14.10.2017

Today we will talk about thyme: what it is and what its benefits are, about the correct use in cooking, contraindications for use, and why many people think that this is the same as thyme. Thyme has a special place in cooking due to its excellent taste and appetizing aroma, but did you know that it is one of the healthiest foods in the world? Nutrients in its composition have unique preventive and therapeutic properties, but in some cases can cause harm to health. Read about all this below.

What is thyme?

Thyme is a spicy herb with long, thin twigs and tiny spear-shaped green leaves, and is used as a condiment that adds a sharp, woody-citrus flavor to dishes and a strong aroma.

When cooking, both leaves and whole stems are used.

It is one of the most versatile herbs. Depending on the specific thyme variety, aromas of lemon, mint, cumin, or even orange can be obtained.

Used in cooking throughout the world, especially in France, Italy and the Mediterranean.

What does thyme look like - photo

general description

Thyme originally grew in southern Europe and the Mediterranean regions.

Botanically, it belongs to the family Lamiaceae, in the genus Thymus.

It is a perennial evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Africa. It has a thin woody base and square stems with small, light green, slightly curved fragrant leaves.

The plant reaches 15 to 30 cm in height. Small lilac or white colored flowers appear in summer.

Are thyme and thyme the same or are there differences?

There are over 300 varieties of thyme, and many are so closely related in appearance that they are difficult to tell apart and are often confused. In cooking, Thymus vulgaris is the most common - common thyme (or French, fragrant, incense, incense, incense).

Common thyme is mistakenly called thyme, but it is not the same plant.

The name "thyme" refers to another species of Thymus serpyllum - creeping thyme or Bogorodskaya grass.

Creeping thyme can also be used as a seasoning, like other types and varieties:

• lemon-smelling (lemon);
• flea;
• Siberian;
• subarctic;
• Japanese.

How thyme is obtained

The collection of greens (twigs) of thyme is carried out before flowering.

Taste and smell

Thyme has a spicy, woody flavor with hints of citrus and mint. In its warm aroma, hints of pine and mint are felt.

How to choose thyme

Both fresh and dried thyme are available at major grocery stores. Purchase fresh whenever possible, as it outperforms dry in terms of nutrition and flavor.

The leaves of fresh thyme should be light green, with no dark spots or yellowing parts.

How and how much to store thyme

Keep fresh thyme in a plastic bag in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator. So it will retain its properties and aroma for one to two weeks.

Keep dried thyme in a tightly sealed glass container and store in a cool, dark and dry place for up to six months.

Hardy, evergreen thyme is perfect for freezing. If you grow this spice yourself, you can freeze it to enjoy the fresh taste of this spice all year round. How to do it:

1. Arrange the thyme sprigs on a small baking sheet and place in the freezer.
2. Then put the frozen greens in bags and put them in the refrigerator again until completely frozen. Use as needed.

Chemical composition

Thyme is rich in phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins that are essential for maintaining health.

Nutritional value of fresh thyme (Thymus vulgaris) per 100 g.

Name	Quantity	Percentage of the daily norm,%
Energy value (calorie content)	101 kcal	5
Carbohydrates	24.45 g	18
Squirrels	5.56 g	10
Fats	1.68 g	8,4
dietary fiber	14.0 g	37
folate	45 mcg	11
Niacin	1.824 mg	11
Pantothenic acid	0.409 mg	8
Pyridoxine	0.348 mg	27
Riboflavin	0.471 mg	36
Thiamine	0.48 mg	4
Vitamin A	4751 IU	158
Vitamin C	160.1 mg	266
Sodium	9 mg	0,5
Potassium	609 mg	13
Calcium	405 mg	40,5
Iron	17.45 mg	218
Magnesium	160 mg	40
Manganese	1.719 mg	75
Zinc	1.81 mg	16,5
Carotene-ß	2851 mcg	-

Physiological role

Thyme has such a therapeutic effect on the body as:

• antispasmodic;
• carminative;
• antiseptic;
• stimulating;
• tonic;
• painkiller;
• antidepressant;
• disinfectant;
• antivirus.

Health Benefits of Thyme

Thyme contains many active substances that promote health and prevent disease.

It contains thymol, one of the important essential oils, which has antiseptic and antifungal properties. Other volatile oils in thyme include carvacrol, borneol, and geraniol.

This spice contains many flavonoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein, apigenin, naringenin, luteolin and thymonin.

Fresh thyme has one of the highest levels of antioxidants among herbs.

Thyme is literally filled with minerals and vitamins: its leaves are one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium and selenium. Potassium is an essential component of cells and body fluids that help control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is important for the formation of red blood cells.

Thyme is also rich in B vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamins A, K, E, C, and folic acid.

Thyme provides 0.35 mg of vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, which is about 27% of the daily recommended intake. It supports GABA, the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Vitamin C helps the human body resist infections and scavenges harmful free radicals.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that is essential for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin, as well as supporting vision. Consuming natural foods rich in flavonoids, such as vitamin A and beta-carotene, helps protect the body from lung and oral cancer.

Thyme essential oil is often used for aromatic and therapeutic purposes due to its content of the active substance carvacrol.

Contraindications (harm) of thyme

Since thyme contains a large amount of thymol, it cannot be used for medicinal purposes in diseases of the kidneys and heart, duodenal ulcers and stomach ulcers, especially at the stage of exacerbation.
It is contraindicated in pregnant women, as it can provoke uterine tone.

Children under two years of age should not be given thyme preparations in the treatment of any disease.

Using thyme in small amounts as a spice will not cause harm, except for people who are allergic to it.

The use of thyme in cooking

The aroma of thyme blends beautifully with other herbs, which is why it is present in many spice blends. For example, it combines successfully with rosemary, marjoram, parsley, oregano, and bay leaf.

Thyme is commonly used to flavor meats, fish, soups, stocks, sauces, breads and vegetable dishes, making it a very versatile seasoning. It is also used for cheeses, lentils and even tea.

How much and when to add thyme to dishes

Thyme gives intense flavor to dishes, so it is added in small quantities. Usually, culinary experts advise putting it at the beginning of cooking, but in the case of prolonged heat treatment, it is better to do this at the final stages to prevent the essential oils from evaporating.

Fresh thyme can be used whole with the stem or just the leaves.

• To remove the leaves from a sprig of fresh thyme, simply hold it on top with one hand, pinch the bottom with the other, and run your fingers down the stem. Leaves separate easily. They are so small that they usually do not require grinding.
• If the recipe calls for a "sprig" of thyme, then the leaves and stem should be used together, intact. When you add a whole sprig to soups, stews, or other dishes, the leaves will usually fall off during the cooking process, and the stem can be removed later.

What are thyme used for?

Here are some ideas for adding thyme:

• in potatoes and zucchini;
• in tomatoes and beans;
• for marinating chicken, fish and meat;
• when pickling cucumbers and tomatoes;
• for fried meat and steaks;
• for the preparation of a tea drink;
• in soups and sauces;
• as one of the ingredients of a bouquet garni;
• it pairs well with eggs, tomatoes, and cheese, making it a great addition to omelettes.

Dry thyme (in powder) goes with stews, especially lamb, steaks, rice and pasta, egg and chicken dishes. It is introduced into the composition of the so-called light sauces.

Thyme Tea - Recipe

Thyme tea is a popular health drink. It has many medicinal properties for people suffering from chronic diseases, respiratory infections, obesity, muscle tension, menstrual cramps, insomnia, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, indigestion and constipation. This is due to the high content of vitamins A and C, copper, iron, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, pyridoxine and other strong antioxidant compounds.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves;
• 2 cups water (filtered);
• 1 teaspoon of honey;
• 1 slice of lemon.

How to cook:

1. Bring the water to a boil and immediately turn off the heat.
2. Add dried thyme leaves and cover.
3. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes.
4. Pour the tea into a cup, add honey and a slice of lemon (optional) and enjoy! 1-2 cups per day is more than enough.

Despite the health benefits of thyme tea, there are some contraindications to drink that you need to consider before adding this delicious drink to your diet:

• Allergy. As with any herb, some people can have allergic reactions to thyme, especially if they already have it to other plants in the Lamiaceae family, including rosemary, mint, and oregano.
• Pregnancy. Most experts say this tea should be avoided during pregnancy as it can stimulate menstruation and lead to early miscarriage. Also, women who are breastfeeding are advised not to drink this powerful herbal drink.
• Problems with heart. Studies have shown that people with heart conditions may experience negative side effects if they drink excessive amounts of thyme tea.

Delicious Thyme Potatoes - Recipe

Here is a very simple, but tasty and very fragrant dish, it takes about 45 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 0.5 kg potatoes, washed and peeled;
• salt and pepper to taste;
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese;
• a tablespoon of thyme leaves;
• 25 g vegetable oil.

How to cook:

1. Slice potatoes into 3 cm thick slices.
2. Soak in chilled water to prevent oxidation.
3. Drain the water.
4. Season the sliced ​​potatoes with salt, pepper, thyme and nutmeg.
5. Arrange a layer of chopped potatoes in a greased baking dish.
6. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and thyme.
7. Continue doing the same for 3-4 layers.
8. Sprinkle parmesan cheese and thyme on top.
9. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes at 180C.

How to make garlic and thyme spiced butter - video

How to replace thyme in recipes

There are several herbs that can replace thyme. Try one of these substitutes:

• savory;
• marjoram;
• oregano.

They are closest to the intended flavor. You will need the same amount as in the recipe.

Rosemary - although a relative of thyme, it is not a good substitute as it is spicier and will outshine all other flavors in your dish.

When replacing dried thyme with fresh thyme, use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh thyme called for in the recipe. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh leaves, use 1 teaspoon of dried leaves.

So, you have received information about what thyme is, what determines its medicinal properties, how to buy and store it, what dishes it is used in, and much more. Extremely fragrant and healthy, it deserves to be tasted.

In the world of spices, there are many different spices with their own history, unique taste characteristics, aromas and scope. Cooks cannot do without spices: with their help, they give dishes new shades, enhance the taste and create magnificent masterpieces from the usual set of products. Many professionals prefer to add it to dishes, but it is less common in home use. However, many readers want to know where to add thyme seasoning, as well as its taste, properties, and combination with foods. In our article, you can also learn how fresh and dry thyme is used in medicine and cosmetology.

What is thyme?

Thyme also has a second popular name - thyme. In different places, it is also called Bogorodskaya grass, upland pepper, verest, greed, swan, lemon flavor, incense. It is a low growing aromatic shrub or semi-shrub. This is an essential oil plant, consisting of phenolic compounds - thymol, carvacrol and others.

Most housewives appreciate it as a spice. The leaves of the plant, which are located on thin stems, are considered a spicy additive. Small leaves of thyme have a rigid structure, an oblong shape, slightly reminiscent of leather plates. Later in the article you will learn where to add fresh and dry thyme. The seasoning has a pronounced aroma and a bitter spicy taste.

The ancient Greeks grew this plant in the temples of the goddess Aphrodite. They considered it a symbol of courage and strength. And this is no accident. The fragrant spice is also very beneficial for human health. It contains a lot of essential oils, resins, mineral and organic salts, flavonoids. Because of such a rich composition, it is often included in many medicinal folk remedies. Thyme is harvested in Turkey and in European countries - Poland, the Czech Republic, Greece.

Types of thyme

The most common type of thyme is creeping or common thyme. In addition to it, culinary specialists also use lemon and caraway plants. Each of them has its own peculiarity, thanks to which the taste of the dish is favorably emphasized. The pronounced spicy taste of common thyme is combined with many products.

Caraway thyme is considered more rare, but it gives dishes a special piquancy, goes well with meat, chicken and fish. The wild lemon variety has a citrus flavor that is especially suitable for desserts and seafood.

About 170 species of thyme grow in Russia and neighboring countries. The most common types of plants: creeping, flea, Ural, Siberian. Also found Crimean, Dagestan and Kyrgyz. Where is thyme added?

How is thyme used?

Many are interested in knowing not only where thyme can be added, but also in what form. To get the most out of all its taste and aroma, it is better to use fresh twigs. But since this product is not always on store shelves, many people use it in dried form. The advantages of seasoning do not change from this. It takes time to reveal the aroma of thyme, so it is added to the dish at the very beginning of cooking. Dry leaves are stored in glass, tightly closed jars in a dark place. Thyme seed oil is also used in medicine and cosmetology.

Where and how much to add thyme seasoning?

The use of thyme in cooking is very wide. Now we will talk about where to add thyme to food. Often experiments are carried out with this seasoning and it is used even in the preparation of desserts. Here is a list of dishes to which dry and fresh thyme can be added:

Great addition to salads, fish and soups

We have listed above where thyme is added. In addition to the above dishes with thyme, there are also the following:

Tea with thyme

Where else is dried thyme added? It, like fresh thyme, is great for making tea, because it is an essential oil herb with a large amount of phenolic compounds and a number of other components. How does thyme tea work on the body:

Try making thyme tea. Pour boiling water over a few branches of the bush, bring to a boil. Add some honey after cooling and enjoy the spicy drink.

The combination of spices and its replacement with others

With certain products, thyme is used as an independent spice, but it can also be combined with other seasonings: oregano, bay leaf, parsley, rosemary, marjoram, tarragon, lavender. Thyme will be a great addition to cheeses, beans, carrots, eggplant, chicken, rabbit, pork, mushrooms, potatoes, tomatoes, apples, honey, pears.

Thyme is considered a unique seasoning. What if you suddenly did not have a chance to purchase this spice? You can replace it with marjoram or oregano (oregano).

Where is fresh thyme added for medicinal purposes?

In ancient times, thyme was considered a divine herb, returning to a person not only health, but also life. The ancient Greeks sniffed it like tobacco. Thyme herb is rich in essential oils, tannins and bitter substances, gum, flavonoids, mineral and organic salts. It contains many vitamins of groups A, B, C, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, zinc and iron.

Thyme is a good antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antispasmodic, and it also has a slight hypnotic effect. No wonder it is used in traditional medicine. It is suitable for the preparation of decoctions, infusions, baths. It alleviates the condition of bronchitis, removes phlegm, has expectorant properties. It is sometimes used as a sedative and anticonvulsant.

Essential oils are widely used in cosmetology. It is a great helper in strengthening hair and nails, so it is included in shampoos, lotions and balms.

In the article we discuss thyme - useful properties and contraindications for use. You will learn what thyme herb heals and how it is used in traditional medicine, cosmetology and cooking. Following our advice, you will learn how to prepare infusions and decoctions of the plant. We will tell you how to drink thyme for cough, pressure, female diseases, prostatitis and alcoholism.

Thyme is a genus of perennial essential oil shrubs and shrubs of the Lamiaceae family (lat. Lamiaceae). The Latin name is Thymus. Thyme is also known as thyme. The plant is used in folk medicine, cosmetology, perfumery and cooking. This is a good honey plant.

Appearance (photo) thyme

Thyme has woody erect or creeping shoots. The shrub is strongly branched, grows up to 30 cm in height.

The leaves are hard, rounded, ovate or oblong. They are located on short petioles.

On the tops of the shoots, capitate or elongated pink-lilac inflorescences are formed. The flowering period is from June to August, depending on the region. In appearance, thyme inflorescences look like oregano. These plants are often confused. Read more about how to distinguish them in the article - Thyme and oregano are one and the same.

Fruits are boxes with small black-brown nuts of a spherical or ellipsoidal shape. They ripen from August to September.

Thyme is widely distributed in the wild. It grows almost throughout Europe, Central Asia, North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Caucasus. The plant is found in the steppes, forests, tundra, on rocky slopes.

Chemical composition

Thyme contains:

• essential oils;
• gum;
• B vitamins;
• vitamin C;
• tannins;
• ursolic acid;
• oleic acid;
• bitterness;
• terpenes;
• triterpenoids;
• organic pigments;
• minerals.

Due to its rich composition, thyme has a lot of useful properties. We will tell you more about the medicinal properties of thyme herb and contraindications for use.

The healing properties of thyme

Today, the beneficial properties of thyme herb have been studied quite well, so it is widely used in herbal medicine.. The plant is used to treat diseases of the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems, the musculoskeletal system and skin diseases.

Thyme is used as a sedative. When taken regularly, the plant has a sedative effect, normalizes sleep, and also eliminates increased nervous excitability.

Thyme has anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic effects. Plant-based products are used as antipyretic drugs.

Thyme is used to treat bronchopulmonary diseases. The plant has a powerful expectorant and bronchodilatory effect.

Thyme has a beneficial effect on the digestive system. It normalizes the microflora in the intestines, increases appetite, eliminates intestinal obstruction and flatulence.

Useful thyme for the kidneys and genitourinary system. It has antispasmodic and analgesic effects in urolithiasis, cystitis and pyelonephritis.

Plant-based products are used externally to treat wounds and burns. Thyme has antiseptic, disinfectant and wound healing effects.

For women

The beneficial properties of thyme on the body extend to the reproductive system. Means based on the plant normalize the female hormonal background, eliminate pain during menstruation and effectively cope with inflammatory diseases of the genital organs.

The plant is often used in dietetics. Why do women who want to lose weight drink thyme? The plant helps food to digest faster, normalizes metabolic processes in the body and removes toxins.

For men

Why do men need thyme? The plant contains selenium and molybdenum, necessary for men's health. They increase potency and improve spermatogenesis.

Thyme is used to prevent and treat prostatitis. Means based on it quickly relieve inflammation, improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs and have a diuretic effect.

For kids

Has thyme beneficial properties for children. Baths with a decoction of the plant gently calm the child's nervous system and normalize sleep. Thyme syrup effectively copes with whooping cough - the drug quickly eliminates paroxysmal cough and relieves spasms of the larynx.

You have learned the beneficial properties and uses of thyme for men, women and children. Now we will tell you how the plant is used in cooking.

Thyme in cooking

In cooking, fresh and dried thyme are used.

In cooking, fresh or dried thyme leaves are used as a seasoning. The plant has a bitter taste and a spicy aroma. The spice is added to dishes from meat, fish, vegetables, used in conservation and baking. Thyme emphasizes the taste of cheese, mushrooms, honey, apples, lentils and beans.

Thyme is included in spice mixtures, such as Provence herbs. The spice is combined with bay leaf, rosemary, tarragon, oregano, lavender, parsley and marjoram.

Thyme in cosmetology

Thyme-based products are used for skin and hair care. In cosmetology, decoctions, infusions and thyme oil are used.

Thyme tightens loose skin, tightens pores and eliminates puffiness. Based on the plant, face masks and lotions are made.

For hair care at home, rinse solutions and hair masks are prepared. Thyme infusion is added to shampoos and balms. We will tell you what thyme is used for in cosmetology.

Compress for the face

Means based on thyme have an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect on the skin of the face. With regular cosmetic procedures, they normalize the metabolic processes of skin cells, reduce its fat content and swelling.

Ingredients:

1. Thyme - 1 tablespoon.
2. Water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Pour the thyme with a glass of boiling water, cover and let it brew for 30 minutes.

How to use: Moisten a cloth base for masks or gauze in the resulting infusion, wring out and apply to the face. Wet the wipe every 5 minutes. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.

Result: Compress tightens pores, tones the skin and removes excess fluid.

Hair rinses

A decoction of the plant is used to rinse the hair. It nourishes and strengthens curls, eliminates split ends. Eliminates dandruff with regular use.

Ingredients:

1. Thyme - 5 gr.
2. Nettle - 5 gr.
3. Hop cones - 5 gr.
4. Birch leaf - 5 gr.
5. Water - 1 liter.

How to cook: Pour dry herbs with water, put in a water bath and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from heat, cover and infuse for 30 minutes.

How to use: Wash your hair with regular shampoo and rinse your hair with the resulting decoction. Repeat the procedure 2 times a week.

Result: The product strengthens hair follicles, prevents baldness and makes curls more manageable and silky.

Thyme in folk medicine

In folk medicine, tea, decoctions and infusions are made with thyme.

Having considered the medicinal properties of the plant, it became clear how useful thyme herb is. It has a beneficial effect on all body systems. Means based on thyme increase immunity.

The healing properties of thyme affect the musculoskeletal system. Means based on it are used to treat diseases of the joints. At the same time, they are taken orally and applied externally in the form of compresses and rubbing to enhance the therapeutic effect. Thyme is used to treat rheumatism, radiculitis, sciatica.

At home, infusions, decoctions and tea are prepared from thyme. Depending on the disease, they are taken orally or used externally. We will tell you how and from what they drink thyme in folk medicine.

Cough and bronchitis syrup

The beneficial properties of thyme herb are widely used not only in folk, but also in official medicine. The plant is part of the pharmaceutical preparation for coughing - Pertussin.

At home, an infusion, decoction or syrup based on a plant will help to cope with a strong cough. Thyme has an expectorant, antispasmodic and disinfectant action. Read more in the article - Thyme for cough.

Ingredients:

1. Fresh thyme - 1 bunch.
2. Water - 450 ml.
3. Garlic - 5 cloves.
4. Honey - 300 gr.

How to cook: Rinse the herbs and flowers of thyme under running water, spread them on a towel, let dry. Cut the grass into large pieces, fill with water and put on a minimum fire. Simmer until the water is reduced by half, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the drink from heat, cool and strain. Add garlic juice and honey to it, mix. If the syrup is intended for children, then it is better not to add garlic. Store in a closed jar in the refrigerator.

How to use: Take 1 teaspoon 2 times a day.

Result: The syrup dilutes phlegm, removes it and relieves spasms of the larynx.

Infusion of pressure

Thyme dilates blood vessels and relieves their spasms. An infusion of the plant is used to treat hypertension.

Ingredients:

1. Dry thyme - 15 gr.
2. Fireweed - 10 gr.
3. Chamomile - 5 gr.
4. Water - 1 liter.

How to cook: Pour dry ingredients with a liter of boiling water, cover, warm with a towel and leave for 45-60 minutes.

How to use: Take ¼ cup 3 times a day.

Result: Infusion normalizes the cardiovascular system, lowers blood pressure and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.

Tea for women's diseases

Tea with thyme normalizes the hormonal background of a woman, eliminates mood swings and has an analgesic effect during PMS. The drink is taken to treat inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system. Read more in the article - Tea with thyme benefits.

Ingredients:

1. Leaves or flowers of thyme - 1 teaspoon.
2. Water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Brew dry thyme with a glass of boiling water, insist for 10-15 minutes. Strain the finished tea through a strainer.

How to use: Take 1 glass 3 times a day.

Result: Tea effectively eliminates inflammatory processes, normalizes hormonal levels, improves mood.

Decoction of prostatitis

Thyme has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects. A decoction of the plant is used for infectious diseases of the genitourinary system. The tool eliminates swelling, pain and facilitates urination.

Ingredients:

1. Thyme - 2 tablespoons.
2. Water - 100 ml.

How to cook: Pour dry thyme leaves with water, put in a water bath and bring to a boil. Boil the product for 10 minutes, then remove from the stove and insist under the lid for at least 2 hours.

How to use: Take 50 ml of decoction 2 times a day before meals.

Result: The product relieves inflammation, eliminates pain and increases potency.

Infusion from alcoholism

Thyme infusion contains thymol, which provokes bouts of nausea when in contact with alcohol. The remedy causes an aversion to alcohol.

Ingredients:

1. Thyme - 15 gr.
2. Water - 500 ml.

How to cook: Pour the thyme with 250 ml of water, put on the stove, bring to a boil and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, drain liquid and squeeze out leaves. Fill them with a second glass of water, after boiling it. Infuse the remedy for 30 minutes.

How to use: Take 50-70 ml of infusion 3-5 times a day. The course of treatment is from 1 to 2 weeks.

Result: With regular use, thyme infusion develops a strong aversion to alcohol. The patient develops nausea at the smell of alcohol.

You learned the beneficial properties of thyme and its use in traditional medicine. Now let's talk about contraindications to the use of plant-based products. Indeed, despite the mass of useful properties, thyme herb can have a negative effect on the body with an independent increase in the dosage or course of administration.

For more information about thyme, see the video:

Contraindications and possible harm

Contraindications to the use of thyme-based products:

• gastritis;
• stomach or duodenal ulcer;
• diabetes;
• individual intolerance.

Thyme-based products should be taken with caution in asthma and tuberculosis. The expectorant effect of the plant can provoke a complication of these diseases.

Taking funds based on thyme during pregnancy and lactation is possible only after consultation with a specialist. With self-medication, the plant can adversely affect the development of the baby. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage and tell you how to take thyme correctly. Read more in the articles - Thyme for pregnant women and Thyme for breastfeeding.

What to remember

1. The medicinal properties of thyme are widely used not only in folk, but also in official medicine.
2. The beneficial properties of thyme herb and contraindications for use lie in the chemical composition of the plant.
3. Despite the mass of useful properties, thyme herb has a number of contraindications and can have a negative effect on the body with an independent increase in the dosage or course of administration.

The strongest (from Latin Thymus, Greek thymon - strength) spice - thyme!
Thyme (Thymus) is a genus of strongly fragrant shrubs of the Lamiaceae family (Labiatae), also known as thyme, thyme, Bogorodskaya grass, mainland.
More than 400 types of thyme are known, the most commonly used are Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpillum).

Use in cooking spices thyme

Thyme leaves are used in cooking. They are tough in thyme, almost leathery, short-leaved, with oblong-shaped plates.

The best cooks use thyme as a seasoning, preferring naturally to add the fresh herb, which unfortunately is not always possible. A tablespoon of fresh thyme is equivalent to a teaspoon of dry thyme.

Thyme has a pleasant strong smell, sharp, strongly spicy bitter taste.

As a spice, fragrant, vitamin-rich thyme leaves are used. It improves the taste, informs the aroma, gives bitterness. It remains one of the leading spices in baking. Improves the smell and taste of vegetable dishes, especially potatoes and cabbage.
Thyme, as a seasoning for fatty foods, not only greatly improves and enriches the taste, but also facilitates its digestion.

It can be said that it is simply necessary when cooking potatoes fried in lard, pork, lamb, fish, meat pates (from pork). They are seasoned with poultry (goose, duck), game, offal dishes. Thyme is also used in cooking oily fish.
Thyme is combined with egg dishes, cheeses. Undeniable is its popularity in smoked foods, no spice enhances the flavor of lentil, pea and bean soup like thyme. In fresh and dried form, thyme is used for pickling cucumbers, tomatoes, squash.

Leaves are added to salads, borscht, vegetable soups, chicken broths. This spice is indispensable in the manufacture of fish dishes, game. Cheeses are flavored with thyme, it is added to sauces, marinades, fried dishes (potatoes, mushrooms, eggplants), added to spicy mixtures, put when pickling vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, etc.), healing teas and aromatic drinks are prepared with it. .
The leaves are used as a spice in cooking, canning and alcoholic beverage industries.
Feel free to add Bogorodsk herb to various dishes, but keep in mind that due to the high thymol content, thyme can irritate the stomach, liver and kidneys. Therefore, if you suffer from peptic ulcer, then treat thyme with caution.
An unusual piquancy to meat dishes is also given by a rather rare appearance - caraway thyme. It is great paired with garlic and wine (an inseparable pair of Mediterranean cuisine), and is best paired with fish and fried chicken.
But a subspecies of wild thyme is quite common in cooking - lemon thyme with pronounced tones of lemon. Its tiny, heart-shaped leaves go particularly well with seafood and sweet dishes.
It is interesting to use lemon thyme in the classic French (Gascon) product Confit (confit) - a kind of canned duck, goose or pork.
Fresh and dried leaves, young shoots of all types of thyme are used as marjoram in pea and bean dishes, as well as in the manufacture of sausages. Thyme is one of the main aromatic herbs in French cuisine and is a must-have in spice mixes, bouquet garni and herbs of Provence.
In Spain, Greece, Turkey, thyme oil is used for pickling olives. Thyme is not only popular in Europe, it is also an ingredient in the Jordanian condiment zakhtar, an Egyptian dukka condiment. In Central Europe, thyme is added to soups and egg dishes, and in the cuisine of the US state of Louisiana, it is added to the famous Creole dishes "gambo" (gumbo) and "jambalaya" (jambalaya).
The aerial part of the plant before fruiting is used in the production of drinks. Leaves and young shoots of thyme are used as a salad, for pickling cucumbers. They serve to flavor sausages, vinegar, cocktails, tea. For these purposes, fresh and dry leaves are used.

Store dried thyme (thyme) in a dry, dark place in tightly closed porcelain or glassware.
Thyme fully reveals its aroma during prolonged heat treatment, so it is placed at the very beginning of cooking.
An excellent spicy seasoning for stir-fry is made from thyme and rosemary with the addition of salt.
Thyme is good to use when combined with pepper, this enhances its flavor.
In the form of a powder, it goes in large doses to all kinds of fish dishes and minced fish. When frying fish, thyme is mixed in large quantities with breading (with flour 1: 2). In addition, cheese is sprinkled with thyme, and it is also used in the preparation of homemade cheeses. It also goes well with vegetables.
Thyme is added to liquid dishes 15 - 20 minutes before readiness, in the rest - in the process of cooking.
Thyme is appreciated by lovers of vegetarian dishes. It is added to fried potatoes, mushrooms, scrambled eggs, eggplant, put in pickling, salting. Drinks with this plant are very fragrant.

In everyday life, thyme is used as a spice for salting, urinating, as a seasoning for vegetables, meat, fish and other dishes, for flavoring sausages. Sauces, cheese, jelly, tea.
In Italy, thyme is used to pickle olives.
If you lay clothes in the closet for them, he scares away the moth.
Thyme essential oil is used in perfumery and canning industry. Thyme is a valuable honey plant.

Use in medicine spices thyme
Since ancient times, thyme has been revered as a divine herb that can restore not only health, but also life to a person. The ancient Greeks used it for fainting in the form of snuff.

Thyme grass (thyme) contains 0.1-0.6% essential oil, tannins and bitter substances, gum, resin, flavonoids, organic, mineral salts. Green thyme leaves are rich in vitamin C, minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium).
Thyme essential oil is a colorless or light yellow liquid with a strong pleasant odor, which includes thymol (20-40%), corvacol, tannins, bitterness, serpilin, etc.
The presence of thymol and other components makes thyme a bactericidal, antimicrobial agent. Numerous preparations rich in thymol are used as an antihelminthic, disinfectant and analgesic.
Thyme is used in folk medicine for gargling, for whooping cough and bronchitis, joint pain, heart pain, sciatica, and neuralgic diseases.
It is believed that thyme decoctions dissolve mucus in bronchial asthma. It is used in the manufacture of powders, cough tablets (thyme is a component of Pictusin), tinctures to calm nerves, etc.
You can simply rub fresh leaves in your hands and breathe in their aroma, since it is thyme essential oils that have antibacterial properties.
In order to fight microbes, thyme essential oil is added to an aroma lamp, bath or inhalation solution. It is best to use fresh thyme. If this is difficult - take medications, you need to store thyme in a sealed container. If dry thyme has lost its characteristic smell, then the essential oils have evaporated from it and the healing effect has weakened.
Thyme helps digest fatty foods. It provides significant assistance in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, is a choleretic, blood-purifying, diuretic. The indisputable effect of thyme in insomnia has been noted.
Thymol, originally isolated from thyme, as well as decoctions and powder in folk medicine, are used as dressings for sciatica, inflammation of the sciatic nerve. In the form of a decoction or ointment on honey, it "purifies the chest and lungs", promotes expectoration and soothes pain. Thyme aids in digestion. As a bath, thyme is useful for nervous diseases, radiculitis, rheumatism, skin rashes, diseases of the joints, muscles. As an external rubbing agent, mixtures containing thyme essential oil are used.
For gargling and mouth thyme is used for stomatitis and gingivitis.
Phenolic compounds contained in thyme irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, increase the secretion of the digestive glands, and therefore are used in the treatment of chronic gastritis with low acidity.
However, it should be noted that thymol is contraindicated in cardiac decompensation, liver and kidney diseases, gastric ulcer, and pregnancy. Thymol can cause hyperthyroidism.
Thyme increases blood pressure, and the effect develops gradually and persists for a long time, so the use of a prescription with thyme is contraindicated in hypertensive patients.
In the list of diseases in which thyme helps: enterocolitis, fermentopathy, dyskinesia of the gastrointestinal tract, dysbacteriosis. They have thyme infusions and a mild diuretic effect. In kidney diseases, thyme infusions taken orally also act as a mild pain reliever.
A thyme bath has a strengthening effect on the nervous system. Baths with thyme are also very useful for the treatment of gynecological diseases. But such baths are contraindicated at high body temperature, high blood pressure, severe heart failure.
Thyme oil serves as a source of thymol, widely used for disinfection of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, pharynx; is part of Hartmann's liquid, used in dental practice as an anesthetic, is an antifungal agent for fungal skin diseases (in particular, for actinomycosis). Thymol also has an antihelminthic effect, it is used to treat helminthic invasions (in the treatment of ankylostomiasis, trichuriasis and necatoriasis). Sometimes thymol is prescribed orally as an astringent for gastrointestinal disorders and flatulence.
In folk medicine, the plant was used as a diuretic, anticonvulsant and sedative, for whooping cough, neuralgia, stomach cramps. In the form of ointments and lotions, thyme was used for rheumatism, as a wound healer for skin diseases. A powder prepared from the herb serves as a snuff for fainting.
Thyme herb, harvested during the flowering period, has sedative, analgesic, antispasmodic, disinfectant, wound healing and aromatic properties. It is used for hypertension, atherosclerosis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for therapeutic baths and douching.
The use of Bogorodskaya grass can create an aversion to alcohol.
Ancient Tajik medicine considered thyme an antidote for poisonous insect bites, an antiemetic and a remedy for pain in the abdomen and uterus.

Description spices thyme
The homeland of this medicinal and aromatic plant is the Mediterranean, where it grows on rocky wastelands and in evergreen shrub forests. Hundreds of thyme species of the genus Thymus of the labiate family (Labiatae) grow almost throughout Eurasia, North Africa, the Canary Islands and even Greenland.
Thyme (thyme) is a perennial shrub. The stems are numerous, creeping, thin, rooting, woody at the base with age and form erect or ascending flowering shoots 15-20 cm high. The leaves are petiolate, small, opposite, entire, oblong-oval, hard with protruding glands. The flowers are small, pinkish-purple, collected at the ends of the branches in inflorescences. The fruit is a small, spherical, smooth black nut.
Grows in dry open sandy places, on hills, near shrubs, in dry pine forests. Thyme is cultivated in Europe and the USA as medicinal, decorative, spicy and aromatic. In Russia, wild creeping thyme is harvested in the Stavropol, Krasnodar Territories and in the Rostov Region. 6 domestic varieties of thyme have been registered.
Thyme (thyme) - undemanding to soils, drought-resistant, winter-hardy plant. Under it, areas well-lit by the sun, closed from cold winds, with fertile, loose, neutral soil of light or medium mechanical composition, free from weeds, should be allocated.
Thyme (thyme) is propagated by seeds and vegetatively by dividing the bushes.
Thyme greens are dried during the summer (in July-August, cutting flowering shoots with a knife or scissors), starting from the second year of life.
For medicinal purposes, flowering shoots are cut. The fruits are harvested for seeds in the third year of life, when they turn brown. Thyme herb tied in bunches or spread out is dried in partial shade in the air. In dryers, the temperature should not exceed 35°C (as for all raw materials containing essential oils).

It is necessary to grind the greens and grind the seeds immediately before use, so that the aroma and smell do not disappear. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place.

The plant is very fragrant, earlier it was used as an integral part of incense during worship. The plant is one of the best honey plants. Bees collect unusually fragrant honey from thyme.

Thyme is easy to grow at home, for example, in a container on a balcony or on a windowsill with medium watering.

Story spices thyme
The first written mention of thyme dates back to the third millennium BC. e. (cuneiform tablets were found with a recipe for a poultice of pears, figs and thyme) - the ancient Sumerians used it as an antiseptic.
The ancient Egyptians used thyme as one ingredient in the complex process of embalming. They also used the thyme herb for leprosy and paralysis.
The name thyme comes from the Greek thymiama (incense, fragrant smoking) - the Greeks dedicated it to Aphrodite and burned it in the temples of the goddess. The fragrant smoke rising to the sky meant that the goddess accepted the sacrifice.
It has long been believed that thyme gives courage, and another assumption of the origin of the name is from the Greek thymon - strength. Still later, there was the Latin Thymus - strength, and Roman soldiers took baths with thyme before the battle to raise vitality and courage.
The Scottish highlanders drank tea with wild thyme for the same purpose. The glory of the plant as a symbol of courage has passed through the centuries - in medieval Europe, ladies gave a sprig of thyme and embroidered it on the shirts of their knights in the hope that thyme would give them courage in battle and remind them.
Theophrastus and Avicenna wrote about the properties of thyme, who included thyme seeds in complex medicines based on honey, vinegar, oil or wine, along with seeds of cumin, celery, parsley, mint, valerian, hyssop, asafoetida and garlic.

An old Irish legend says: if you wash your eyes with dew collected from thyme bushes at dawn on the first of May (after Walpurgis Night), then you can see fairies later.

Even modern experts claim that "thyme helps to open up insecure, sensitive, nervous natures; restores strength and awakens emotions ..."

Thyme penetrated beyond the Alps in the 11th century. The first mention of it can be found in the "Physics" of the abbess Hildegard von Bingen, Albert the Great, in the herbalist P. A. Mattiolus (Prague, 1563).

Dishes with spice thyme

Stories with spice thyme

Thyme for a healthy diet

Thyme(Thyme, Bogorodskaya grass, Mainland) is a perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family. Thyme has a strong spicy aroma and a bitter, pungent, slightly camphorous taste. This is the most aromatic spice. In cooking, fragrant, dried or fresh, vitamin-rich thyme leaves are used. A tablespoon of fresh thyme is equivalent to a teaspoon of dry thyme.

Medicinal and beneficial properties

Thyme contains thymol essential oil, which has antibacterial, bactericidal, disinfectant, analgesic properties.

Thyme normalizes digestion. As mentioned above, it helps the digestion of fatty foods. It provides significant assistance in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, increases the secretion of the digestive glands, therefore it is used in the treatment of chronic gastritis with low acidity. Normalizes the intestinal microflora, reduces the formation of gases. It is choleretic, blood-purifying, diuretic and antihelminthic.

Due to the enveloping, expectorant and antiseptic properties, infusions and decoctions of thyme are used to gargle with bronchial asthma, laryngitis, tonsillitis, influenza, tracheitis. A decoction of thyme enhances the secretion of bronchial glands and dilutes sputum.

A thyme bath has medicinal properties and has a calming and strengthening effect on the nervous system. Baths with thyme are very useful for the treatment of gynecological diseases, nervous diseases, sciatica, rheumatism, skin rashes, diseases of the joints and muscles. But such baths are contraindicated at high body temperature, high blood pressure, severe heart failure.

Thyme is used to treat prostatitis, impotence, as well as inflammation of the fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina, and painful menstruation in women.

Thyme is used in the form of ointments, lotions and compresses for arthritis, rheumatism, neuritis, gout, bruises, sprains, sports injuries, various skin diseases and as a wound healing for insect bites. In these cases, thyme oil (not essential) is also used.

In order to fight microbes, thyme essential oil is added to an aroma lamp, inhalation solution or bath. You can simply rub fresh leaves in your hands and breathe in their aroma.

Thyme also relieves nervous excitement, depression, improves memory. Used as a remedy for insomnia, pillows are stuffed with dry grass for a calm and sound sleep.

Fresh thyme branches repel moths in the closet.

Application in cooking

Thyme improves and enriches the taste of any dish, greatly aids in the digestion of fatty and fried foods. Thyme reveals its aroma during long-term cooking, so put it at the beginning of cooking. In soups - 15 - 20 minutes before readiness.

Thyme leaves are added to salads, vegetable soups and bean soups. Especially this spice emphasizes the taste of lentil soups, beans and peas. Thyme improves the aroma and taste of vegetable dishes, especially potatoes, cabbage, eggplant. It is used in the preparation of homemade cheeses, in sauces, snacks and curd products.

Thyme can be added to bread dough and other savory pastries, and can also be used in pie and pie fillings.

In fresh and dried form, thyme is used to preserve vegetables: cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, squash.

Healing teas and aromatic drinks are brewed with thyme.

Fresh thyme is used to infuse vegetable oil and make a mixture of butter and finely chopped fresh or dried thyme. Vegetable aromatic oil is used for dressing salads, preparing various snacks, sandwiches, pancakes and other dishes.

Dosage

Add thyme to various dishes in moderation, but keep in mind that due to the high content of thymol, it can be irritating to the stomach, liver and kidneys. Therefore, if you suffer from peptic ulcer, then treat thyme with caution.

Combination with other spices

Oregano, rosemary, marjoram, basil, parsley, dill, tarragon, black pepper, etc.

It is part of the Bouquet Garni spice mix and Provence herbs.

Contraindications

Contraindications: individual intolerance, renal and heart failure, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum in the acute stage, hypertension, hepatitis, pregnancy, children under 2 years of age.

Since thyme has a great biological activity, you should not take it constantly, be sure to take breaks in the receptions. Long-term continuous use can lead to deterioration of the thyroid gland.

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Spices and spices for a healthy diet

Spices and spices for a healthy diet - useful properties, medicinal properties, use, combination with other spices.

	Ajwan		Anise		Asafoetida
	star anise		Basil		Barberry
	Vanilla		Carnation		mustard yellow
	Black mustard		Ginger		Kalindzhi
	green cardamom		Black cardamom		curry leaves
	Coriander		Cinnamon		Cumin
	Turmeric		Bay leaf		Marjoram