Do we EVER have enough time/Thyme? That delicious little culinary herb is such a great herb to always have on hand. Read on to find out why…
Thyme is very high in Chromium, iron, silicon and contains lots of calcium, cobalt, magnesium, manganese, riboflavin, selenium, sodium, thiamine. He also has average amounts of niacin, tin and vitamin A and low amounts of phosphorus, potassium, protein and vitamin C.
Thyme’s main active ingredient is Thymol. This ingredient is responsible for his healing properties: anthelmintic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, aromatic, astringent, carminative and expectorant. He is also astringent due to his tannins.
As an expectorant and antispasmodic, Thyme is perfect to reach for when you’ve got any type of respiratory illness. And, because he has an affinity for the lungs, you’ll find Thyme to be helpful for any illness associated with the lungs. We found Thyme to be quite effective in treating whooping cough a few years ago. Thyme will help to calm those spasmodic coughs that seem to never end. At the same time, if the cause of the cough is bacterial in nature, Thyme will help to kill off the bacteria too. This is because he is antibacterial. If you have an acute bronchial infection, coughs that are wet and spasmodic or chest colds, Thyme is a great herb to reach for.
Thyme also works great for treating irritations of the throat including colds. If you are suffering from sinusitis, Thyme will help liquefy and clear up congestion.
Thyme is an aromatic which means he is fragrant. Aromatics are key for assisting in digestion. Smells and tastes get our digestive juices flowing, making us have an appetite and helping our bodies to process the food we put into them. As a carminative, he will prevent gas from forming or help our body to expel it if it is stuck in our stomach or intestines. It is also useful for treating babies with colic.
Parasitic worms such as round worms and flat worms such as flukes and tapeworms don’t like to hang around when Thyme is consumed. That is because Thyme is an anthelmintic which means he inhibits and expels parasites from the body. We use it in our worm formula for our goats and sheep along with other anthelmintic and vermifuge herbs such as Wormwood, Black Walnut, Pumpkin seeds and Fennel.
Thyme is full of antioxidants and according to Rosemary Gladstar, has “a positive effect on the glandular system as a whole and especially the Thymus gland.”
The Thymus gland is very important in your body from the time you are created in your mother’s womb until puberty. It establishes the immune system. Immature T cells from bone marrow live in the Thymus gland until they are mature. When you become an adult through puberty, your thymus gland begins to shrink.The best thing about Thyme is that you can use him in a traditional medicine from such as a tincture, tea or salve or you can use him in food form such as an oil, vinegar or honey. One of our favorite ways to use Thyme medicinally is infused in honey. Honey infused Thyme is soothing to sore throats and coughs.It is simple to make and will last a long time after it’s made (unless you eat it up!). Make some today to store in your cupboard for cold and flu season. It also tastes delicious on toast, bagels or english muffins or in herb tea.Thyme Infused HoneyYou will need:~Fresh or dried Thyme (Lemon Thyme is extra delicious in honey)
~Local, raw honey
If you are using fresh Thyme, cut up enough to fill the jar 1/2 full. Be very careful using a knife and ask a big person to help you if you need help.
For dried Thyme, fill jar 1/4 full.
Pour honey to fill the jar. Use the knife or chopstick to stir and mix the honey with the Thyme. Add more honey to top off the jar.
Seal the jar and put a label on it. Let it sit for 2 -3 weeks, stirring every day or so.
Serve on freshly baked bread, in a cup of hot herbal tea or by the spoonful as needed!
Don’t have any Thyme to spare? My favorite place to purchase dried herbs is from Mountain Rose Herbs! They sell wildcrafted and organically grown herbs that are fresh and wonderful.
Want to learn more about Thyme? You can find the ebook in our shop.