Health Benefits of Thyme

From a Greek Word Meaning 'to Fumigate', Thyme Helps Clear Your System and Promote Healing

The name Thyme is a derivative of a Greek word meaning 'to fumigate'. It is said that the Greeks used Thyme as incense because it symbolized grace and elegance. Others derive the name from the Greek word thumus, which signifies courage.

Classified as T. vulgaris, thyme is a perennial herb cultivated in most countries with temperate climates. Thyme flourishes in Asia Minor, Algeria, Spain and other European countries bordering on the Mediterranean Sea.

There are three varieties of Thyme grown for use: broad-leaved, narrow-leaved and variegated. The most popular variety of Thyme is the narrow-leaved, which can be identified by its small, grayish-green leaves. Also known as Winter or German Thyme, narrow-leaved thyme is more aromatic than the broad-leaved variety.

Thyme has a long history of use in natural medicine in connection with chest and respiratory problems including coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion. Recently, researchers have discovered important volatile oil components of thyme that bring about its healing effects. They are known to include carvacolo, borneol, geraniol, but most importantly, thymol.

Thymol is an antiseptic and disinfectant that prevents the occurrence of putrefaction. A small quantity of thymol added to albumen, milk, solutions of gum or gelatin, will preserve them for several months. Thymol has proven effective in the treatment of wounds, ulcers and abscesses, and is an invaluable disinfectant that is highly effective in disinfecting sick rooms.

Herbs and spices have been used for thousands of years to help preserve foods and protect them from microbial contamination. Now research shows that the volatile oil components of thyme have antimicrobial activity against a host of different bacteria and fungi including Staphalococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Shigella sonnei.