The Benefits of Thyme:

Thyme is an herb that is quite popular as a culinary herb for various foods and flavorful dishes. What we may not realize is it is packed full of phyto-nutritients or plant derived compounds of minerals and vitamins that are excellent for our health and well-being.

Thyme is best for health usage, growing it in its whole, organic state for attaining the nutritional values; generally the leaves and essential oil is used.

Thyme has been found to have substantial disease preventive, as well as health promoting properties such as the leaves being a rich source of potassium, iron, manganese, magnesium and selenium. The potassium is an important attribute to cell and body fluids that help with controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used as a co-factor for antioxidants and the iron is needed for the red blood cell formation. (1)

Thyme contains an important essential oil called thymol that has been found to have wonderful antiseptic and antifungal property/characteristics. (1)

Additionally, thyme is packed full of important vitamins such as B-Complex, beta carotene, Vitamin's K, A, E, C and folic acid. The B-6 in the B-complex is supporting the stress buster/stress reducing ability in the brain. The Vitamin C supports the body in resisting infections and pro-inflammatory infections. The Vitamin A helps in maintaining healthy mucus membranes (sinus', etc) and skin and is even essential for eye sight. Eating foods rich in vitamin A and beta carotene will help protect the lungs and mouth from oral cavity cancers. (1)

Taking thyme as a gargle or drinking as a tea has been known to bring relief to coughs, bronchitis symptoms and sore throat. It has also been used as a mouth wash for treating gingivitis and caries (decay and crumbling of teeth).

Thyme has been used in baths to relieve aches and joint pain. The essential oil is used in soaps, toothpaste, antiseptic ointment and cosmetics. (2)

If a person eats just 100 grams of thyme leaves, you will have had your percent of daily nutritional allowance.

The next time you consider reaching for your medicine cabinet, consider reaching for your pantry as well.

(1) Nutrition and You

(2) Winston Craig, MPH, PHD, RD