb - 2, chicory herb - 3, sage leaves - 2, chamomile flower - 1.

1 st. pour a spoonful of dry chopped mixture with 1 cup of boiling water, insist, wrapped, 20 minutes, strain. Drink when coughing in one go in warm small sips with raspberry jam.

- Mix in equal parts by volume thyme grass, petals of the color of mullein scepter, marshmallow roots.

3 art. spoons of dry chopped mixture pour 1.5 cups of boiling water, insist, wrapped, 20-25 minutes, strain. Drink when coughing with milk and honey in a warm form in small sips.

- Mix in parts by weight thyme grass - 2.5, grape leaves - 2.5, fig leaves - 3, plantain leaves - 2, knotweed grass - 2, barley flour - 1.

1 st. pour a spoonful of collection with 1.5 cups of boiling water, insist, wrapped, 3 hours, strain. Drink with a strong cough and colds, 1/2 cup, each time adding 1/2 cup of warm decoction of dry cherries, 3 times a day before meals.

How to treat alcoholism with thyme?

Mix in parts by weight thyme grass - 4, wormwood grass - 1, centaury grass - 1.

1 st. pour a spoonful of dry ground mixture with 1 cup of boiling water, cook in a sealed container over low heat for 5 minutes, cool, strain. Take in the treatment of alcoholism 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 2-3 months. If necessary, treatment can be repeated after a 2-3 week break.

– Mix thyme and oregano herbs in equal parts by volume.

4 tbsp. spoons of dry ground mixture pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, insist, wrapped, 30-40 minutes, strain. While the alcoholic is still in a state of intoxication, give him 200 g of infusion to drink, and after 2 hours - the rest.

Recipes from the book of Nikolai Danikov "Healing spices for health."

What is useful thyme for women?

Thyme or thyme for women is useful in that it has an amazing property to significantly alleviate menstrual symptoms. Therefore, the plant is often used in gynecology. Tea is brewed from the herb or warm baths are made. Medicines, which include thyme, have a positive effect on the function of the genitourinary organs of women and men. Except in cases where the person being treated has contraindications to the plant.

It is important for a woman’s health to have a sound sleep, therefore, those who suffer from insomnia and headaches are advised to sleep on a pillow stuffed with dry flowers and thyme leaves.

Decoctions, as well as thyme essential oil, are actively used in hair and skin care. Regular use of thyme-based products helps to significantly improve the appearance.

Thyme has the following cosmetic properties:

• Strengthens hair, makes it more manageable;
• Helps to get rid of dandruff and irritation on the scalp;
• Effectively treats acne;
• Heals wounds.

Great video about the benefits of thyme!

Slimming:

Recently, a huge number of sites have appeared recommending thyme as one of the components of the diet. In fact, using thyme for weight loss and only is extremely imprudent, because this plant has practically no effect on adipose tissue.

Nevertheless, it is also impossible to argue that thyme is absolutely useless in the fight against excess weight. Still, this plant is able to improve digestion and correct metabolism, so if your weight problems are based precisely because of the above problems, a thyme drink can still have a positive effect.

One way or another, despite such low efficiency in losing weight, it is not at all necessary to completely abandon this drink - it allows you to feel much better, regardless of your weight. In addition, due to its pronounced taste and aroma, it can be an excellent seasoning for fish and meat.

Thyme is a shrub grass that densely covers the ground with creeping stems up to 30 cm long. The leaves of the plant, depending on the growing band, can be round or slightly elongated. In spring, the shrub is covered with dense inflorescences of a delicate lilac color of a spherical shape. Thyme (both stems and leaves with flowers) has an incredible spicy aroma.

A bit of history

According to historical information, many centuries ago, the Greeks highly revered tea with thyme: its beneficial properties were used by healers in the treatment of women's diseases, asthma, to restore memory and fainting. Also, thyme boiled in vinegar was applied to the head with meningitis. In the postpartum period, black was prescribed to women to restore strength (which also had a beneficial effect on the immune system of infants). In general, judging by the chronicles of Avicenna and Theophrastus, thyme was equated with the gift of God, sent to cure many ailments and to prolong life. What can we say, thyme smoke coped even with the cleansing of houses from the plague and leprosy. Today, the significance of thyme for people has not been lost: on the day of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, churches and houses are decorated with this herb, protecting the house from negativity.

What is thyme concealed in itself?

Thanks to its unique composition, thyme has found its application in many areas: cosmetology, nutrition, medicine and cooking. But most pronounced in tea. It is thanks to the brewing technique that the esters that make up its composition are released and bring maximum benefit. In addition to essential oils, thyme contains vitamins A and B, folic and ascorbic acids, selenium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium, copper and manganese. And, of course, phenolic compounds: thymol and carvacrol.

The effect of thyme on the human body

Tea from which it is difficult to overestimate, has extremely positive effects on the human body. Perhaps there is not a single system in our body that would not need preventive or therapeutic measures, where the main role would be given to the herb in question. As for the external use, it is used to treat skin diseases, infections, violations of the integrity of the skin, since it has a strong disinfectant and bactericidal effect. Bronchitis, colds, pneumonia and other pathologies of the respiratory system are treated with thyme tea. Its beneficial properties are to thin and remove accumulated mucus. The expectorant effect is due to the high concentration of essential oils. The benefits of tea with thyme are also obvious for colds: being a natural antiseptic, the herb treats tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, as well as sinusitis and runny nose.

thyme for immunity

To strengthen the immune system, it is also recommended to drink freshly brewed tea with thyme. The beneficial properties of this herb can be enhanced by adding other, no less useful components. To prepare the drink, you will need dry or fresh raw materials: thyme, lingonberries and St. John's wort in equal amounts. All components must be folded into a teapot and pour boiling water, close the lid and cover with a towel. After 15 minutes, the tea is ready: you can drink it with honey, this will only improve its healing qualities.

Thyme for men's health

Due to the wrong lifestyle, fatigue and stress, even quite young men face problems such as early ejaculation, sexual weakness, prostatitis and even impotence. Regular consumption of tea with thyme, of course, will not solve serious problems, but it can restore interest in intimate life, as well as normalize the functioning of the genitourinary system. To do this, you need to drink unsweetened tea (infusion) twice a day, prepared from two tablespoons of dry raw materials and a glass of boiling water.

Thyme for the treatment of alcoholism

Thyme has also found its use in the treatment of alcoholism. A decoction of wormwood (10 g) and thyme (50 g) must be taken one tablespoon each day. This method is effective in combination with endurance and willpower, since you need to use the infusion for at least a year.

Slimming Tea

Thyme activates the outflow of lymph, helping to remove excess fluid from the body, thereby reducing volume and weight. To prepare such a wonderful tea, you need to pour 250 ml of boiling water over one tablespoon of mint and thyme and simmer on fire under the lid for another 15 minutes. You need to drink such a drink without sugar, you can slightly sweeten it with honey. And, of course, you should adhere to proper nutrition, lead an active lifestyle. By the way, this tea is distinguished by its ability to reduce appetite, which is important for low-calorie diets.

with thyme

The brewing process is no different. To prepare the mentioned drink, you will need a teapot, boiling water and thyme itself. It is better to take a ceramic teapot, with thick walls. It must be doused with boiling water so that it warms up from the inside. Then put tea leaves of black or and thyme (fresh or dry) in it and pour boiling water over it. The teapot should be covered with a towel or put on a knitted hat and left for 15 minutes. As a result, we get an incredibly fragrant and healthy tea with excellent taste. It is not recommended to add sugar or a substitute to it: you can enhance the taste and healing properties of such a drink with natural honey. Thyme goes well with other herbs and berries, such as chamomile, mint and oregano, raspberries, cranberries and viburnum. As for compatibility with thyme, it can be brewed with both green and black products. In the summer, thyme tea can be drunk cold, adding a slice of lemon to it: it perfectly tones and quenches thirst.

Contraindications

Thyme is one of those herbs that have no contraindications even with frequent use. Children's medicines are made on its basis, tea with thyme is recommended for pregnant and lactating women, it is extremely useful for a weakened body after illness. Thyme does not affect the central nervous system and therefore is not prohibited to people working in production and managing transport. Even for the smallest children, thyme tea will only be useful.

In shady forests and sunny glades, one can find extensive purple carpets of a stunted plant, strewn with small, pleasantly smelling flowers.

This is Thyme, or Thyme, or, as it is also called, Bogorodskaya grass - a pretty and unpretentious plant widely used in cooking, cosmetology and folk medicine.

Thyme is a low creeping perennial with thin long stems. Young stems are green, old parts of the shoot are woody.

The leaves are small, rounded, densely cover the shoots. In summer, the plant is covered with a cloud of fragrant light purple inflorescences, which make thyme an effective ground cover and attract many bees. This low shrub blooms for a long time, all summer and early autumn.

Thyme is used in landscape design as an attractive perennial. It is also used as a fragrant seasoning for cooking and teas. In addition, thyme is an excellent honey plant. Well, the main scope of its use is for medicinal purposes.

Procurement and storage

Thyme is harvested depending on the further purposes of use. If you plan to use raw materials for cooking, then you should collect the grass in the spring before the flowers appear. This will help preserve the aroma and taste.

For medicinal purposes, the collection takes place while the thyme is in bloom, that is, all summer and early autumn.

In order not to damage the plant, the stems are not torn off, but cut off along with the inflorescences, without affecting the lignified parts. To quickly restore the bush, do not cut more than half of the stems at a time.

The cut parts of the plant are scattered on cloth or cardboard, and dried under a canopy or in a darkened and well-ventilated room. In a well-dried thyme, the leaf remains green and is easily separated from the shoots.

After separating the stems, pour the finished raw material into a linen bag or cardboard box and store for no more than 12 months in a place protected from moisture.

Useful properties of the plant

Thyme contains many useful substances:

• oleanolic, coffee, thymunic, quinic and ursolic acids;
• tannins;
• essential oil;
• ascorbic acid and B vitamins;
• mineral salts and resins;
• saponins and bitterness.

Thyme has the following medicinal properties:

1. Expands the bronchi and removes sputum in diseases of the bronchopulmonary system
2. When applied externally, it relieves inflammation of the joints and alleviates the course of gout, rheumatism and arthrosis.
3. Has a sedative effect. Calms the nervous system, normalizes sleep, eliminates the manifestations of depressive syndrome.
4. It relieves spasms of blood vessels and reduces attacks of headache and migraine, normalizes blood pressure.
5. It is antipyretic and diaphoretic.
6. Effectively restores digestion and relieves symptoms in diseases of the digestive tract.
7. It has an analgesic effect, which is used to eliminate pain in diseases of the stomach and intestines, inflammation of the sciatic nerve, injuries and sprains, muscle pain and menstrual pain.
8. It has an anti-inflammatory and disinfectant effect in diseases of the throat and oral cavity, for the treatment of skin lesions and rashes, and for gynecological pathologies.
9. Eliminates allergic reaction to bee stings.
10. Improves sexual function in men, restores erection and increases desire. It is also used as a means to reduce the consequences after alcohol poisoning. Protects the liver and reduces cravings for alcohol.
11. Gives vivacity, increases the body's defenses, provides a burst of energy.
12. Improves sleep and appetite.
13. Cleanses the body of toxins and toxins.
14. Strengthens hair follicles and eliminates lice.
15. Eliminates metabolic disorders and has a sugar-lowering effect in the treatment of diabetes.
16. Improves the work of the pancreas.
17. It has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system.

Contraindications

There are a number of contraindications in which the use of drugs based on thyme is undesirable:

• pathology of the liver and kidneys;
• atherosclerosis
• exacerbation of diseases of the stomach;
• disorders in the thyroid gland;
• cardiosclerosis and arrhythmia;
• emphysema;
• tendency to allergic reactions to the constituent components of the plant;
• children under 2 years of age.

Nursing mothers should coordinate the use of thyme with a doctor, as the plant enhances milk production and its excess can lead to mastitis of the mammary gland.

Pregnant women are forbidden to use the plant for ingestion. By increasing the tone of smooth muscles, thyme can provoke an abortion.

Against the background of treatment with drugs with thyme, nausea and allergy manifestations can sometimes occur. Long-term use of the drug leads to disruption of the thyroid gland.

Application in traditional medicine

For medicinal and cosmetic purposes, tea, infusion, alcoholic tinctures and decoctions are prepared from thyme.

To prepare a decoction, 50 g of raw materials need to be boiled in two glasses of water for 15 minutes.

1. If you immediately, removing from the fire, breathe in healing steam, then the process of sputum separation will improve and the cough will disappear.
2. With this decoction, you can rinse your mouth to freshen your breath and treat inflammation and sores on the mucous membranes and gums.
3. You can drink half a glass twice a day to eliminate flatulence, dysbacteriosis and improve digestion.
4. The decoction is also used as a general strengthening and performance-enhancing agent.

For infusion 2 tbsp. l. thyme is steamed with two glasses of boiled water and, having closed the lid, stand for 30 to 60 minutes.

1. If you drink infusion of 1 tbsp. l. two a day, it will be useful for gastritis with a decrease in acidity.
2. The use of two spoons at least 4 times a day facilitates the course of ENT diseases.
3. Steam two handfuls of herbs in two liters of boiled water, stand for three hours and take baths with this infusion three times a week for rheumatism, muscle pain and in case of a pinched nerve.
4. Add two spoons of infusion to the baby bath, and the child will sleep soundly.
5. Drinking half a glass in the morning, afternoon and evening after meals will cure allergies and lower blood sugar.

An infusion is useful for reducing rheumatic pains and sore throats.

Healing properties for the fair sex

A drink with thyme will help women get rid of menstrual pain and improve the condition of diseases of the reproductive system. The same remedy is taken if there is not enough milk during the period of feeding the baby.

A decoction of thyme with the addition of lemon juice is used to take care of the skin of the face with various rashes and pimples.

For skin prone to dryness, thyme oil infusion is perfect. Pour a spoonful of herbs into a glass container, pour in olive oil, about half a glass. Stand for 24 hours and put in a water bath for 3 hours. After filtering, lubricate the face in the morning, and after 10 minutes remove the residue with a damp swab. Keep the oil in a cool place.

You can strengthen your hair with this recipe. Two tablespoons of a mixture of hop cones, thyme, nettle leaves and birch, taken in equal proportions, simmer for 15 minutes in a liter of water. Leave for 30 minutes and rub into the scalp or rinse hair after washing. This remedy also eliminates peeling and dryness.

With weakness, anemia and high blood pressure, it will be useful to take an infusion of a pinch of thyme and blueberry stalks, infused for an hour in boiling water. You need to drink it in the morning, afternoon and evening for half a glass.

Boil a handful of thyme in 1 liter of water and add to the bath. Lie down in healing water for 15 minutes. Such water procedures should be carried out for at least a month a couple of times a week for the treatment of skin diseases and rheumatism.

Medicinal properties for the strong half

Thyme has a beneficial effect on the male sexual sphere.

Eliminates erection problems, relieves inflammation in diseases of the prostate and prostate gland, enhances sexual activity and increases libido.

To do this, two large spoons of raw materials need to be insisted for a couple of hours in half a glass of boiled water. Divide the infusion into two servings and drink the day before meals.

Nervous strain in men often ends with a depressive syndrome, sleep disturbance and headaches. In this case, a sachet with thyme will help. Pour dry thyme into a small cloth bag, tie it up and put it at the head of the head.

For the same purposes, an infusion of herbs with the addition of thyme is suitable. Hop cones, thyme, oregano, drop cap, knotweed, yasnotka and Chernobyl in equal proportions grind. 1 st. l. collection, pour two glasses of boiled water, close the lid and stand for at least half an hour. In the morning you need to drink 2 tbsp. l. infusion and 100 ml a couple of hours before going to bed.

Another recipe for improving nervous condition and sleep. Two bottles of white wine (it is better to take dry) you need to pour 150 g of dry grass and stand for 7 days, shaking occasionally. After heating almost to a boil, cover with a lid and stand for another 5 hours.

Take a small glass in the morning, afternoon and evening before meals. This remedy not only relieves sleep deprivation and migraines, but also rejuvenates, relieves abdominal pain caused by indigestion and treats colds.

For rubbing bruises and sprains, it is worth preparing a tincture of alcohol. Pour 50g of the plant into a glass container and pour a glass of alcohol. Two weeks to keep in the dark and can be used.

With increased craving for alcohol, a decoction should be made. 3 art. l. thyme pour 1.5 tbsp. water and keep for 15 minutes on low heat. Drink half a glass of broth, and then a glass of alcohol. Repeat three times a day. A strong dislike for alcohol develops after a few weeks.

Thyme tea is a pleasant warming and restorative drink that can be drunk throughout the day.

With regular use of tea, blood pressure normalizes, sexual activity increases, the body's defenses and resistance to infections and colds increase.

To prepare a drink, a pinch of thyme inflorescences is poured into a glass of boiled water and infused under the lid for about 10 minutes. The tea is ready.

You can add a spoonful of honey to the mug and then it will be an excellent remedy for cough relief and sputum withdrawal in case of respiratory diseases.

Conclusion

Such a useful plant as thyme will perfectly take root in a personal plot, if it is not possible to harvest it in natural growing conditions.

In addition, thyme takes root easily and for the winter it can be transplanted into a pot and grown on a windowsill. Then fragrant and medicinal grass will always be at hand.

You can brew a couple of stems of fresh thyme, cool and in the summer heat a refreshing drink is ready. If you squeeze the juice from a fresh plant and add it to the shampoo, this will not only improve the condition of the hair and scalp, but also remove the lice.

Thyme will also come in handy in the kitchen. This spice is suitable for potato and mushroom dishes, emphasizes the aroma of fish and cheese, goes well with apples and honey.

It is important not to overdo it in the use of a spicy plant, so as not to provoke the appearance of side effects. And do not forget that thyme has contraindications for use.

We bring to your attention a video that describes the medicinal properties and recipes for making thyme:

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