Benefits of thyme

An ancient herb with uses in cooking, floral arranging, and in gardens sprinkled between pavers is so welcoming with its delicate flowers and fresh aroma, we’re delighted to have it as one of our favorite herbs in our hand-crafted formulations. This aromatic herb is an organic and effective beauty treatment. Filled with beneficial vitamins and minerals – Vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, K, and beta-carotene – it’s a welcome in both the spice drawer and in the medicine cabinet.1. Improves Heart Health
Studies are aplenty to back this up. The extract of thyme was found to reduce heart rate significantly in rats with high blood pressure. And we can expect similar results in humans as well. Thyme was also found to lower cholesterol levels.

What you can do is replace salt with thyme in your meals. This can protect you from the ill effects of high blood pressure.

Another study talks about how thyme can help treat atherosclerosis, one major form of cardiovascular disease

Helps Fight Cancer
One Portuguese study had revealed that thyme could prevent cancer, especially that of the colon. These properties can be attributed to its constituents – some of which include oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, lutein, and beta-sitosterol

Thyme also had a beneficial effect on breast cancer. The herb had improved cell death, aiding in the treatment of breast cancer.

Another major component of thyme essential oil that helps prevent cancer is carvacrol – one study found that carvacrol can inhibit the proliferation and migration of cancer cell lines. The compound exhibits therapeutic effects towards the treatment and even prevention of cancer, especially colon cancer (4).

Treats Inflammation
Studies have shown that thyme oil can suppress COX-2, which is an inflammatory enzyme that leads to several inflammatory ailments. Carvacrol, the major chemical in the oil, was found to play a role in this. Carvacrol was found to suppress inflammation like resveratrol – another powerful compound in red wine that has been linked to several health benefits.

Another study talks about how carvacrol and another compound called thymol in thyme essential oil can fight inflammation (6). The oil is also used to ease the painful symptoms of arthritis and gout.

Can Help Heal Headaches

The carvacrol in thyme gets the credit here. This compound inhibits COX2 , pretty much like an anti-inflammatory drug. You just have to dab a few drops of thyme essential oil on your temples and forehead. Gently rub into your skin and stay put for a while until you feel relief.

Thyme oil is also said to relieve migraines – though there is no concrete research. The oil can relieve stress – the antioxidants in it protect your cells from stress and toxins.

Thyme essential oil might also boost your mood if inhaled.

Improves Skin Health

Given its antibacterial and antifungal properties, thyme oil can protect your skin from related infections. It works as a home remedy for acne. The oil also heals sores, wounds, scars, and cuts. It even relieves burns and acts as a natural remedy for skin rashes.

Thyme oil can cure eczema as well – the embarrassing skin condition with dry and itchy scales that blister and crack. Eczema is often caused by poor digestion and stress – and since thyme improves the two conditions, it can help heal eczema as well.

And since thyme is high in antioxidants, it can slow down the aging process and give you healthy and glowing skin.

For treating acne, you can use thyme along with witch hazel. Steep the two in hot water for about 20 minutes. Then, use a cotton ball to apply to the affected areas. Wait for 20 minutes and then wash off with warm water.

 Cuts The Risk Of Food Poisoning

There is no substantial research in this regard. But since thyme has antibacterial properties and can act against several types of bacteria, it can help relieve the serious effects of food poisoning. Do talk to your doctor before using it, though.

One small study shows how certain food-poisoning bacteria had become more sensitive once exposed to thyme .

The goodness of thyme is not limited to its benefits alone. It has other uses that make it all the more indispensable in your kitchen.