Thyme adds a strong flavor and refreshing aroma to food, and provides many health benefits when eaten fresh or dry, or when soaked and drunk as tea, as it strengthens the immune system and fights infections.
Thyme contains vitamin A, which helps strengthen eyesight, in addition to B vitamins that relieve stress. It also contains vitamin C, which protects the body’s cells and fights infection.
The herb also contains iron, manganese, calcium and magnesium, which promote bone and blood health.
The Association of Accredited Colleges of Natural Medicine, based in Washington, D.C., said, according to the British newspaper The Independent: “All of these elements help strengthen the immune system and prevent colds, influenza, and other diseases, and increasing your intake of thyme can improve the function of your immune system.”
Thyme contains flavones, a type of phytochemical that can reduce cancer-causing inflammation in the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Thymol and its benefits
Thyme oil, made by steaming and distilling the herb, contains a compound called thymol, the active ingredient responsible for the herb’s refreshing, minty scent. It is used in the preparation of mouthwash, preservatives, antiseptics, and insecticides.
Sonia Oyterhoven, public education officer at the New York Botanical Garden in the United States, told the newspaper that thymol has antibacterial properties, and previous research has shown that it may support brain health.
Sonia pointed out, “This is not new information, of course. For many centuries, herbs and spices have been used to preserve foods. In the past decade, studies have shown that thyme and basil may be able to protect against microbial contamination.”
Thyme oil should not be swallowed or used undiluted on the skin, according to Healthline.
The anti-inflammatory properties of thyme may help relieve pain, as studies have found that thyme supplements relieve the pain of menstrual cramps.