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Thyme Effect: Tea And Co. Are So Healthy

You often know thyme from the kitchen – but there is so much more to the herb: thyme is an important medicinal plant for coughs and disinfection. Learn more about it here.

The thyme smells in the herb garden and you probably like to use it for cooking – you have no idea what other powers lie dormant in the perennial plant.

The herb has its greatest effect on the respiratory organs – but other areas of application are also possible.

Thyme: areas of application and effects

The medicinal plant thyme is traditionally used for colds due to its high proportion of essential oils – often in the form of tea. In addition, thyme contains the substances thymol (antiseptic) and carvacrol (analgesic, anti-inflammatory, warming).

Thyme can be proven to have the following effects:

  • antispasmodic on the bronchi
  • anti-inflammatory
  • expectorant
  • antibacterial
  • antifungal
  • antiviral

Thyme also helps with other ailments, such as asthma, digestive problems such as flatulence and abdominal pain, has an antispasmodic effect on menstrual pain and has a relaxing effect on insomnia.

Thyme has also been shown to help with acne due to its anti-inflammatory and germ-killing properties. Likewise, the active ingredients in thyme ensure that the bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath are killed, which can help alleviate this condition. You can chew a fresh thyme stalk in your mouth.

Thyme tea and Co.: This is how the herb can be taken

You can either buy thyme tea in drugstores, pharmacies and the like, or you can harvest it from your own herb garden. Allow the herb to dry and store in an airtight container so you can pull it out when needed without sacrificing the spicy aroma.

Pour hot water over the thyme herb and let the tea steep, covered, for about 15 minutes. Finished! Good to know: Thyme tea is most effective if you use it as a cold tea at the very first sign of a cold. Drink the tea while it is still hot and preferably have several cups throughout the day.

Caution! In infants and small children up to four years of age, thyme oil can cause life-threatening glottal spasms, so-called glottic spasms, or respiratory failure. Therefore, you should not use thyme tea in this age group.

In addition to the classic thyme tea, tablets, tinctures for inhalation and capsules with thyme extract are available. You can make an infusion from the fresh or dried leaves, for example for gargling, rinsing your mouth or inhaling, or use them for a steam bath.

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Written by Mia Lane

I am a professional chef, food writer, recipe developer, diligent editor, and content producer. I work with national brands, individuals, and small businesses to create and improve written collateral. From developing niche recipes for gluten-free and vegan banana cookies, to photographing extravagant homemade sandwiches, to crafting a top-ranking how-to guide on substituting eggs in baked goods, I work in all things food.

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