Thyme: what it is used for and how to use.

Thyme is an aromatic plant that besides being used in cooking for 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 coughs.

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 purchased in its fresh or dried form in health food stores, pharmacies and supermarkets. See other home remedies for coughs.

Thyme: what it is used for and how to use.

What it is used for

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

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

    • In addition to this, being rich in antioxidants, thyme consumption helps to 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 meals, prepare soaking baths or prepare a tea that can be used for drinking, gargling or inhaling.

    1. Thyme tea

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

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

    2. Recipe for Baked Chicken with Thyme

    Ingredients

  • 1 lemon;
  • 1 whole chicken;
  • 1 large onion cut into quarters;
  • 1 coarsely chopped red onion;
  • 4 cloves garlic;
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil;
  • Salt and pepper to taste;
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter;
  • 4 bunches fresh thyme.

    • How to prepare

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

    Bake in a preheated oven at 190ºC for 20 minutes. Increase the temperature to 200ºC and bake for 30 more minutes or until the chicken skin is golden brown and the meat is cooked.

    Nutritional composition

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

    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 may slow blood clotting.

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

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