Recently I have been using a load of thyme. You probably have some of this herb in your pantry, and use it for sauces or salads. The medicinal properties and balancing effect it can have on the body and mind are amazing.
I have found the best thyme at farmers markets. Getting it fresh really makes a difference, so look for green fresh leaves and avoid dried looking sprigs. It is highly versatile and can be used for:
- Cooking (in pretty much anything)
- Making herbal tea
- Growing it in your garden acts as a natural pesticide
I am especially keen on the herbal teas. I’ll give you some recipes/ideas at the end of the post, but for now lets check out the benefits of adding thyme to your diet.
Infections and Antibacterial Properties – Thyme is a natural antibacterial, and has long been used to treat chest infections and coughs. It is especially good at clearing mucus, thanks to the thymol oil, which soothes the lungs and air passageways. The antibacterial properties also help clear out parasites in the gut.
Minerals and Anti-Oxidants – Thyme is a rich source of polyphenols and Falvnoids, similar to those found in Green Tea. There are also some components unique to thyme, like Thymonin, Luteolin and Apigenin. Thyme is rich in minerals like Iron, Magnese, and Calcium.
Stomach Cramps/Upsets – Thyme has been used for centuries to calm and ease stomach upsets. It does an excellent job at soothing and relaxing cramping muscles, as well as disinfecting the problem areas. Think of it a bit like Nature’s Pepto Bismol. Thyme also helps improve digestion by clearing out mucus in the digestive tract.
Calm the Mind – Ever want a soothing drink to calm the mind and relax? Thyme is the perfect remedy. Drinking it before bed has been shown to lower cortisol levels and help the body relax. Thyme has historically been used as a tea before bed to help prevent sleeplessness and nightmares.
How to Use it? I have found that it goes great with nearly any kinds of food, and have added sprigs of thyme to:
- Roasted potatoes
- Tomato-based pasta sauces
- Homemade pesto
- Homemade chili
- Roasted chicken
- Sticking a few sprigs in bottles of olive oil as an infusion
One of my favourite drinks is a simple thyme-honey tea. Grab a few fresh sprigs of thyme and chop them up into smaller pieces (with scissors). Add them to a big mug, pour boiling water over them, and add a spoon of raw honey. I am a big fan of the honey below can be very beneficial, when used in moderation as a sweetener.
Greek Thyme and Wildflower Honey
You can’t beat this drink for healing and medicinal properties. You can drink it daily with no adverse effects.
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