Thyme: medicinal properties and contraindications

Thyme is a low-growing shrubs and shrubs that have a bright aroma. Otherwise, this plant is called thyme, spawn, lemon scent, etc. Thyme as a medicine and prophylactic for a number of diseases has been used since ancient times. Culture is popular among the people, and is recognized in official medicine. Useful and harmful qualities of thyme are interested in everyone who prefers herbal treatment. This component is an integral part of many medicinal prescriptions. To determine how the plant affects the human body, it is important to study all the properties of thyme.

Chemical composition

All parts of the shrub contain many chemicals. So, the vitamin part is represented by a high level of ascorbic acid, group B, among which thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, etc. In addition, thyme is characterized by a high content of retinol, niacin, and vitamin K.

The mineral part of the plant consists of Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, K, Mn, Zn, Se, Ba.

Thyme also contains essential oils, flavonoids and thymol. These compounds are considered natural antiseptics and are capable of destroying pathogenic microflora in the human body. Moreover, the product provides purification of the respiratory organs from sputum. The use of thyme in alcohol dependence is also known. This is due to the presence of folic and pantothenic acid, as well as tannins.

How it looks and where it grows

Thyme is a member of the Yasnotkov family, can reach a height of 40 cm. The leaves of the grass are oblong and round, the flowers are collected in inflorescences, usually have a bright pink or slightly purple color.

This plant grows in the middle lane, prefers steppe zones, forest edges, and also grows on sandy and clay soils. It occurs throughout Europe and Asia.

Views

In botany, there are more than two hundred varieties of this herb. However, the following types of thyme have been studied and most commonly found:

1. Creeping - often found in Eurasian regions. It has many healing qualities, is widely used in official and traditional medicine. It is a wonderful honey plant.
2. Ordinary - grows in the northwestern part of the Mediterranean, in the south of France, Spain, and also in some regions of Russia. This variety is also used in medicine to obtain medicinal plant materials.
3. Kholmovy - is a plant whose homeland is Transcaucasia. It is used as a source of essential oils, which are necessary in the perfumery and canning industries, as well as in the field of cooking.
4. Callier - an integral part of the flora of the Crimean peninsula, a productive honey plant, has, in addition, fodder value.
5. Early - grows in European and Caucasian areas. It is mainly used as an ornamental plant.
6. Thyme Kochi is a plant of Transcaucasia and the Middle East.It is a spice, and also acts as a medicinal raw material.
7. Marshall - grows in European, Far Eastern and Central Asian regions. By the way, this species is on the verge of extinction.
8. Thyme Talieva is a herb whose habitat is considered to be the northeastern part of Europe and the Urals. In some Russian regions, the plant is listed in the Red Book.

Collection and storage

The collection of thyme is carried out during its flowering, that is, from the last days of June to the end of July. It is important to collect raw materials in environmentally friendly places. The shoots of the plant are cut with scissors. The collected raw materials are placed in the basket so that it does not wrinkle. The most suitable time for collecting is the early morning of a dry and warm day.

To prepare raw materials for long-term storage, it should be dried. Drying is carried out by the traditional method, that is, first you need to sort out the whole, intact elements, and then lay them out in one layer on a flat surface. Raw materials are dried away from sunlight in a ventilated room. Dried thyme will need to be collected in a glass jar or in a bag of paper or canvas. If stored in a well-ventilated place, the raw materials are suitable for use for two years.

It should be noted that it is best to dry thyme in natural conditions, without the use of special dryers or ovens, otherwise essential oils and other healing substances will be destroyed.

What is the difference between savory and thyme

Savory is presented in the form of a grassy branching plant. It is an annual culture, has pink or purple flowers of small sizes. This is a pepper herb because it has a rich and bitter aftertaste and a specific aroma. In height, it can reach 0.5 m. The savory stalk is erect, the leaves are lanceolate, their color is greenish-gray. In summer, buds appear on the plant, which finally mature by autumn and look like nuts.

Savory with thyme are similar in that they belong to the same family. Despite this, these two cultures have a number of differences. First of all, the difference is in appearance, because thyme is much smaller in comparison with savory. Thyme has beautiful and bright flowers, which allows you to use it as a decorative plant for decorating flower beds. Moreover, this species is a perennial crop that grows up to five years, while savory is an annual plant.

Savory is not so remarkable in appearance, but is characterized by a strong aroma. It tastes like pepper after taste. Thyme is endowed with a delicate smell, is used as a seasoning, and is also used in the treatment of various painful conditions.

The healing properties of thyme

This plant is famous for the presence of a large number of biologically active compounds that positively affect the human body. Initially, it was discovered by people that the plant acts as a disinfectant and acts as a prophylactic composition for many sores.

1. This culture is useful in inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract. It works as an expectorant. So, thyme will help to cope with cough, cure bronchitis, pneumonia and even whooping cough.
2. With heart pathologies, thyme is also indicated for use. In this case, due to the anti-inflammatory properties, the functioning of the heart muscle is established. For patients with heart failure, such a product will be especially effective.
3. An effective culture for diseases of the urinary system in the male half of humanity. In this case, thyme has a disinfecting effect. After treatment with such a plant, the human urogenital system is protected from infections.
4. Prolonged use of thyme decoction allows you to eliminate bloating. This is ensured by the restoration of intestinal microflora.Stabilization of the composition of microorganisms and the normalization of the digestive process can reduce spasms.
5. With insomnia, frequent stress, overstrain, thyme will come to the rescue again. It will help normalize the activity of the nervous system.

For women

Thyme has a rich composition. It contains many useful elements that benefit the weaker sex. Almost every lady during the menstrual cycle is faced with pain. This usually happens in the early days. You can solve this problem with the help of herbal decoction from this plant. In this case, it should be drunk in the morning 30 minutes before a meal.

To ensure that the microflora of the reproductive system is normal, experts advise douching using thyme raw materials. In this case, you need to cook a decoction using a small handful of grass. Pour the specified amount of culture with hot water and cook for another 10 minutes. Cool the resulting composition and fill it with a syringe. If the procedure is only for cleansing, douching should often not be done. With frequent use of this procedure, the activity of the vaginal mucosa is disrupted, which can lead to dryness and the appearance of itching.

As you know, most often it is women who strive for an ideal figure. That is why thyme is popular among the female population. After all, it is an excellent tool for losing weight. Its benefit in such cases is that it well suppresses hunger. In addition, the plant improves digestion.

Girls always, at all times, strove to look beautiful and used a variety of methods for this. To stimulate the growth of nails and hair, you can also take advantage of the beneficial qualities of thyme. The components that make up the culture have a beneficial effect on the skin. To get rid of increased oily skin, it is recommended to make steam baths on thyme grass. In this case, the face must be kept above the steam for several minutes.

After insect bites, puffiness often appears, which can be eliminated by applying a compress moistened with thyme infusion. This will reduce itching and swelling. In addition, this procedure will allow the dermis to return to a healthy appearance, narrow pores and eliminate sagging.

Essential oils are obtained from raw thyme, which are used in the field of cosmetology, pharmacy and perfumery. Also, thyme's healing substances are part of various cosmetics designed to care for the body, curls and face.

For men

To maintain the health of the male body, you can also use thyme. For the stronger sex, this plant is almost indispensable. Grass is characterized by healing and expectorant properties. Thyme decoction will help smokers get rid of cough. Smoking women such a product will also benefit. But the man’s body will then be saturated with a large number of useful components. It is no accident that the ancestors called this grass "male."

First of all, the anti-inflammatory properties of the culture should be noted. When consuming a decoction inside, the inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system are eliminated. To prepare a decoction, you need to brew several flowers of the plant in tea. The resulting composition should be infused for several minutes, after which it is ready for use.

With prostatitis, representatives of the stronger sex have problems not only with the process of urination, but also swelling appears. To cope with such an ailment, it is recommended to take baths with the addition of thyme. To do this, you need to draw hot water into the bath and pour the herbal decoction prepared in advance into it. To achieve positive results, during the procedure, the lower back must be immersed in water.

As mentioned earlier, the product includes molybdenum with selenium. This suggests that thyme will help solve problems with erectile dysfunction.In addition, these components contribute to improving the synthesis of testosterone in the body of a man. This composition of the plant allows to improve the seed composition, as a result of which premature ejaculation does not occur.

Thyme oil is essential for people to increase sexual energy and sexual stamina. The effect is achieved with daily rubbing of oil into the groin and perineum.

It often happens that problems arise in a man’s sex life. This is most likely due not to physical impotence, but to nervous and intense psychological states. Thyme is considered a good sedative, which in such a situation will be an excellent assistant. So, to calm down, you need to prepare an infusion. To do this, pour the crushed foliage of the plant with water and boil for about 10 minutes. Insist for half an hour, then strain the mixture. The resulting composition is taken on an empty stomach in 1 tbsp.

Another common problem faced not only by adult men, but also by young men is baldness. You can solve this problem with thyme oil. This plant contains ursolic acid, which provides hair growth. With daily rubbing of oil into the skin, you can achieve the awakening of sleeping onions, which will enhance hair growth and make them stronger.

Almost all representatives of the stronger half drink alcoholic beverages, but not everyone of them is able to stop on time and control their actions. Those who have problems with alcohol addiction can also use thyme. Of course, it is better to deal with such an illness at the initial stage. If you drink the infusion of herbs inside, when drinking alcohol, a gag reflex will appear.

During pregnancy

The benefits of such a medicinal plant and its harm are not so clear. Thyme should not be taken by ladies who are waiting for the birth of a baby. During this period, this is dangerous because the products based on this product enhance the uterine tone, as a result of which the resulting muscle contractions can cause bleeding, premature birth and miscarriage. Moreover, the grass negatively affects the health of the baby, causing pathologies that cannot be cured.

To protect the body of a pregnant woman, before the onset of childbirth, you need to replace this plant with safer grass, which is allowed to be used in this period.

When breastfeeding

As for the period of breastfeeding, thyme is able to have a positive effect on the body of a woman and a baby. Such a culture allows you to restore the reproductive organs, strengthen lactation and protect the young mother from bleeding that appears after childbirth. Thyme tea will be helpful at this point. You can make tea by adding a small amount of decoction of this plant. This will enhance milk production and improve its quality.

For children

The healing properties of thyme for children under three years of age are revealed to a greater extent with the addition of herbal decoction in the baths. The useful properties of this plant in this case are that thyme is able to relieve irritation, as well as eliminate diaper rash on the skin. In addition, this product acts as a sedative that normalizes the baby’s sleep.

After three years, children can be given thyme and for oral administration. However, it is important to make sure that the child does not have an allergic reaction to it. Especially useful are inhalations with decoction in the presence of cough in children.

This plant has a number of contraindications and can seriously harm the human body, so you should first consult with a specialist.

When losing weight

The described plant is not endowed with pronounced dietary characteristics; it does not work as a fat-burning agent. But still, during weight loss, it is useful.It lies in the fact that culture stimulates the digestion of food and accelerates metabolism.

With proper nutrition and the performance of certain physical exercises, thyme will act as an auxiliary composition. Thyme-based drinks will help cleanse the body of toxins, toxic substances and excess fluid.

Thyme in folk medicine

Thyme is very common in traditional medicine recipes. In certain doses, the plant is not dangerous, on the contrary, it helps to eliminate the symptoms of various diseases and ease the course of chronic forms.

Thyme is used to prepare a calming collection. To obtain it, the described grass, knotweed, hop, Chernobyl, and oregano should be mixed in equal proportions. Pour the resulting mixture with boiling water based on 15 g of raw material 500 ml of boiling water. Mass insist for 30 minutes. After that, filter the liquid. Ready to take in the morning and evening for 2 tbsp.

To restore the functions of the nervous system, as well as rheumatism, a bath from the thyme will help. First you need to cook a decoction. To do this, you need one glass of dry raw materials, which you need to pour 2 liters of hot water, and then let the mass brew. After a few hours, the healing composition can be poured into the bath. Perform this procedure twice a day for 20 minutes.

With hypertension, you can use the medicinal properties of the studied product. Thyme is included in the herbal collection, designed to normalize blood pressure. In this case, you will need to mix in a ratio of 1: 2: 2: 3 chamomile, fireweed, oregano and thyme. For 15 g of the collection you need to take 0.5 l of boiling water. After infusion, take the composition twice a day, 100 ml. Such a tool can be used as tea.

In case of hair loss, a herbal decoction should be prepared, consisting of thyme, nettle, hop and young birch leaves. Pour this mixture with hot water. For every 20 g of raw materials, 1 liter of water is required. Boil the mixture of herbs for a quarter of an hour. The resulting product is suitable for rinsing hair, as well as for rubbing into the scalp.

With diabetes

Patients with a sugar illness can use herbal infusion. To alleviate the symptoms of this disease, as well as prevent the development of complications, you can use herbal collection, which includes equal amounts of blueberry and thyme shoots. 1 tbsp Herbal mixture needs 1 cup of boiling water. After half an hour, strain the mixture. Drink 2 times a day after a meal.

You can treat diabetes only with thyme decoction. In this case, the grass will need to be chopped, 2 tbsp. the resulting mass pour a glass of water and boil for a minute. Then for an hour, allow the container with the workpiece to stand in a warm place, then strain. Ready to take 3 times a day after meals.

With pancreatitis

With inflammation of the pancreas, you can use this recipe: 1 tsp. mix vegetable raw materials with a glass of boiling water. Let the mixture brew for 15–20 minutes. Next, filter the liquid and take it during the day in a warm form, dividing the amount obtained in three doses.

With gastritis

The usefulness of such a medicinal plant as thyme is also manifested in the fact that it helps to cope with the manifestations of gastritis. To prepare a healing infusion, you need to fill in 10 g of raw materials with 250 ml of boiling water and leave for about 40 minutes. Strain the liquid before taking. Drink the resulting composition 3 times a day for 1 tablespoon.

For the intestines

In case of violation of intestinal microflora, as well as the appearance of a disorder, it is recommended to take a useful collection, which consists of several varieties of herbs. To do this, take four parts of the Icelandic centria, two parts of the marsh rosemary, one part of thyme, eucalyptus and anise. All components to mix. From the resulting mixture measure 1 tbsp. and pour it with a glass of hot water. For 20 minutes, the composition should be on a steam bath.

After this, the healing potion is infused for about 35 minutes, strain and add water to 250 ml.Take the drug 15-20 minutes before a meal of 100 ml.

For constipation

Thyme is contraindicated during constipation. The plant acts as an astringent, therefore it is useful for diarrhea. In this case, in 250 ml of boiling water it will take 15 minutes to insist 1 tbsp. herbs. Filter the resulting composition and take a quarter cup before meals for several days in a row. If you drink such a solution after eating, flatulence will appear, that is, there will be a formation of gases in the intestine.

With gout

Gouty arthritis, bruises, rheumatism can be cured with alcohol tincture of thyme. To obtain such a medicine, 2 tbsp. pour 150 ml of alcoholic raw material and insist a week. Use filtered tincture to rub into problem areas several times a day. You can instead apply dressings for which gauze tissue must be moistened in the resulting solution and kept for half an hour.

For pain associated with gout and arthritis, you can heat this herb in a bowl, then remove it, wrap it with gauze and apply to the affected joint.

An herbal bath is also effective in this disease. To do this, take 500 g of raw materials, brew it in 4 liters of liquid, strain and add to the bath with water.

For the liver

Liver cells carry out a number of chemical reactions, so this body needs a lot of vitamins. Thyme can provide them. The plant contains a substance such as thiamine, which is involved in the production of proteins, provides the exchange of fats and carbohydrates. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to liver cell failure. In addition, the grass is rich in riboflavin, a deficiency of which leads to a decrease in the synthesis of bile and a deterioration in its outflow.

Vitamin PP as part of a plant product protects hepatocytes from death, improves the protective functions of the body. Pyridoxine contained in thyme is responsible for the absorption of protein and fats, provides amino acid metabolism, and has a choleretic effect. Ascorbic acid in the composition of the herb stimulates the synthesis of enzymes that take part in metabolic reactions occurring in hepatocytes.

The benefits of thyme for the liver are not only in providing it with a number of vitamins. In addition, organic acids, bitterness, phenols and tannins were found in the plant. All of them work as antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and choleretic. These culture properties are effective for hepatitis.

Thyme is enriched with selenium, which is also needed by the liver. This chemical substance is able to restore organ cells. This will help with cirrhosis and hepatitis caused by alcoholism.

Thymol, which is endowed with antispastic properties, is found in large quantities in the grass. For this reason, thyme tea is recommended for use in hepatic colic.

With hemorrhoids

To get rid of such an ailment, you should use a decoction made from dry raw materials. In this case, 1 tbsp. boil herbs in 150 ml of water for a quarter of an hour. Drink a drink every 3-4 hours.

Against cough

A great benefit of the plant is observed with inflammation of the bronchi and cough, which does not go away for a long time. To eliminate such unpleasant symptoms, you need to prepare a healing syrup. Thoroughly rinse and crush a fresh bunch of grass, add 0.5 l of water and put on a slow fire. Then wait until half the liquid has evaporated. After this, cool the broth, strain, and then mix it with 300 g of natural honey and squeeze out 50 g of garlic.

Mix this syrup well and use 1 tsp twice a day. Such a preparation is stored in the refrigerator, and this remedy will be useful for six months.

From alcoholism

With alcohol addiction, ordinary thyme can help. It has such a component as thymol. This substance is responsible for aversion to alcohol. If you constantly take such a drug, drinking alcohol will only provoke nausea and vomiting.

Healing drink is prepared as follows: 1 tbsp.thyme should be mixed in 0.5 l of hot water. Next, cook the mixture in a water bath for 15 minutes. After that, filter the liquid and again add up to 500 ml of water. Ready solution to drink 3 tbsp. 1 per day. Continue treatment for several weeks.

It is worth noting that the best results are achieved only if the alcoholic decides to get rid of this addiction. A conscious desire to recover will only enhance the beneficial properties of a herbal medicine.

Cystitis

Cystitis is a disease in which the bladder membrane becomes inflamed. Such an unpleasant problem is faced by both women and men, but most often such a disease occurs in the weaker sex. The female genitourinary system is designed in such a way that girls are more likely to get an infection in the body. This plant will help get rid of pain and destroy the pathogenic microflora that formed on the surface of the mucosa.

The healing characteristics of the thyme allow it to be used in inflammatory processes in the bladder and in the urinary tract. In this case, you will need to prepare a decoction consisting of 10 g of raw materials and 250 ml of water. A mixture of herbs and boiling water for several hours in a thermos. Drink a filtered drink of 3 tbsp. Such a solution will quickly relieve inflammation and pain.

From prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland can also cure thyme. For therapeutic purposes, 1 tbsp. Plants should be placed in a glass of boiling water and insisted under the lid for about an hour. Ready liquid to take 3 times a day for 3 tablespoons. Continue treatment for a month. It is important to remember that every day you need to prepare a new portion of the drug.

With a cold

To cope with a cold, you need 1 tbsp. dried herbs thyme pour 500 ml of boiling water. Allow the mass to brew for 30–40 minutes. The finished composition should be taken 100 ml three times a day.

With bronchitis

Bronchitis is an infectious disease of the respiratory system, which leads to inflammation of the bronchi themselves. The main symptom is a persistent cough. Thyme is able to calm him. The inflammatory process stops due to the essential oils that are contained in the culture. You can prepare an infusion, consisting of 1 tsp. thyme and a glass of hot water. The solution should stand for half an hour. Take the medicine 3 times a day for 2 tbsp.

With anemia

It is also known that thyme is useful for anemia associated with a lack of iron in the body. Thyme is the source of this element. Deficiency of this component is dangerous for pregnant girls, as well as for women during the menstrual cycle due to heavy blood loss. Anemia is dangerous for the remaining categories, including for children, men and women of different ages. The consequences of this disease are dangerous in that damage to the brain, cardiovascular system and other vital organs can develop.

Thyme is recommended as a prophylactic. However, you must remember that the period of bearing a baby is a contraindication.

For insomnia

With sleep disorders and other problems with the nervous system, thyme will be useful. If you use the usual herbal infusion of 2 tbsp. in the morning, at lunch and 100 ml a couple of hours before bedtime, the person’s condition will noticeably improve.

It is also recommended to use an additional fabric bag full of dry grass. This bag should be put under the pillow. This procedure will improve sleep due to the rich aroma, which has a calming effect.

From worms

In order to remove parasites from the body and restore the microflora in the intestine, an anthelmintic composition should be prepared. To do this, make a simple broth and cool to a temperature of 35 degrees, then collect the liquid into the syringe and use it for insertion into the rectum.

Before emptying, hold the beneficial solution for 15–20 minutes. Repeating such actions is recommended every day for a week. Only in this case, thyme will benefit the body.

In oncology

Even Avicenna noted the antitumor properties of thyme. Currently, the plant is recommended for use in gastric cancer. In addition, thyme is effective in liver metastases. In Turkey, even studies were conducted that examined the effect of this plant on the activity of a breast tumor.

Fresh leaves of the culture can be used to make tea, infusion and consumed for treatment.

The product is indispensable for the prevention of cancer, as it is characterized by strong antiseptic properties. Moreover, thyme is able to destroy pathogens and fungus. For such purposes, a herbal decoction should be drunk a third of a glass three times a day.

With asthma

Bronchial asthma is another disease that can cure thyme. In this case, the herb becomes effective due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. In this case, the plant is used for internal use as a decoction and infusion. You can not use grass for inhalation treatment of pathology, as this can lead to reflex narrowing of the bronchi, which will only aggravate the patient's condition. You should also refrain from using essential oils to prevent the development of unwanted reactions.

So, you need to take 3 tsp. dried raw materials and pour them with a cup of boiling water. Let the liquid infuse for a while, then strain and drink 1 tsp. several times a day.

There is another way. At the same time, 1 tbsp. herbs to fill with water, pre-boiled and chilled. Such a mixture should be in a cool place for about 10-12 hours. Ready to drink 1 tbsp. in 3-4 doses. The course of therapy should be long, without interruption.

With epilepsy

Thyme-based preparations have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. As a result of such treatment, a person calms down, he has cramps. It was on this basis that traditional healers began to use this plant for the treatment of epilepsy. Pliny advised epileptics to use a mattress stuffed with thyme. It is believed that rest on this bed will calm the patient and allow him to feel good.

With angina

To cure a sore throat, you should use a herbal decoction. This solution is used to rinse the oral cavity. This procedure should be carried out only after brushing your teeth. After that, you should not eat or drink anything for 20 minutes.

Thyme increases or decreases pressure

Thyme water infusion allows you to expand blood vessels, eliminate spasms, and therefore, lower blood pressure. Thyme as a hypotonic agent is used only in emergency cases, when an increase in blood pressure occurred as a result of stress, high body temperature or due to an inflammatory process in the body.

However, hypertension cannot be treated with such a product. A healing drink is prepared like regular tea. Drink such a decoction should be 100 ml twice a day. Treatment should last three days.

Types of medicinal compounds with thyme

For the entire time that this medicinal plant has been used in folk medicine, many recipes based on it have appeared. It is believed that for almost every disease there is a method based on the use of thyme. However, the compositions, the recipes of which are given below, are popular.

Infusion

To prepare a medicinal infusion, you need to pour a couple of spoons of thyme into an enameled container and mix with 250 ml of hot water. Cover the dishes. Boil the mixture in a water bath for 15 minutes. Allow the liquid to stand for another 40 minutes, and then filter. Now bring the volume of the composition with boiled water to 1 cup.Drink such a medicine for 1 tbsp. three times a day on an empty stomach for three weeks.

Tincture

For tincture, you need 20 g of dried raw materials or fresh herbs pour 150 ml of vodka. You need to do this in a glass bowl. Close the lid and let the mass stand for 10 days in a dark place. Shake the mixture periodically. After the specified time, pass the liquid through the filter and place in the refrigerator for further storage. Take this remedy 3 times in 20 drops, while diluting the tincture in 250 ml of mineral water. Such a medicine is suitable for external use in the form of rubbing and compresses.

Decoction

To prepare a herbal decoction, it is only necessary to prepare 1 tablespoon. the plant itself and two glasses of boiling water. Pour the thyme with water, bring to a boil, and then immediately remove from heat, insist for several minutes and filter. Drinking up to two glasses a day is allowed.

Tea

Probably, this method of processing thyme is most common. To get herbal tea, you need to pour a small amount of dry raw materials with boiling water. After this, allow the liquid to brew for a while, so that the tea is boiled, as it should.

When brewing regular tea, you can mix 1 tsp. thyme with the same amount of tea leaves. The drink is aromatic.

Ointment

You can also make an ointment form from thyme. To do this, melt 200 g of butter and mix it with 50 ml of tincture of thyme in alcohol. The resulting dosage form is stored in the refrigerator and can be used for grinding.

Thyme oil: properties and applications

In any pharmacy you can find thyme oil. It has useful properties both for internal and external use. Such an oil is characterized by antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and soothing properties, it is used for cystitis and prostatitis, and is effective for painful periods. In addition, it can be used for food poisoning, metabolic disorders, respiratory diseases.

Moreover, the oil is suitable for treating burns, cuts and other skin problems. If you rub the whiskey with such a product, you can relieve a headache and achieve a calming effect.

Application in cosmetology

In the cosmetic field, thyme is necessary for the care of curls and facial skin. As for the skin, most often the plant is used for the oily type of dermis. Cosmetic formulations based on thyme components even out skin tone and fight against age spots. The grass can accelerate hair growth, get rid of high fat content, and also protect against the appearance of lice.

To soften the skin, prone to irritation, it is necessary to prepare a mask consisting of 1 tbsp. dry herbs and 100 ml of olive oil. These ingredients insist in a glass container for a day. After that, the mass is evaporated on a steam bath for three hours. The resulting product is filtered and used for daily skin treatment in the morning. In this case, the oil should act for 15 minutes, after which it should be removed.

If the face has inflammation, a loose dermis, pores are enlarged, there are swelling, a compress based on the plant under study will help. To do this, in a glass of boiling water you need to steam 1 tbsp. herbs, insist, cool to the optimum temperature. In the resulting composition, moisten a gauze napkin and apply to the face for several minutes. The procedure should last 20 minutes.

Thyme decoction will prevent hair loss. For its preparation, 4 tbsp. boil medicinal plant material in 400 ml of liquid for about 10-15 minutes. Then strain the mass. Rinse aid after each shampoo.

Strengthen curls and get rid of dandruff can also be done with the help of thyme.To obtain a cosmetic product, you need to boil 500 ml of water, pour 4 tablespoons of chopped thyme herb into it and boil for 10 minutes. The fluid should cool. Apply the filtered composition to the washed hair and distribute along the entire length of the strands with light movements. Rinse off such a tool is optional.

In addition, thyme essential oil can be used to strengthen hair. Such a finished product can be purchased at the pharmacy. It should be applied to the scalp before washing your hair. There is another way to apply the oil. In this case, add 5 ml of the substance to 20 ml of ordinary shampoo and use to wash your hair.

Thyme in cooking

In the culinary field, thyme is used as a fragrant seasoning. It is added to light snacks to give them a spicy flavor; it is a good spice for marinades. When adding this spice to meat dishes, meat is better digested. Thyme is often used as a seasoning for smoking fish.

The herb goes well with meat and vegetable dishes. It is especially recommended to combine the spice with fatty foods, because the plant will help it to digest better. Adding thyme to soups and broths not only improves the taste of dishes, but also increases the duration of their storage. So, the shelf life of the soup is extended by three days.

Contraindications

The beneficial and harmful properties of thyme depend on the amount consumed. Per day, it is allowed to take no more than 1 tbsp. dry raw materials, that is, no more than 4 cups of tea or decoction based on this herb.

If used improperly, thyme can harm. You can not use the plant for longer than two weeks, after 14 days of treatment, you should take a break for two months. Certain substances that make up this culture can accumulate in the body, which negatively affects the nervous system. You also need to remember that in large quantities, thyme is able to increase blood pressure.

Contraindications to the use of thyme for medicinal purposes is allergy, severe kidney disease, thyroid disease. In addition, you can not use plant-based drugs while waiting for the baby, otherwise the risk of miscarriage or premature birth is increased.

Thyme photo