Thyme Benefits, Nutrition Facts, And Uses

Thyme is an herb from the mint family, the flowers and leaves are used as culinary staples and oil as a medicine. There are over 400 subspecies of thyme, used along with other herbs for their medicinal properties. Thanks to its strong aroma and distinctive taste, thyme is a perennial evergreen herb. It is a species of a class of plants called the “thymus”. The benefits of thyme can be reaped by using it in both fresh and dried form.

The ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming practices. While the Greeks also used thyme in baths and burned it as incense in their temples, it is a source of sacredness. Thyme leaves use in Ayurveda for medicine of cough, skin.

Thyme is used to add instant flavor to a variety of dishes, either in the form of green leaves or dried leaves. Thyme tea with leaves is also rapidly gaining popularity.

This article describes the nutrition and health benefits of thyme as well as the history of its rise in popularity.

Thyme Nutrition Facts

Thyme is a plant that has many medicinal properties to fight diseases. It contains a good amount of protein, carbohydrates, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, sodium, vitamin C, vitamin A. Apart from this, it contains antioxidants that help in protecting against diseases. 

100 grams thyme provide –

• Calories – 101
• Total Fat – 7 g
• Saturated Fat – 5 g
• Polyunsaturated fat – 5 g
• Monounsaturated fat – 1 g
• Cholesterol – 0 mg
• Sodium – 9 mg
• Potassium – 609 mg
• Total Carbohydrate – 24 g
• Dietary Fiber – 14 g
• Protein – 6 g
• Vitamin A – 4,751 IU
• Vitamin C – 160.1 mg
• Calcium – 405 mg
• Iron – 5 mg
• Vitamin D – 0 IU
• Vitamin B6 – 0.3 mg
• Magnesium – 160 mg

Thyme herb mainly contains thymol, one of the important essential oils. Thymol has been scientifically found to have antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties.

Thyme Benefits For Health

Thyme contains several active ingredients that exert disease-preventing and thyme health benefits – promoting properties.

Lowers blood pressure

You can increase the blood pressure in your body with this medicinal herb. However, this property is very beneficial for those who suffer from low blood pressure.

Thyme leaves (Thymus linearis Benth) and flowers have natural properties that by drinking thyme tea, your blood pressure remains under control. Thyme leaves tea is of great importance in the Mediterranean diet. At the same time, thyme should be used in place of salt in foods to reduce heart rate.

Boost the immunity

Thyme is considered a good herb in increasing the immunity of the body. It contains an abundant antioxidant, vitamin C, which increases the power of fighting diseases so that diseases can be prevented. Apart from this, vitamin C helps in the production of collagen and helps in building muscles, blood vessels, and cells.

Stop coughing

The use of thyme is beneficial to reduce the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.

According to some research, thyme herb works as a medicine to prevent diseases like cold, cough, or flu. It has some such properties that expel phlegm and ease the passage of the trachea. Respiratory infections can be reduced by drinking boiled thyme leaves.

If you have a cough and cold or sore throat, massage thyme essential oil on the chest and soles of the feet.

Relieves anxiety

Thyme oil is a popular aromatherapy oil for many reasons, but mainly because of its stress-relieving abilities.

This is why thyme is used because of its active substance carvacrol, which reduces stress and has an effect on stress hormones. According to some studies, the problem of stress gradually starts decreasing by using thyme daily with food. Apart from this, it improves the brain by changing negative thinking.

As a pesticide

The essential oils of thyme and thymol can keep insects and pests away and can be used as a disinfectant in homes if needed. It can be effectively used to keep away bacteria and viruses, as well as parasites.

A recent study shows that thyme extract repels mosquitoes, fleas, lice, mosquitoes, and flies on the human body, as well as beetles and insects that attack animal pests and clothing.

Thyme uses

Thyme herb imparts intense flavor in cases of extended modes of various dishes, and should, therefore, be added sparingly. In order to retain its aroma and flavor, the thyme herb is usually added to dishes at the last stage.

• It is useful in a variety of soups, sauces and meat foods.
• Its leaves are also used as a garnish like coriander leaves.
• Thyme leaves tea is a popular health drink and its decoction can also be made to prevent many diseases.
• A great way to add some thyme to the diet with bay leaves, parsley, and celery.

How to make thyme tea

Ingredients for Thyme Tea
2 cups water
1 slice lemon
1 teaspoon thyme leaves (dried)
1/2 teaspoon honey

How to Prepare Thyme Tea

• First of all boil water in a pot.
• Slow down the flame and add 1 teaspoon of thyme leaves to this water.
• Cover the pot and heat it on low flame for 5 minutes.
• Now turn off the flame and let the steam escape by opening the lid for 1-2 minutes.
• After this, strain the tea in a cup and add lemon and honey to it.

Conclusion

Thyme is an evergreen herb that is believed to be a member of the family of mites. The people of Egypt and Greece have been using thyme since ancient times.

Thanks to the health benefits of thyme and its special medicinal properties, thyme remains a culinary staple to this day.