Herbs have therapeutic virtues recognized for millennia. Used to relieve and cure many diseases, they are often consumed in the form of infusion or tea but also used to accompany certain dishes in seasoning.
Among the most recognized herbs, we have thyme which belongs to the family of Lamiaceae, and very present in the French gastronomy. Originally from the Mediterranean basin, dried or fresh thyme is a major health ally.
Thyme is an herb that is one of the ingredients of the famous bouquet garni that is used in many recipes. To benefit from all its virtues, thyme must be consumed regularly, either in seasoning or infusion to best meet the nutritional needs of the body.
Benefits of thyme
Thyme is a powerful natural antioxidant that prevents cardiovascular disease. It is a source of iron and vitamins K and C. Thanks to its volatile oils and nutrients, it helps fight against influenza, infections, rheumatic diseases, viruses and parasites. In addition, it helps fight against tinnitus, lupus, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, dizziness, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis. In external application, it can heal wounds, using a poultice of ground thyme, applied directly to the affected area.
It is a powerful antioxidant
Its content of flavonoids, rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, defines it as an antioxidant to reduce the damage caused by free radicals in the body. Because of this, it helps fight against cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers and diseases related to aging. Consumed regularly, thyme helps to provide all its antioxidant benefits and increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids called docosahexaenoic acid or DHA in the brain and heart.
It is a source of minerals and vitamins
Dehydrated thyme is a source of vitamin K, which is used for the synthesis of proteins necessary for blood clotting. Similarly, thymol, an active agent in thyme, prevents aggregation of platelets in vitro (stops bleeding).
Dehydrated thyme is a source of calcium whose role is bone formation and blood clotting.
Dehydrated thyme is a source of manganese that facilitates metabolic processes. (the nutrients are assimilated and transformed into living tissues, among others ...)
Fresh thyme is a source of vitamin C, which has beneficial effects on the health of bones and cartilage as well as on the teeth and gums. It also helps fight against infections and bronchitis, and absorb iron in food. Finally, it promotes rapid healing of tissues.
It is a wealth of essential oils
Thyme is rich in essential oils that are found mainly in the flowering plants of Thymus vulgaris linaloliferum, including linalool.
- They have antispasmodic and expectorant properties in case of bronchitis
- They fight against asthma, throat infections and any oral inflammation
- They have anti-infectious, analgesic and antiseptic properties.
- They have relaxing and soothing properties.
How to use thyme?
In tea:
Thyme can be used as an infusion to drink every morning. It serves among other things to fight against headaches and bloating. Just let 1 to 2 grams of dried thyme steep in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. You can drink 2 to 3 cups a day.
In recipe of roasted vegetables with thyme:
Cut vegetables of your choice (carrots, onions, aubergines, zucchini ...)
In a baking dish, mix the vegetables with a little olive oil, a clove of pressed garlic, a tablespoon of dried or fresh thyme, salt and pepper.
Bake for 45 minutes at 190 ° and enjoy!
Tips for preserving thyme:
You can keep the thyme either
Refrigerated for a week, wrapped in a holey plastic bag.
In the freezer, finely cut and mixed with a little olive oil that you can put in ice cube trays. With this method, you can use ice cubes in different cooked dishes.
Caution :
Thyme contains a good dose of vitamin K, so it is advisable for people taking anticoagulant medications to consume it in moderate amounts.
