Thyme is a typical spice in Mediterranean cuisine and at the same time an extremely effective medicinal plant. Not only does thyme aid digestion, it also reduces inflammation and has powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that are extremely beneficial for health.
Thyme is traditionally used primarily to treat coughs and respiratory diseases, but also to treat skin injuries. In recent years, various research studies have demonstrated, among other things, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of thyme.
Has an anti-inflammatory effect
According to a recent study, thyme oil, which is obtained from the flowers of the medicinal plant, has numerous beneficial therapeutic properties.
However, the oils from different types of thyme have different therapeutic effects and the different stages in the plant’s life cycle are associated with different anti-inflammatory properties.
Antimicrobial effects of thyme
The antimicrobial effect of phenols contained in thyme was investigated in further research. To do this, the team conducted extensive literature searches in a total of nine databases, taking into account studies on the phytochemical composition of thyme and the properties of the individual bioactive compounds.
The medical benefits of thyme include digestive, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, expectorant, antiallergic, antitussive, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, the researchers report.
Thyme is therefore rightly used in folk medicine against complaints such as colds, headaches, rheumatism and asthma.
The medicinal plant can also help reduce cramps and improve digestion and have an effect against infections with viruses, bacteria and filamentous fungi.
Also read:
- Thyme doesn’t just help against coughs
Particularly effective against certain bacteria
The antibacterial effect of thyme is also confirmed in another study from this year. This was able to demonstrate a diuretic effect in vivo and strong antimicrobial properties of a wild thyme species (Thymus comosus Heuff ex. Griseb.) in vitro.
When examining the antimicrobial effect of the thyme extracts, it was shown that they were particularly effective against bacteria of the genera E. coli and B. cereus as well as against the fungi Penicillium funiculosum and P. verrucosum var. Cyclopium.
Season dishes with thyme more often
Taken together, the results make it clear that thyme not only promotes digestion and has a diuretic effect at the same time, but also provides natural and effective protection against various fungi, viruses and bacteria. In addition, it can have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. (as)
