The Health Benefits of Thyme

Hi! :o) This is the first in a series of articles I am writing about the benefits of using spices (herbs) in your cooking. I will cover all of the herbs that I commonly use in  my recipes. These articles will be placed on the right hand  side of my blog for you to access anytime you need them. Without further ado, let's discuess Thyme!



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"Everyone should make time for thyme." That phrase has probably been said as long this beautiful plant has been called by that name. Many people hear of thyme, but give it very little thought. As you will see, there is a lot to discover about this little herb.



The thyme plant, of which there are many varieties, is a delicate looking plant. It is actually in the mint family. It's appearance reminds one more of chamomile leaves. It's fragrance is mildly reminiscent of mint, but it possesses a smell that is very unique in it's own right. However you describe it's fragrance, it is very pleasant, and is used in aromatherapy to lift the mood and help alleviate pain.



Thyme has strong anti-oxident properties, which means it offers protection for your cells and helps to clean up free radicals.


It is also a good source of iron, calcium, and manganese(an essential trace nutrient).


It has anti-spasmatic and expectorant proporties. It is good for soothing lungs and air passages, removing mucus from lungs and intestines, as well as expelling parasites.


On studies on aging rats,  thymol (a volatile oil in thyme), was shown to cause the body to have more DHA, that is, more of the good fat.


Thyme is a cancer preventative, due to many of it's components.


Research has also shown that both thyme and basil can keep food from becoming contaminated, as well as actually decontaminate food, due to it's antibacterial  properties.


Insects don't like thyme, so planting it in your garden is a wonderful idea. You can also boil some thyme, put the thyme water in a spray bottle and spray it on your garden plants, as well as use it as a household cleaner.


With wonderful benefits like these, coupled with it's great flavor, I see no reason why you shouldn't use it every chance you get!