Thyme infusion: properties and health benefits
How many times have you felt relieved after having a cup of hot tea? The herbs with which we repair hot or iced tea contain natural properties that positively benefit our body and lighten the load of the day to day.
In addition to being extremely versatile, we can find other uses for these herbs such as essential oils, decorations, makeup or cleaning products.
Thyme is one of those natural plants that provide many benefits to our body and therefore it is ideal to have it at home to consume regularly. But if you want to know more in depth about the benefits and properties that thyme offers you, then keep reading the following article.
- We recommend you read: "Chamomile tea: 8 properties and benefits and how to prepare it"
What is thyme?
In essence it is a natural aromatic herb in the form of a bouquet of Mediterranean origin. It belongs to the Labiadas plant family. Which indicates that it is excellent for medicinal use, like rosemary or mint. It is also widely used in cooking recipes, beauty products, and skincare.
This plant was used very frequently in ancient times, as it was believed to have healing benefits. so precisely the healers, used it to create ointments, ointments and oral medicines based on infusions that are still relevant today.
** Have you tried thyme before? **
What is thyme used for?
It is attributed a series of active ingredients such as thymol, flavonoids and carvacrol that make it ideal for its aromatic and medicinal use. Influencing the latter in the relief of inflammations, fungi, irritations, fluid retention and cellular oxidation. What facilitates the obtaining of nutrients, vitamins and minerals to the body so that it maintains or improves its regular optimal functioning.
This also helps prevent or fight viral diseases in a natural way., parasitic infections, gastrointestinal upset or minor body aches. So it becomes a great home medicine option to consider and at hand in your home.
But yes, remember that neither thyme nor any other type of herb is a substitute for drugs or medical treatment if you need one. This is just a natural supplement to help the normal functioning of the body.
Ways to use thyme at home
The best thing about thyme is that we can have it at our fingertips practically at any time of the day, if we have it in our home and use it in various ways.
1. Infusions
As hot tea or iced tea, after boiling a handful of this herb. It is ideal for relaxing the body from daily stress and anxiety caused by worry. As well as a home remedy against common illnesses.
2. Rinses
Another use for the liquid obtained after boiling thyme are mouthwashes, recommended for fight oral infections such as sores, bad breath, gingivitis, gum sensitivity or maintain oral health and dental.
3. Essential oil
A good use that you can have of thyme essential oil is in applying it on the skin to combat or protect it from skin fungi, irritations or inflammations caused by any injury. You can also mix it with other ingredients to make a homemade exfoliation for your skin and help regenerate it.
4. Air freshener
Thyme essential oil can also be used as a home or car freshener. You can add a few drops to a burner so that it releases its delicious aroma.
5. Herb for cooking
One of the most common uses of thyme is in the kitchen, since in addition to having a pleasant aroma, it is ideal as a condiment for meats or salads. It is even an excellent replacement for salt.
Properties for the body
Thyme is extremely beneficial for our body and achieve a balance in it, find out how in this list of properties and benefits of thyme.
1. Detoxifying
It has active flavonoids, which contribute to the detoxification of the body, such as the release of free radicals or the cleaning of dead cells. Which takes away the heaviness of these and improves their regular oxygenating function. Which we can also appreciate in the way we feel lighter and healthier.
2. Antioxidant
Not only does it remove toxins from the body but it delays premature cellular aging, making it possible to enjoy healthy organs, including the brain, as it promotes connections and elasticity neuronal. Thus avoiding various types of diseases caused by oxidized cells, such as neuronal degeneration, cancer or bacterial infections.
3. Body discomfort
Thyme has a series of natural properties, rich in vitamins and minerals that act as anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, antimicrobial and antifungal that strengthen the system immunological. Favoring the prevention or improvement of various alterations of the body, such as infections caused by fungi and bacteria such as candidiasis or against general ailments such as inflammation, irritation and pain in the mouth, stomach or muscular.
Thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, thyme can be used as part of acne treatment. Since it relieves the pain caused by pimples, deflates the affected area, evens out the oil on the face and leaves it clean of any dirt. Creating an environment where toxins cannot flourish and infect the skin.
5. Regulates blood pressure
Regular consumption of thyme infusions can help not only lower blood pressure levels, but also keep it in balance. It is also very beneficial to calm tachycardias and high heart rates, the levels of tension and cholesterol of the internal organism.
6. Respiratory problems
Its properties also act as calming and regenerating, so its consumption during flu illnesses helps improve breathing. Keeping the airways free of phlegm, relieving nasal irritation and inflammation and fighting against the bacteria that cause it.
7. Against menstrual cramps
Indicated for both the symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome as to control the discomfort of the period. Thanks to its properties, it can relax the pelvic and abdominal muscles, reduce anxiety and relieve localized pain in other areas of the body, such as the back or the head.
8. Natural stimulant
Thanks to the carvacrol content, its soothing active ingredients and its delicious aroma, it is possible to use thyme both in infusions and aromatherapy to relax, leave worries behind and release stress daily. What intervenes in the improvement of the positive mood.
9. Against injuries
Smearing a little thyme essential oil on a sore, irritated, or inflamed area of the body can help relieve it and restore its elasticity and regular mobility. It is even indicated for people who suffer from a disease or muscle disorder such as arthritis or joint discomfort.
Other benefits of thyme
These are other common functions in which thyme can benefit us.
1. For the intimate area
The antifungal and antibacterial properties of thyme not only serve to fight infections and fungi on the skin, but also in our intimate area. Such as those caused by candidiasis or herpes, as well as allergies and irritations from the use of poorly fitting underwear, the use of compresses or condoms. It also facilitates the regulation of the adequate Ph of this area.
2. Beauty
Some experts in home cosmetics recommend adding thyme leaves to shampoo to strengthen our hair against the factors that cause its fall, as well as in the elimination of dandruff and the promotion of healthy growth of the hair. Others recommend creating a thyme-based shampoo directly.
You can also smear your hands to keep them hydrated and on your nails to help their growth and strengthening, as well as in treatment against fungus in the nails of the hands and feet.
3. Corporal hygiene
Following the recommendations of homemade cosmetics, you can make an antibacterial deodorant from thyme oil, also body creams or homemade perfumes. This is especially suitable for those who suffer from skin sensitivity or allergies from the use of regular cosmetic products.
4. Digestive tract
The daily infusion of thyme improves the function of the digestive and intestinal tract by eliminating the mucus lodged in it, as well as the reduction of inflammation of the abdomen caused by common disorders.
5. General fatigue
As it is a natural stimulant, it is possible to take it regularly for energy without the need for medication. As it relieves tension and lowers anxiety, it can help you focus better on your work by clearing your mind.
Extra tips
It is important that you take into account that the consumption of thyme can cause some side effects if you are pregnant or have a reaction caused by the use of thyme oil in natural cosmetic recipes. So if you notice any additional discomfort or that your health worsens instead of improving, discontinue its use and visit your doctor.