Thyme is quite beneficial: it accelerates blood circulation, has antibiotic properties, and when used for the skin, it beautifies by increasing blood flow. But first, let me give the situations where thyme should not be used.
In Which Situations Should Thyme Not Be Used?
- It absolutely must not be used during a fracture period. No one knows this information; I know it because I've experienced fractures a lot. It should not be applied to the fracture area, it causes edema.
- Excessive and continuous use is harmful to intestinal health.
- It should not be applied to the area with a herniated disc.
- If you have a cyst in your body that is not cancerous, thyme enlarges these cysts; it is also not used for fluid-filled cysts.
- Pregnant women should not use thyme and thyme oil.
- It is not recommended for those with an allergic constitution to use it.
- Those with goiter should not use the thyme plant.
- Origani vulgaris herba (false thyme) should not be used in treatment as it is ineffective.
- Origanum majorana (marjoram) should not be used as it poses a risk to health.
What is Thyme?
Research on thyme shows that the plant has antimicrobial efficacy. The many different properties of thyme, which has been used most against epidemic diseases since ancient times, are still being revealed through research today. Thyme is known in Latin as Thymus vulgaris. Among the thyme species grown in our country are varieties such as Origanum, Thymus, Thymbra, Satureja, Sideritis, and Salvia.
While there are more than fifty varieties of thyme, 21 of them are grown only in our country. Depending on the region where it grows, there are varieties called Izmir thyme, white thyme, black thyme, pointed thyme, and mountain thyme. Turkey, which has an important position in the world in terms of thyme production, holds approximately seventy percent of the world thyme trade. Among plants, thyme is the most exported medicinal herb; the USA, Europe, Canada, and Australia are the main buyer countries.
Thyme's distinctive scent comes from the thymol and carvacrol in its content. Thymol, which has natural antibiotic properties, is also included in the content of some medical drugs. Thyme can also be used as an alternative to chemical preservatives since it naturally prevents food spoilage.
Benefits of Thyme
The use of thyme is important for our health in many different aspects.
- It helps lower cholesterol, balances blood pressure. It reduces the amount of sugar in the blood; it also has diuretic and menstrual regulating effects.
- It has a strong antioxidant effect against free radicals and has properties that prevent cancer from occurring.
- It is beneficial for colds, flu, cough, throat inflammation, and tonsillitis; it is an expectorant. For upper respiratory tract inflammation, it can be drunk as tea or used as a gargle. Commission E of the German Federal Ministry of Health has approved that thyme herb can be used for phlegmy cough and whooping cough.
- It is effective against stomach, abdominal, and headaches; it is used as a gargle for bad breath. It facilitates digestion.
- Since it accelerates blood flow, it is very beneficial for hair health; it prevents hair loss and strengthens the roots.
- It beautifies the skin and removes wrinkles.
- As a spice, it adds flavor to dishes and salads; it facilitates digestion. Thyme oil also shows the same properties but is burning — it should be used by mixing with fixed oils or diluting.
How to Use Thyme?
Pour a glass of hot water over half a teaspoon of dried and finely chopped thyme, cover the container, steep for 10 minutes, and strain. Drink it warm; one glass a day is enough. Thyme should absolutely not be boiled — if boiled, it loses its volatile oil. Unground thyme can also be consumed by chewing during the smoking cessation period.
