Herbals remedies are used across the entire span of the globe and have been for thousands of years. Long before modern medicine conveniently bottled medications for the everyday user with everyday ailments, natural plants were being used, and through a process of trial and error the best of the crop emerged and are still being used today.
One such herb with great health benefits and natural medicinal qualities is thyme. Well known for its floral, aromatic flavors is provides when using in cooking, thyme also packs a healthy punch that can help individuals with a wide range of ailments.
The ancient Greeks used to burn thyme for its pleasant aroma, while the Romans would add it to their alcoholic beverages and cheeses. It was also the Romans who found that thyme had some great affects on the body, including a cure for a condition we commonly refer to as melancholy – being down in the dumps.
Natural Remedies using Thyme
Throat/Mouth Sores
The main oil found in thyme is known as thymol and it is a very powerful antiseptic and antibacterial element, as well as a strong antioxidant. For people with cold sores or canker sores in or around their mouth, crushing some thyme in some warm water and using it as a mouthwash can help to clean the infection and relieve the pain.
In fact, thyme does so well with this type of job that most cough drop-makers actually use thyme as one of their main active ingredients.
Respiratory Infections
Thymol inside of thyme packs a big punch of expectorant and bronchial antispasmodic properties, meaning that it is a great treatment for bronchitis, the whooping cough, and infections and/or inflammation of the respiratory tract. Thyme is able to directly act on the bronchial mucosa and the terpenoids and flavonoids chip in to help out in effecting the bronchioles.
Cancer Prevention
Thyme is a member of the large and popular mint family, along with peppermint, spearmint and other plants. All members of this large family possess crucial compounds known as terpenoids, which are able to help prevent cancer. Thyme’s ursolic and rosmarinic acids are well documented for their cancer-preventing properties.
Making tea out of thyme is a great way to introduce these acids into your body. Simply crush a few leaves and stems slightly in the bottom of a glass or in a pitcher, and then add boiling water and let the mixture steep for at least 10 minutes but anywhere up to an hour or two. To add some flavor, you can use other plants from the mint family and really spruce up the beverage to give it a light and refreshing flavor. Drink at least 3 glasses of this tea daily for the best results for a sore throat, inflammation or if you are seeking cancer protection.