Health Benefits of Thyme

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Health Benefits of Thyme: Antimicrobial Properties

Long before thyme was brought into the kitchen for flavor, it was historically used as medicine, primarily against bacterial infections. Thyme has strong antimicrobial properties and, before WWI, was one of the herbs used to disinfect the air by steaming in hospitals and military infirmaries. 

In my home, thyme is a primary cleaning agent: I steep it in distilled white vinegar and use it to clean my bathroom and kitchen.

Thyme can be especially effective as an antiseptic gargle for inflamed gums and throats and as a topical wash for wounds and bites. 

Thyme is also effective with fungal infections, including vaginal yeast infections. And while on the subject of cleaning up the body, thyme has historical use as a vermifuge to help rid the body of parasites and worms.

Health Benefits of Thyme Against the Cold and Flu

There are multiple herbs that are useful for colds and influenza but sometimes immediate access can be a problem. Thyme is probably one of the most common herbs in gardens because it is easy to grow and is quite hardy. So it makes sense that folk healers would utilize a plant that was easy to access to help with lung congestion and coughing spasms. Europeans have traditionally used thyme to help with the dry hacking cough associated with whooping cough.

Health Benefits of Thyme: Cooking with Thyme

In addition to its use as a soup herb, thyme can be sprinkled on roasted and steamed vegetables, fish, eggs and meat. You can also Infuse white wine vinegar and olive oil with a few sprigs of fresh thyme and use for vinaigrette dressings and marinades. 

Infusing honey with thyme is useful both in the kitchen and as a remedy for sore throats and coughs. 

Health Benefits of Thyme: Thyme Herbal Tea

When I started exploring medicinal herbs I often tried them first as teas. I like strong-flavored herbal teas and generally double the suggested amount. I can still remember the hot and spicy taste of two big teaspoons of dried thyme in a small cup of hot water.  Whoa! 

But thyme herbal tea is one of the best ways to drink your medicine for upper respiratory concerns, digestive spasms or gas, for an afternoon pick-up or even mild aches and pains. Thyme tea on its own is pungent so I like the recipe below and make this as an after-meal tea to support my digestive processes.

Thyme Tea Recipe

• 1 part dried thyme
• 1 part dried coriander
• ½ part dried fennel
• ½ part dried ginger

Steep 1 tablespoon of the mixed dried herbs with 12 oz of just-boiled water. 

Cover and let steep for 5 - 10 minutes. 

Sweeten with honey if desired and enjoy while warm. 

Health Benefits of Thyme: Thyme-Berry Oxymel

Oxymels are easy to make and ideal for winter illnesses. I like to include berries in my oxymels because they can really brighten up both the oxymel and the day when I use them!  You can use fresh or thawed frozen berries and fresh or dried thyme for this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup berries of your choice (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries all work), lightly mash them in a bowl
• ¼ cup dried thyme (if using fresh, double the amount)
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
• ½ cup - ¾ cup of raw honey, depending on preferred sweetness

Directions

• Mix all ingredients in a quart glass jar. 
• Stir until well combined. 
• Use a plastic lid (vinegar interacts with metal) and set aside in your kitchen so you view it each day.  
• Shake jar gently each day to keep the fruit and herbs moving around. 
• After 2 weeks, strain, taste and adjust with honey, if desired. 
• Keep in the fridge. 

Take it by the tablespoon for cough and sore throat, mix 1 ounce with sparkling water for a tangy refreshing drink or make a salad dressing with this fruity herb mixture.