Thyme: what it is for and how to use

Thyme is an aromatic plant that in addition to being used in the kitchen to give flavor and aroma, also has medicinal properties in its leaves, flowers, and essential oil, which can be used to treat respiratory problems such as bronchitis and cough.

This medicinal plant is rich in flavonoids and antioxidant compounds, as well as vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and selenium, for example, which are essential for health. The scientific name of thyme is  Thymus vulgaris, it can be bought in its fresh or dehydrated form in natural products stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets. See other home remedies for cough.

What is it for

Thyme has several antioxidants, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties. For this reason, this plant provides various health benefits, these are:

• Fight bronchitis and asthma, improving symptoms such as cough and fever, also stimulating expectoration;
• Relieve cough, by containing properties that relax the muscles of the throat;
• Fight infections in the mouth and ear, through the use of its essential oil.

In addition to this, because it is rich in antioxidants, thyme consumption helps neutralize cell damage caused by free radicals, preventing early aging and improving diseases such as diabetes.

How to use Thyme

The parts used of thyme are its seeds, flowers, leaves, and essential oil, being able to use its fresh or dried leaves to season foods, prepare immersion baths or prepare a tea that can be used for drinking, gargling or inhaling.

1. Thyme Tea

To prepare the tea you should place 2 tablespoons of chopped leaves in a cup of boiling water and let stand for 10 minutes, strain and drink several times a day.

The use of essential oil should only be done externally on the skin since its consumption by mouth should only be done under medical guidance.

2. Baked Chicken Recipe with Thyme

Ingredients

• 1 lemon;
• 1 whole chicken;
• 1 large onion cut into four parts;
• 1 purple onion coarsely chopped;
• 4 cloves of garlic;
• 2 tablespoons olive oil;
• Salt and pepper to taste;
• 4 tablespoons melted butter;
• 4 bouquets of fresh thyme.

Preparation Mode

Grease a tray with a little olive oil or butter and place the chicken. Make several holes in the lemon with a fork and place inside the chicken. Add the onions and garlic around the chicken, water with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Butter the chicken and cover with the thyme branches.

Bring to the preheated oven at 190 ° C for 20 minutes. Increase the temperature to 200º C and bake for 30 more minutes or until the chicken skin is golden brown and its meat is cooked.


HOW TO PLANT AT HOME

Thyme can be easily planted in the house, withstanding variations in temperature and soil quality. Sowing should be done in a small pot with marinade, where the seeds are placed and buried slightly, and then covered with enough water to moisten the soil.

The land should be irrigated on alternate days, placing water just enough to be slightly damp, and it is important that the plant receives at least 3 hours of sunlight per day. The seeds germinate after 1 to 3 weeks and the plant will be well developed after 2 to 3 months of planting and can be used as specified in the kitchen or to produce teas.


Nutritional Composition

The table below shows the nutritional composition of fresh thyme per 100 grams:

Nutritional composition per 100 g

• Calories                 52 kcals
• Lipids                     1.2 g
• Protein                   1.5 g
• Carbohydrates       7.4 g
• Fiber                      3 g
• Vitamin B1            0.08 mg
• Vitamin B2            0.07 mg
• Vitamin B3            0.8 mg
• Vitamin A              102 mcg
• Vitamin C              160.1 mg
• Pyridoxine             0.34 mg
• Calcium                 310 mg
• Iron                        20 mg
• Magnesium            36 mg
• Zinc                        1 mg
• Beta carotene        610 mcg

Thyme Contraindications

Thyme is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in children under 6 years of age and patients with heart failure, enterocolitis, or in the post-surgical period, as it can delay blood clotting.

It should also be used with caution during menstruation, gastritis, ulcer, colitis, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, or in cases of liver disease.