Thyme is a low-growing
aromatic perennial herb that is common to Mediterranean countries and
parts of Europe. Thyme was brought to North America, and has become a
beloved garden herb. It is one of the most commonly used plants both
medicinally and for culinary uses and has a rich history throughout
the world. In ancient Egypt, thyme was used in embalming fluid. Thyme
was one of the favorite plants in ancient Rome, and was beloved by
the emperor. It was considered protective and healing, and was
believed to protect against poisoning. It was also burned by the
Romans and Greeks to purify homes and temples. The Romans used it to
flavor alcoholic beverages and cheese. It is said that the Romans
also gave this herb to people to cure them of melancholy and
shyness. The Romans then introduced this herb to England, where it
took on the same popularity it had in the Mediterranean. During the
plague, which took hold of Europe in the mid 1300's, people would
wear and carry thyme as protection. Rich in both antioxidants and
anti-inflammatory properties and loaded with vitamin C, thyme is
medicinal for many different ailments. One of its most common uses is
for respiratory issues. Because of its antibacterial and expectorant
properties, thyme can help with soothing a cough. The antispasmodic
property works as a cough suppressant, helping one to sleep through
the night. Thyme can also be a wonderful digestive aid and can help
bloating and malabsorption. It has also been shown to be beneficial
to bone health because of its calcium content, and to be an aid in
proper cardiac function because it relaxes the valves and veins,
thus improving the heart's overall function.
If all these benefits
aren't enough, thyme is also documented to increase feelings of
positivity and to work to uplift the mood and ease stress. It
contains many powerful compounds including caracrol, which has been
shown to have a positive effect on mood as it increases level of
serotonin and dopamine. Drinking thyme tea, consuming it, or
diffusing the essential oil in an aromatherapy diffuser, can elevate
feelings of well-being and enhance feelings of relaxation.
by Theresa Musatto
