Thyme

What is Thyme?

Herbal plants belonging to the Thymus genus are collectively known as Thyme. The name most commonly refers to the plant Thymus vulgaris, which is popular for its culinary and medicinal properties. its delicate aroma makes it an excellent addition to numerous vegetable and meat dishes.

Other Names

Find out what it is known as in other languages:

  • In Spanish: Tomillo
  • In French: Thym
  • In Italian: Timo
  • In Hindi: Banajwain
  • In Urdu: Hasha
  • In Tamil: Omam
  • In Telugu: Maruvam
Thyme Picture

Thyme

What Does Thyme Look Like?

The appearance of the different species may vary from one another. Here is a general description of Thyme leaves which are principally used for culinary and medicinal purposes.

Shape: The long, narrow leaves are elliptical with crooked margins.

Size: The average length of these leaves is around 1/8 inch while they grow about 1/16 inch broad.

Color: They are greenish grey in color with some species having leaves with white borders.

Aroma and Flavor: It has a dry yet subtle aroma with a somewhat minty flavor.

Varieties

Different types of culinary Thyme include:

  • Silver Thyme
  • Hi-Ho Silver Thyme
  • English Thyme
  • Italian Oregano Thyme
  • Caraway Thyme
  • Pennsylvania Dutch Tea Thyme
  • Lemon Thyme
  • Orange Balsam Thyme
  • Grey Hill Lemon Thyme
  • Juniper Thyme

Distribution

Various species of Thyme originate from the Americas while many species are indigenous to different regions of Europe as well as the Mediterranean regions. Some varieties are native to Asia. At present, Thyme plants are grown throughout the world for edible as well as decorative purposes.

Thyme Oil Image

Thyme Oil

Thyme Essential Oil

Oil is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops of these plants, using the steam distillation process. The reddish-brown essential oil has a sweetish herbal aroma and is used for various medicinal purposes.

It can work as a lung and bronchial stimulant which makes it useful for fighting colds, coughs, asthma and bronchitis. The warming qualities of the essential oil make it beneficial for conditions like sciatica, rheumatism, gout and arthritis. It is also known to improve concentration. But, in some people, it can cause skin irritation in case of direct contact.

Thyme Tea

Like many other herbs, Thyme is commonly used for making herbal tea which is good for the health. The tea is an excellent source of various volatile oils, flavonoids and beneficial phenols. It is also rich in various vitamins and minerals while having a high medicinal value.

Nutritional Facts

Thyme is rich in numerous essential nutrients in both its fresh and dried forms. The following chart shows the nutritional value of 56.5 gm dried leaves:

Nutrients Amount Daily Value
Total Fat 4.20 g 6.5%
– Saturated Fat 1.54 g 7.7%
– Trans Fat 0g
– Polyunsaturated Fat 0.67 g
– Monounsaturated Fat 0.27 g
– Calories from Fat 37.78
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 31.08 mg 1.3%
Total carbohydrates 36.13 g 12.0%
– Total dietary fiber 20.91 g 83.6%
– Total sugars 0.97 g
Protein 5.15 g 10.3%
Vitamin A 2147.00 IU 42.9%
Vitamin C 28.25 mg 47.1%
Vitamin K 968.69 µg
Calcium 1067.85 mg 106.8%
Iron 69.83mg 388.0%

Health Benefits

There are numerous health benefits of Thyme , with the most important ones mentioned below:

Disease Preventing Properties: It contains various essential nutrients that prevent various diseases by improving the immune system.

Controls Heart Rate and Checks Blood Pressure: Potassium is a crucial component of body fluids and cells. The potassium contents of Thyme control the heart rate and help to monitor the blood pressure.

Cancer Prevention: The herb is known to protect from oral cavity and lung cancers.

Healthy Teeth and Gums: It prevents caries, gingivitis as well as infections and inflammations of the throat and mouth.

Rich Source of Antioxidants: There are many beneficial flavonoid phenolic antioxidants in Thyme. These include zea-xanthin, pigenin, lutein, naringenin, thymonin and luteolin. It is among the most antioxidant-rich herbs with a total Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) value of 27426- µmol TE/100 g.

Stress Reduction: Its high vitamin-B6 contents can provide approximately 27% of the total recommended amount of thevitamin per day. This helps to reduce stress by maintaining the levels of gamma aminobutyric acid in the brain.

Photos of Thyme

Thyme Photo

Antimicrobial Properties: Various researches show Thyme to have antimicrobial properties as it contains Escherichia coli, Shigella sonnei, Staphalococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. Its thymol content has been proved to be effective in fighting certain fungi that affects toenails. It is rich in an important essential oil known as thymol, which has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. Other beneficial volatile oils include carvacolo, geraniol and borneol.

Better Digestion: Another important benefit is the maintenance of  digestive system health by preventing mucus accumulation in the intestines.

Protection against Harmful Free Radials: Its high vitamin C contents help to scavenge pro-inflammatory free radicals and develop resistance against various infectious agents, thus protecting the body from different diseases.

Fights Acne: According to one study, it may be effective in treating acne.

Uses

As mentioned above, Thyme has numerous culinary and medicinal uses. The plant is also used for various non-edible purposes. Here are its principle uses:

Edible Uses

  • The herb is popularly used for preparing and seasoning sauces and soups.
  • It is one of the main ingredients used for making bouquet garni and herbes de Provence, two mixtures of herbs that are added to soups and stews for enhancing their flavor. The other components in the bouquet garni are parsley, bay leaf and celery while herbes de Provence consists of basil, savory, fennel and lavender.
  • Thyme is also commonly used for marinating fish, chicken and meat.
  • Fresh Thyme leaves can add a delicate flavor to pasta dishes, omelets and sautéed vegetables.
  • Another common use is for seasoning various bean dishes such as black beans, kidney beans and pinto beans.

Medicinal Uses

  • Gargling with lukewarm Thyme-water can relieve sore throat.
  • Drinking Thyme tea everyday can treat bronchitis, coughs and colds as well as relieve indigestion.
  • Thyme based formulations are often used as antiseptic mouthwashes.
Images of Thyme

Thyme Image

Other Uses

  • It is used as an active ingredient for producing some alcohol-free, all-natural hand sanitizers.
  • Certain species, like the Mother of Thyme, are cultivated as ornamental ground cover in different parts of the world.

Recipes

It is used as a main ingredient in various vegetable, fish and meat dishes all over the world. Here are the names of some of the most popular dishes:

  • Lemon Thyme Chicken
  • Braised Scrod with Thyme and Cream
  • Chicken Breasts Roasted With Honey, Pine Nuts and Thyme
  • Braised Artichokes with Tomatoes and Thyme Pasta
  • Potato and Thyme Pizza
  • Apple Thyme Jelly
  • Sweet Potato and Leek Soup with Fresh Ginger and Thyme
  • Chestnut Amaretto Soup
  • Cherry Cornbread Stuffing
  • Cashew Mushroom Loaf
  • Cajun Spice Mix
  • Figs with Thyme, Honey and Gorgonzola Toasts
  • Lamb Shanks with Eggplant and Thyme
  • Lemon Thyme Sherbet
  • Pear, Thyme and Rosemary Sorbet
  • Pork with Apple Thyme Sauce
  • Thyme Biscuits
  • Thyme Applesauce

Substitutes

No herb can be a perfect substitute for another herb in any recipe. But, in case Thyme is absolutely unavailable, you can use certain other herbs such as basil, marjoram, oregano and savory in its place. Rosemary can be a good substitute with lamb and pork dishes.

Side Effects

It is safe to consume in small amounts along with foods or as a medicine for a short time. However, overconsumption can lead to digestive system upset in some people. It may have allergic reactions in individuals allergic to oregano.

During Pregnancy

Consuming Thyme in moderate food amounts is safe during pregnancy and when nursing. However, its effects are unknown when consumed in larger amounts for medicinal purposes during this period. So, it is recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women to avoid using the herb in large amounts.

Pictures of Thyme

Thyme Picture

Where to Buy

It is available in the fresh as well as dried form in all herb stores and grocery stores throughout the year. One can also order it from online herb stores.

How to Store

Fresh Thyme leaves can be stored for around two weeks when it is kept in the refrigerator after wrapping it in a paper towel and then placed in a plastic bag. One can also freeze the leaves in order to save its aroma for a longer period of time (around 4 to 6 months). They need to be trimmed, chopped and dried thoroughly before being placed in freezer bags. One can also freeze the leaves in ice cubes before storing them in freezer bags.

Dried herb can be stored for up to six months when stored in a tightly sealed container (preferably glass) in a cool and dry place.

Interesting Facts

Find out some fun facts about Thyme:

  • Its essential oil was used for medicating bandages before the development of modern antibiotics.
  • It was considered to be a symbol of sacrifice and courage in the ancient Greece.
  • According legends, Thyme was present in Virgin Mary and baby Jesus Christ’s straw bed.
  • It was used by the ancient Egyptians in the process of mummifying the dead bodies of their deceased pharaohs.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266016

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/thyme-herb.html

http://www.diethealthclub.com/health-food/thyme-health-benefits.html

https://www.caloriegallery.com/foods/calories-in-dried-thyme.htm

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