Thyme infusion: how to prepare it, and its health properties

Chamomile, rosemary, oregano or lavender are highly known and valued plants since the antiquity, which the human being has used in great diversity of ways throughout the story.

We probably recognize them mainly as a condiment at the gastronomic level, but they also have interesting medicinal properties. In addition to those previously mentioned, one of the most prominent and most common is thyme, which is used in a large number of presentations and formats. One of them is the thyme infusion, which we are going to talk about throughout this article.

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Thyme and thyme infusion: main properties

We call thyme a small aromatic plant or herb which is known at least since the Ancient Age, there are records of various uses given by Greeks and Egyptians. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, like rosemary or basil, and has a large number of existing varieties.

Thyme has been used historically in many different ways, for example as a cosmetic or flavoring (not in vain its name comes from the Greek word thymos, which refers to its powerful smell), in funeral rituals and especially as a condiment in the form of a spice, it is a plant that is predominantly found in the Mediterranean, being common in countries such as Spain or Greece.

It is also known for its medicinal properties, derived from the large number of essential components and different types of nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants or minerals.

Thyme can be used in many ways, being consumed both as a spice and in oils or even as an infusion. In the latter case, its preparation is extremely simple, as we will see below.

How to prepare an infusion?

Preparing a thyme infusion is relatively simple, requiring only infusion and water. Despite this occasionally other herbs are also added, such as rosemary. In addition, sugar, sweetener, honey or some type of element is also used to give the infusion a slightly sweeter flavor.

To prepare it, first of all you must proceed to put a sufficient amount of water (the exact amount can vary depending on the amount we want to make) in a pot or container and heat it over the fire, until boil. Once the water is boiling, add the thyme and let the mixture boil between ten and fifteen minutes. Once this is done, it is removed from the heat and left to rest. Finally, the mixture will be filtered and, if desired, the type of sweetener that is preferred is added.

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Its beneficial properties

Thyme infusion is a very common type of preparation, which, as we have said before, presents a series of very beneficial effects for health when taking advantage of and introducing it into the body the nutrients and healthy components of this plant.

It can be consumed by people of any age, including children, although there are some exceptions, as we will see later. Thus, infused thyme has a large number of interesting properties, some of which we will analyze below.

1. It is anti-inflammatory

The high amount of polyphenols in thyme causes this herb to have a clearly anti-inflammatory effect, being able to help reduce inflammation of injuries and wounds in addition to those of a bacterial infection.

2. Combat various respiratory problems

Thyme is commonly used when we have a respiratory problem, having many very useful properties to treat various annoying and painful conditions. And it is that it has a bronchodilator effect, which helps to open the lungs, at the same time as It is antitussive and antispasmodic, relaxing and relieving irritation of the airways. It also favors the expulsion of mucus and phlegm.

3. Reduces digestive problems

Thyme has been shown to be useful in treating gastrointestinal complaints, as well as reducing gas. It also increases the synthesis of gastric juices and reduces abdominal bloating..

4. Antiseptic and healing properties

Thanks to its multiple components, thyme has an important antiseptic effect, which is why its infusion is usually used poured over cloths or gauze to help clean and disinfect wounds cutaneous or even ocular. It also helps healing, favoring the recovery of injuries.

5. Antioxidant effect

Thyme also contains an interesting amount of flavonoids, substances which can be considered antioxidants. This makes it possible to reduce cellular aging and damage caused by free radicals, something that can affect both the skin, the organism, or even the brain.

6. Strengthens the immune system and helps fight anemia

In addition to its antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, thyme is very useful when it comes to strengthening the immune system, among other things for its high content of vitamins, iron and minerals. This makes it difficult for infections to appear and even allows to fight cases of anemia.

7. Reduces the pain and discomfort of premenstrual syndrome

Many women experience great discomfort during menstruation or during the period immediately preceding it, discomfort that can sometimes appear in the form of colic. Fortunately, the thyme infusion has a calming effect on these pains, partly also for its anti-inflammatory effects.

8. It is diuretic

In addition to all the above, thyme is a diuretic element that facilitates urination, something that in turn facilitates the elimination of harmful elements through urine and hinders infections in the genitourinary system.

9. Pain relieving

It has been observed that the infusion of thyme also has an effect on the psyche, having a relaxing effect that allows lower the level of arousal, tension and anxiety. In addition, it also reduces blood pressure.

Caution: it also has contraindications

The thyme infusion, as we have seen, is certainly a good help in different conditions due to its multiple medicinal properties. However, the truth is that it can also be harmful in some situations.

Specifically, it is recommended to avoid excessive consumption in those people with heart problems, as it can cause bradycardia, which in some cases can be dangerous.

It should also be avoided by those people with ulcers and chronic digestive problems, constipated people (could aggravate this situation) or allergies to this spice. Finally, its consumption should be avoided during pregnancy, since it can lead to contractions, spontaneous abortions or premature pregnancies. Neither during lactation, since the quantity and quality of milk decreases.

Bibliographic references:

• Morales Valverde, R. (1986). Taxonomy of the genera Thymus and Thymbra in the Iberian Peninsula. Monographs of the Royal Botanical Garden.