Thyme: medicinal properties and contraindications

Thyme is a low-growing shrubs and semi-shrubs that have a bright aroma. Otherwise, this plant is called thyme, heather, lemongrass, etc. Thyme as a medicinal and preventive agent for a number of diseases has been used since ancient times. The culture is popular among the people, is also recognized in official medicine. The useful and harmful qualities of thyme are of interest to everyone who prefers herbal medicine. This component is part of many medicinal recipes. To determine how the plant affects the human body, it is important to study all the properties of thyme.

Chemical Composition

All parts of the shrub contain many chemical substances. So, the vitamin part is represented by high levels of ascorbic acid, group B, among which thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine and others. In addition, thyme is characterized by a high content of retinol, niacin and vitamin K.

The mineral part of the plant consists of Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, K, Mn, Zn, Se, Ba.

Thyme also contains essential oils, flavonoids and thymol. These compounds are considered naturally occurring antiseptics and are capable of destroying pathogenic microflora in the human body. Moreover, the product provides cleansing of the respiratory organs from phlegm. The use of thyme for alcohol addiction is also known. This is provided due to the presence of folic and pantothenic acid, as well as tannins.

What it looks like and where it grows

Thyme is a member of the Yasnodeum family and can reach a height of 40 cm. The stems of thyme are recumbent and may rise slightly upwards. Leaves of the herb are oblong and rounded, flowers are gathered in inflorescences, usually have a bright pink or slightly purple color.

This plant grows in the middle belt, prefers the steppe zone, forest edges, also grows on sandy and clay soils. Can be found throughout Europe and Asia.

Species

In botany there are more than two hundred varieties of this grass. However, the following species of thyme are the most studied and most common:

1. Creeping - often found in Eurasian regions. It has many medicinal qualities and is widely used in official and folk medicine. It is an excellent melliferous plant.
2. Common - grows in the northwestern part of the Mediterranean, in the south of France, Spain, as well as in some areas of Russia. This variety is also used in medicine to obtain medicinal herbal raw materials.
3. Hillwort is a plant native to the Transcaucasus. It is used as a source of essential oils, which are necessary in perfumery and canning industry, as well as in cooking.
4. Callier is a constituent part of the flora of the Crimean peninsula, a productive honeybee, and also has a fodder value.
5. Early Growths grow in European and Caucasian areas. Mainly used as an ornamental plant.
6. Thyme Kochi is a plant of Transcaucasia and the Middle East. It is a spice and also acts as a medicinal raw material.
7. Marshalla - grows in European, Far Eastern and Central Asian regions. By the way, this species is on the verge of extinction.
8. Thyme of Talieva is a herb whose habitat is considered the northeastern part of Europe and the Urals. In some Russian regions the plant is included in the Red Book.

Gathering and storage

Thyme is collected during its flowering, that is, from the last days of June to the end of July. It is important to collect the raw material in ecologically clean places. The shoots of the plant are cut with scissors. The harvested material is placed in a basket so that it does not crumple. The most suitable time for the collection is early in the morning on a dry and warm day.

To prepare the raw material for long-term storage, it should be dried. Drying is done by the traditional method, that is, you first need to pick whole, undamaged elements, and then spread them out in a single layer on a flat surface. Dry the raw material away from sunlight, in a ventilated room. Dried thyme will need to collect in a glass jar or in a bag made of paper or cloth. If stored in a well-ventilated place, the raw material is usable for two years.

It should be noted that it is best to dry thyme in natural conditions, without the use of special dryers or ovens, otherwise the essential oils and other medicinal substances will be destroyed.

What is the difference between thyme and thyme

Thyme is presented as an herbaceous branching plant. It is an annual crop and has pink or purple flowers of small size. It is a peppery herb, as it has a rich and bitter flavor and a specific aroma. It can reach a height of 0.5 m. The stems are erect and the leaves are lancet-shaped and greenish-gray. Buds appear in summer and ripen by the fall, looking like nuts.

Thyme and savory are similar in that they belong to the same family. Despite this, the two crops have a number of differences. First of all, the difference is in appearance, because thyme has a much smaller size compared to thyme. Thyme has beautiful and bright flowers, which allows it to be used as a decorative plant to decorate the flower bed. Moreover, this species is a perennial that grows for up to five years, while thyme is an annual plant.

Chaber is not as remarkable in appearance, but is characterized by a strong aroma. In taste, it resembles the flavor of pepper. Thyme is endowed with a delicate odor, is used as a spice, and is also used in the therapy of various painful conditions.

Thyme Medicinal Properties

This plant is famous for the presence of a large number of biologically active compounds that have a positive effect on the human body. Initially, people found that the plant acts as a disinfectant and acts as a preventive compound for many ailments.

1. This crop is useful for inflammatory processes occurring in the upper respiratory tract. It works as an expectorant. So, thyme will help to cope with coughs, cure bronchitis, pneumonia and even whooping cough.
2. In pathologies of the heart, thyme is also indicated for use. In this case, due to the anti-inflammatory properties, the functioning of the heart muscle is established. For patients with heart failure, such a product will be especially effective.
3. Effective culture and in diseases of the urinary system in the male half of mankind. In this case, thyme has a disinfecting effect. After therapy with such a plant, the genitourinary system of the man is protected from infections.
4. Prolonged use of a decoction based on thyme allows you to eliminate bloating of the stomach. This is ensured due to the restoration of intestinal microflora. Stabilization of the composition of microorganisms and normalization of the digestive process can reduce cramps.
5. In case of insomnia, frequent stress, overstress, thyme will come to the rescue again. He will help to normalize the activity of the nervous system.

For women

Thyme has a rich composition. It contains many useful elements that benefit the weaker sex. Almost every lady during the menstrual cycle faces painful sensations. It usually happens in the first days. You can solve such a problem with the help of a herbal decoction from this plant. In this case, it should be drunk in the morning 30 minutes before a meal.

To ensure that the microflora of the genital system was normal, experts advise to conduct sprinkling with the use of thyme raw material. In this case, it will be necessary to prepare a decoction using a small handful of herbs. Pour the specified amount of culture in hot water and boil for 10 minutes more. The resulting composition cool and fill a syringe with it. If the procedure is carried out only for cleansing, you should not do the syringe often. Frequent use of such a procedure disturbs the activity of the vaginal mucosa, which can lead to dryness and the appearance of itching.

As you know, most often it is women who strive for an ideal figure. That is why thyme is popular among the female population. After all, it is an excellent tool for weight loss. Its benefit in such cases is that it well suppresses the feeling of hunger. In addition, the plant allows you to improve the digestive process.

Girls have always, at all times sought to look beautiful and used a variety of methods to do this. To stimulate the growth of nails and hair, you can also take advantage of the useful qualities of thyme. The ingredients in the culture have a beneficial effect on the skin. To get rid of greasy facial skin, it is recommended to do steam baths on thyme herb. In doing so, the face should be held over steam for a few minutes.

After insect bites, there is often swelling, which can be eliminated by applying a compress soaked in thyme infusion. This will reduce itching and swelling. In addition, this procedure will return the dermis to a healthy appearance, narrows pores and eliminates sagging.

Thyme raw material is used to produce essential oils that are used in cosmetology, pharmacy and perfumery. Also, the healing substances of thyme are included in a variety of cosmetics designed for the care of the body, curls and face.

For Men

Thyme can also be used to maintain the health of the male body. For the stronger sex, this herb is practically irreplaceable. The herb has healing and expectorant properties. Thyme decoction will help smokers get rid of coughs. Smoking women will also benefit from such a product. But the body of a man will in this case be saturated with a large number of useful components. It is not for nothing that our ancestors called this herb "masculine".

First of all, it should be noted the anti-inflammatory properties of the culture. When consuming a decoction internally, inflammatory processes of the urogenital system are eliminated. To prepare a decoction, it is necessary to brew a few flowers of the plant in tea. The resulting composition should infuse for a few minutes, after which it is ready for use.

With prostatitis, the stronger sex has problems not only with the process of urination, but also swelling appears. To cope with this ailment, it is recommended to take a bath with the addition of thyme. To do this, you need to draw hot water into the bathtub and pour into it the herbal decoction prepared in advance. In order to achieve positive results, during the procedure the lower back must necessarily be immersed in water.

As stated earlier, the product contains molybdenum with selenium. This suggests that thyme will help solve problems with erectile dysfunction. In addition, these constituents help improve the synthesis of testosterone in the male body. This composition of the plant allows you to improve the seminal composition, as a result of which there is no premature ejaculation.

Thyme oil is necessary for men to increase sexual energy and sexual stamina. The effect is achieved by rubbing the oil into the groin and crotch daily.

It often happens that there are problems in the sexual life of a man. This is most likely due not to physical impotence, but to nervous and stressful psychological states. Thyme is considered a good sedative, which in this situation will be a great helper. So, to calm down, you need to prepare an infusion. To do this, pour water over the chopped leaves of the plant and boil for about 10 minutes. Insist for half an hour, then strain the mixture. The resulting composition should be taken on an empty stomach with 1 tbsp.

Another frequent problem that not only adult men, but also young guys face is baldness. This problem can be solved with the help of thyme-based oil. This plant contains ursolic acid, which ensures hair growth. If you rub the oil into the skin daily, you can achieve the awakening of dormant onion cells, which will increase hair growth and make it stronger.

Almost all representatives of the strong half drink alcoholic beverages, but not all of them are able to stop in time and control their actions. Those who have problems with alcohol addiction can also use thyme. Of course, it is better to fight such an ailment at the initial stage. If you drink the herb infusion internally, the gag reflex will appear when drinking alcohol.

When pregnant.

The benefits of such a medicinal plant and its harms are not so unambiguous. Thyme should not be taken by ladies who are waiting for the birth of a baby. In this period, it is dangerous because the means on the basis of this product increase the tone of the uterus, as a result of which the emerging muscle contractions can cause bleeding, premature labor and miscarriage. Moreover, the herb has a negative effect on the health of the baby, causing pathologies that cannot be cured.

To protect the body of a pregnant woman, before giving birth, you need to replace this plant with a safer herb that is allowed to be used during this period.

Breastfeeding

As for the period of breastfeeding, thyme is able to have a positive effect on the body of the woman and the baby. This culture can restore the reproductive organs, strengthen lactation and protect the young mother from the bleeding that occurs after childbirth. Thyme tea will be useful at this stage. You can prepare tea by adding a small amount of decoction of this plant. This will increase the production of milk and improve its quality.

For children

The healing qualities of thyme for children under three years of age are revealed to a greater extent when adding the herbal decoction in baths. The useful properties of this plant in this case lie in the fact that thyme is able to relieve irritation, as well as to eliminate diaper rash on the skin. In addition, this product acts as a sedative, which normalizes sleep baby.

After three years, children can be given thyme for oral use. However, it is important to make sure that the child is not allergic to it. Especially useful are considered inhalation decoction in the presence of coughs in children.

This plant has a number of contraindications and can seriously harm the human body, so you should first consult with a specialist.

When losing weight

The described plant is not endowed with pronounced dietary characteristics, it does not work as a fat-burning agent. But nevertheless, during weight loss, there is a benefit from it. It lies in the fact that the culture stimulates digestion processes and accelerates the metabolism.

With the right diet and doing some exercise, thyme will act as an auxiliary compound. Thyme-based drinks can help cleanse the body of toxic substances and excess fluid.

Thyme in folk medicine

Thyme is very often found in the recipes of folk medicine. In certain doses, the plant is not dangerous, on the contrary, it helps to eliminate the symptoms of various diseases and ease the course of chronic forms.

Thyme is used to prepare a soothing collection. To obtain it, you should mix in equal proportions the described herb, oregano, hops, mugwort, as well as oregano. The resulting mixture pour boiling water at the rate of 15 g raw materials 500 ml of steep boiling water. Insist the mass for 30 minutes. After that, filter the liquid. Ready to take in the morning and evening 2 tablespoons.

To restore the functions of the nervous system, as well as rheumatism will help thyme bath. You must first prepare a decoction. For this you will need one cup of dry raw materials, which should be poured over 2 liters of hot water, and then let the mass to infuse. After a few hours, the healing composition can be poured into the bath. Carry out such a procedure twice a day for 20 minutes.

With hypertension, you can take advantage of the therapeutic properties of the studied product. Thyme is part of an herbal collection designed to normalize blood pressure. In this case, you will need to mix in a ratio of 1:2:2:3 chamomile, willow, oregano and thyme. At 15 g of the resulting collection should take 0.5 liters of steep boiling water. After infusion composition to take twice a day for 100 ml. Such a remedy can be used as a tea.

When hair loss should be prepared herbal decoction consisting of thyme, nettle, hops and leaves of young birch. This mixture pour hot water. For each 20 grams of raw material you will need 1 liter of water. Boil the mixture of herbs for a quarter of an hour. The resulting product is suitable for rinsing hair, as well as for rubbing into the scalp.

For Diabetes Mellitus

Patients suffering from diabetes can use an infusion based on herbs. To alleviate the symptoms of this disease, as well as to prevent the development of complications, you can use a herbal collection, which includes equal amounts of blueberry shoots and thyme. A 1 tbsp. herbal mixture needs 1 cup of boiling water. After half an hour, strain the mixture. Drink 2 times a day after a meal.

Diabetes can only be treated with thyme decoction. In this case, the herb will need to be crushed, 2 tbsp. of the resulting mass pour a glass of water and boil for a minute. Then allow the container with the preparation to stand in a warm place for an hour, and then strain. Ready to take 3 times a day after a meal.

With pancreatitis

With inflammation of the pancreas, you can use this recipe: 1 tsp. herbal raw materials mixed with a glass of boiling water. Allow the mixture to infuse for 15-20 minutes. Then filter the liquid and take during the day in lukewarm form, dividing the received amount into three receipts.

With gastritis

The benefit of such a medicinal plant as thyme is also manifested in the fact that it helps to cope with the manifestations of gastritis. To prepare a healing infusion, you need 10 g of raw materials pour 250 ml of boiling water and insist for about 40 minutes. Before taking the liquid, strain it. Drink the resulting composition 3 times a day by 1 tbsp.

For the bowel

When the intestinal microflora is disturbed, as well as the appearance of disorder, it is recommended to take a useful collection, which consists of several varieties of herbs. To do this, take four parts of Icelandic centaria, two parts of marsh rosemary, one part of thyme, eucalyptus and common anise. All ingredients should be mixed. From the resulting mixture, measure 1 tbsp. and pour a glass of hot water. For 20 minutes the composition should be on a steam bath.

After that, the healing potion to insist about 35 minutes, strain and add water to 250 ml. Take a remedy for 15-20 minutes before a meal, 100 ml.

When constipation

Thyme is contraindicated during constipation. The plant acts as an astringent, so it is useful for diarrhea. In this case, you need to insist 1 tbsp. herb in 250 ml of boiling water for 15 minutes. Filter the resulting composition and take a quarter cup before a meal for several days in a row. If you drink such a solution after a meal, there will be flatulence, that is, the formation of gas in the intestines will be observed.

With gout

Gouty arthritis, bruises, rheumatisms can be treated with an alcoholic tincture of thyme. To obtain such a remedy, 2 tbsp. of raw materials pour 150 ml of alcoholic beverage and insist a week. Use the filtered tincture to rub into the problem areas several times a day. It is possible instead to apply bandages, for which a gauze cloth should be moistened in the obtained solution and kept for half an hour.

In pain associated with gout and arthritis, you can heat this herb in a dish, then take it out, wrap it in gauze and apply to the affected joint.

Effective with this disease and herbal bath. To do this, you need to take 500 g of raw materials, brew it in 4 liters of liquid, strain and add it to the bath with water.

For the liver

The cells of the liver carry out a number of chemical reactions, so this organ needs a large amount of vitamins. Provide them can thyme. The plant contains such a substance as thiamine, which is involved in the production of proteins, provides metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Lack of this vitamin can lead to liver and cellular insufficiency. In addition, the herb is rich in riboflavin, the deficiency of which leads to decreased bile synthesis and deterioration of its outflow.

Vitamin PP in the plant product protects hepatocytes from death, improves the protective functions of the organ. Pyridoxine, contained in thyme, is responsible for the absorption of protein and fats, provides amino acid metabolism, has a choleretic effect. Ascorbic acid in the herb stimulates the synthesis of enzymes that take part in metabolic reactions occurring in hepatocytes.

The benefit of thyme for the liver is not only to provide it with a number of vitamins. In addition, the plant is found in organic acids, bitterness, phenols and tannins. They all work as antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and choleretic agents. Such properties of the crop are effective for hepatitis.

Thyme is enriched with selenium, which is also necessary for the liver. This chemical is able to restore the cells of the organ. It will help with cirrhosis and hepatitis resulting from alcoholism.

In large quantities, the herb contains thymol, which is endowed with anti-spastic properties. It is for this reason that thyme tea is recommended for use with liver cramps.

When hemorrhoids

To get rid of such an ailment, you should use a decoction prepared from dry raw materials. In this case, 1 tbsp of the herb should be boiled in 150 ml of water for a quarter of an hour. Drink the drink every 3-4 hours.

From coughs

The great benefit of the plant is observed in inflammation of the bronchi and cough, which does not go away for a long time. To eliminate such unpleasant symptoms, you need to prepare a healing syrup. Fresh bundle of grass is thoroughly washed and crushed, pour 0.5 liters of water and put on a slow fire. Then wait until half of the liquid has evaporated. After that, cool the decoction, strain, and then mix it with 300 g of natural honey and a squeeze of 50 g of garlic.

Such a syrup is well mixed and used twice a day by 1 tsp. Store such a preparation in the refrigerator, and the usefulness of this remedy will be for six months.

From alcoholism

When alcohol addiction can help the usual thyme. It has such a component as thymol. This substance is responsible for the aversion to alcoholic beverages. If you constantly take such a medicinal remedy, the use of alcohol will provoke only nausea and gagging.

The healing drink is prepared as follows: 1 tbsp of thyme should be mixed in 0.5 l of hot water. Then simmer the mixture in a water bath for 15 minutes. After that, subject the liquid to filtration and add water again to 500 ml. Drink the prepared solution by 3 tbsp. once a day. Continue the treatment for several weeks.

It is worth noting that the best results are achieved only when the alcoholic himself decides to get rid of such an addiction. A conscious desire to be cured will only enhance the useful properties of the herbal medicine.

From cystitis

Cystitis is a disease in which the lining of the bladder is inflamed. Both women and men face such an unpleasant problem, but more often such a disease occurs in the weaker sex. The female genitourinary system is arranged in such a way that girls are more likely to get an infection in the body. This plant will help to get rid of painful sensations and destroy pathogenic microflora, which has formed on the surface of the mucosa.

The healing characteristics of thyme allow you to use it for inflammatory processes in the bladder and urinary tract. In this case, you will need to prepare a decoction consisting of 10 g of raw materials and 250 ml of water. Infuse a mixture of herbs and boiling water in a thermos for several hours. Drink the filtered drink by 3 tbsp. Such a solution will help to quickly relieve inflammation and pain.

From prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland can also cure thyme. For therapeutic purposes, 1 tbsp of the plant should be placed in a glass of boiling water and insist under a lid for about an hour. The ready liquid should be taken 3 times a day by 3 tbsp. The treatment should continue for a month. It is important to remember that every day you need to prepare a new portion of the remedy.

With a cold

To cope with a cold, you need 1 tbsp. dried thyme herb pour 500 ml of steep boiling water. Allow the mass to infuse 30-40 minutes. Ready to take the composition of 100 ml three times a day.

With bronchitis

Bronchitis is an infectious disease of the respiratory system, which leads to inflammation of the bronchi themselves. The main symptom is an incessant cough. Thyme is able to soothe it. The inflammatory process is stopped by the essential oils contained in the culture. You can prepare an infusion consisting of 1 tsp of thyme and a glass of hot water. The solution should stand for half an hour. Take the medicine 3 times a day for 2 tbsp.

When anemia

Thyme is also known to be useful for anemia associated with iron deficiency in the body. Thyme is a source of this element. A deficiency of this component is dangerous for pregnant girls, as well as for women during the menstrual cycle because of a large blood loss. Anemia is also dangerous for other categories, including children, men and women of different ages. The consequences of this disease are dangerous because damage to the brain, cardiovascular system and other vital organs can develop.

Thyme is recommended as a preventive measure. However, you must remember that the period of carrying the baby is a contraindication.

For insomnia

With sleep disorders and other problems with the nervous system, thyme will be useful. If you use the usual herbal infusion of 2 tablespoons in the morning, at lunch and 100 ml a couple of hours before sleep, the condition of the person will noticeably improve.

It is also recommended to use an additional cloth bag filled with dry grass. This sack should be placed under the pillow. Such a procedure will improve sleep due to the rich aroma, which has a soothing effect.

From worms

In order to remove parasites from the body and restore the microflora in the intestines, you should prepare an anthelmintic composition. To do this, make a simple decoction and cool it to a temperature of 35 degrees, then collect the liquid in a syringe and use it for introduction into the rectum.

Hold the useful solution for 15-20 minutes before emptying the intestines. Repeat these actions every day for a week. Only then will thyme benefit the body.

When oncology

Even Avicenna noted the anti-tumor properties of thyme. Nowadays, the plant is recommended for use with stomach cancer. In addition, thyme is effective for liver metastases. In Turkey, there were even studies that looked at the effect of this plant on breast tumor activity.

Fresh leaves of the culture can be used for making teas, infusions and consumed for treatment.

The product is indispensable for the prevention of cancer, as it is characterized by strong antiseptic properties. Moreover, thyme is capable of destroying pathogens and fungus. For such purposes, the herbal decoction should be drunk by a third of a glass three times a day.

For asthma

Bronchial asthma is another disease that thyme can cure. In this case, the herb becomes effective due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. In this case, the plant is used for internal use as a decoction and infusion. Do not use the herb for inhalation treatment of the pathology, because it can lead to reflex constriction of the bronchi, which will only aggravate the condition of the patient. You should also refrain from using essential oils to prevent the development of undesirable reactions.

So, you need to take 3 tsp of dried raw materials and pour them with a mug of boiling water. Let the liquid infuse for some time, then strain and drink 1 tsp. several times a day.

There is another way. In this case, pour 1 tbsp. herbs with water, pre-boiled and cooled. Such a mixture should be in a cool place for about 10-12 hours. Ready remedy to drink 1 tbsp. in three to four doses. The course of therapy should be long, without a break.

When epilepsy

Preparations based on thyme have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. As a result of such treatment, a person calms down, he goes through convulsions. It is on this basis that folk healers began to use this plant for the treatment of epilepsy. Pliny advised epileptics to use a mattress stuffed with thyme. It is believed that resting on this bed will soothe the patient and allow him to feel well.

If you have a sore throat

To cure sore throat, a herbal decoction should be used. This solution is used to rinse the mouth. Such a procedure should be performed only after brushing your teeth. After that, you should not eat or drink anything for 20 minutes.

Thyme raises or lowers your blood pressure

An aqueous infusion of thyme allows you to dilate the blood vessels, eliminate spasms, hence lower the blood pressure readings. Thyme as a hypotonic agent is used only in emergency cases when the increase in blood pressure occurred as a result of stress, high body temperature or due to an inflammatory process in the body.

However, you can not treat hypertension with this product. The healing drink is prepared as an ordinary tea. Drink such a decoction should be drunk twice a day by 100 ml. The treatment should last for three days.

Types of healing compositions with thyme

During the entire period of application of this medicinal plant in folk medicine, many recipes on its basis have appeared. It is believed that for almost every disease there is a way based on the use of thyme. However, popular are the compositions, the recipes of which are given below.

Infusion

To prepare a therapeutic infusion, you need a couple of spoons of thyme poured into an enamel bowl and mixed with 250 ml of hot water. Cover the vessel with a lid. Boil the mixture in a water bath for 15 minutes. Let the liquid stand for about 40 minutes, then filter it. Now bring the volume of the composition with boiled water to 1 cup. Drink such a medicine of 1 tbsp. three times a day on an empty stomach for three weeks.

Tincture .

For a tincture, you will need 20 grams of dried raw material or fresh grass pour 150 ml of vodka. This should be done in a glass container. Close with a lid and allow the mass to infuse for 10 days in a dark place. The mixture should be shaken occasionally. At the end of this time to pass the liquid through a filter and place it in the refrigerator for later storage. Take such a remedy 3 times 20 drops, diluting the tincture in 250 ml of mineral water. Such a remedy is suitable for external use in the form of rubbing and compresses.

Decoction .

To prepare the herbal decoction, you only need to prepare 1 tbsp. of the plant itself and two glasses of boiling water. Pour water over thyme, bring to a boil, and then immediately remove from the heat, infuse for a few minutes and filter. It is allowed to drink up to two glasses per day.

Tea

Probably this way of processing thyme is the most common. To get an herbal tea, you need to pour a small amount of dry raw material with boiling water. After that, let the liquid infuse for some time to allow the tea to brew as it should.

When making regular tea, you can mix 1 tsp of thyme with the same amount of tea leaves. The drink turns out fragrant.

Salve

From thyme, an ointment can also be prepared. To do this, melt 200 g of butter and mix it with 50 ml of tincture of thyme in alcohol. The resulting dosage form is stored in the refrigerator and can be used for rubbing.

Thyme oil: properties and uses

You can find thyme oil in any pharmacy. It has beneficial properties both when used internally and externally. This oil is characterized by antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and sedative properties, it is used for cystitis and prostatitis, effective for painful periods. In addition, it can be used for food poisoning, disorders of substance metabolism, respiratory diseases.

Moreover, the oil is suitable for treating burns, cuts and other skin problems. If you rub this product on your temples, you can relieve headaches and achieve a calming effect.

Cosmetological applications

Thyme is indispensable in cosmetology for the care of the curls and skin of the face. As for the skin, most often the plant is used for the oily type of dermis. Cosmetic compositions based on components of thyme even out skin tone, fight pigment spots. The herb is able to accelerate hair growth, get rid of increased greasiness, and protect against the appearance of lice.

To soften skin prone to irritation, you need to prepare a mask consisting of 1 tbsp of dry grass and 100 ml of olive oil. These ingredients insist in a glass container for twenty-four hours. After that, evaporate the mass in a steam bath for three hours. The resulting remedy to strain and use for daily treatment of the skin in the morning. In this case, the oil should act for 15 minutes, after which it should be removed.

If there are inflammations on the face, loose dermis, enlarged pores, there are swellings, a compress based on the studied plant will help. To do this, steep 1 tbsp. of the herb in a glass of boiling water, infuse, cool to the optimum temperature. Soak a gauze cloth in the resulting composition and put it on your face for a few minutes. The procedure should last for 20 minutes.

Thyme decoction will help to prevent hair loss. For its preparation, boil 4 tbsp. of medicinal plant material in 400 ml of liquid for about 10-15 minutes. Then strain the mass. Rinse after each wash.

Strengthen the curls and get rid of dandruff, you can also use thyme. To obtain a cosmetic you need to boil 500 ml of water, pour into it 4 spoons of crushed thyme herb and boil for 10 minutes. The liquid should cool. Apply the filtered mixture to the washed hair and distribute to the entire length of the strands with light movements. It is not necessary to wash off such a product.

In addition, to strengthen the hair, you can use thyme essential oil. Such a product in finished form can be purchased at the drugstore. It should be applied to the scalp before washing the hair. There is another way to use the oil. In this case, add 5 ml of the substance to 20 ml of regular shampoo and use to wash your head.

Thyme in cooking

In the culinary sphere, thyme is used as a fragrant spice. It is added to light snacks to give them a spicy flavor, is a good spice for marinades. When adding this spice to meat dishes the meat is better digested. Thyme is often used as a spice when smoking fish.

Excellent combines herb with meat and vegetable dishes. Especially recommended to combine spice with fatty foods, because the plant will help her better digest. When adding thyme to soups and broths, not only improve the taste quality of dishes, but also increase their shelf life. Thus, the shelf life of the soup is extended for three days.

Contraindications for use

The useful and harmful properties of thyme depend on the amount consumed. A day is allowed to take no more than 1 tbsp. dry raw material, that is, no more than 4 cups of tea or decoction based on this herb.

If used improperly, thyme can be harmful. You should not use the plant for longer than two weeks, after 14 days of treatment you should take a break for two months. Certain substances in this culture can accumulate in the body, which has a negative effect on the nervous system. You should also remember that in large quantities thyme can increase blood pressure.

Contraindications to the use of thyme for medicinal purposes are allergies, severe kidney disease, thyroid disease. In addition, you can not use preparations on the basis of the plant during the expectation of a baby, otherwise the risk of miscarriage or premature birth increases.

Thyme photo