Introduction to Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a Mediterranean herb having ornamental, dietary and medicinal value. Looking into history, we found our ancestors using it as well. It was used as incense in temples, in cheese flavoring, in alcoholic beverages, cure for respiratory conditions. People grew it in their gardens and gathered it in the countryside. Also, in 1340’s when Black Death fell over Europe, people wore posies of thyme for protection. It has biocides which can pull down unfavorable organisms.
A 2010 study proposed that thymol can lessen bacterial resistance to common drugs, counting penicillin.
BENEFITS of Thyme:
- A team at Chungbuk National University in South Korea reported that a combination of thymol, alpha-terpinene and carvacrol was effectual in killing off tiger mosquito larvae. A team at Center for studies of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Portugal, reported.
2. A study done in Lisbon, Portugal, came across the fact that extracts of mastic thyme may protect people from colon cancers.
3. Researchers in Turkey found that wild the herb caused apoptosis in breast cancer cells.
4. Researchers from the University of Turin, Italy, came to learn that essential oil of this beneficial herb aided in leveling C. albicans fungus in the human body which is a common cause of yeast infection in mouth and vagina.
5. Also, a study at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, showed that a combination of 10 per cent chamomile extract cream and 3 per cent thyme essential oil antifungal cream can treat eczema-like lesions.
6. Scientists from Leeds, England, concluded that this herb might help treating acne.
7. It has been also proved to be effective in treating food borne bacterial infections and also acting as a preservative of food products. It also helps to reduce blood pressure as showed in a study on rats by a Serbia University.
8. It is also considered as a potent antioxidant for stabilizing sunflower oil and preventing lipid oxidation which is a momentous problem during food storage.
9. What more, it helps to boost immunity, works as a disinfectant, for cough and as a good smell.
FDA classifies thyme essential oil as ‘generally recognized as safe for their intended use’.
Eat safe, be safe.
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