Thyme…and the battle with fungus and bacteria.
Thyme ( Thymus Vulgarus )is a powerful antiseptic and expectorant, and some research has found that it is also an excellent pain-relieving herb. It is an incredibly potent yet simple herbal remedy that affects multiple systems. Used for thousands of years to loosen phlegm in chest infections and ease bronchitis, sore throats, coughs, croup, whooping cough, acute bronchitis, laryngitis, and asthma. The herbal tincture of Thyme is often used to support the gastrointestinal system and is particularly helpful for getting rid of gas in the body, or flatulence, as well as easing indigestion, gastritis, dyspepsia and stomach cramps. The fungus, Candida albicans is s common cause of mouth, gastrointestinal and vaginal yeast infections, and Thyme has been found to help to combat the issue. After testing the effects of Myrrh, Thyme, and Marigold, or Calendula tinctures on the bacteria that causes certain types of acne, the herb was found to be much more effective than some other preparations, as a remedy. Thyme is thought to calm the nervous system, induce sleep, and helps to increase energy. It acts as a memory booster and an antidepressant. It is believed to help with concentration and focus.
Anthelmintic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant, sedative. As a tincture, extract or infusion, thyme is commonly used in throat and bronchial problems, including acute bronchitis, laryngitis and whooping cough, and also for diarrhea, chronic gastritis and lack of appetite. For coughs and spasmodic complaints, make the medication from the fresh plant. A warm infusion promotes perspiration and relieves flatulence and colic. Oil of thyme (thymol) has a powerful antiseptic action for which it is used in mouthwashes and toothpastes. Thymol is also effective against ascarids and hookworms. As a local irritant, it can be used externally for warts or to encourage the flow of blood to the surface. Thyme baths are said to be helpful for neurasthenia, rheumatic problems, paralysis, bruises, swelling and sprains. A salve made from thyme can be used for shingles.
Thyme acts as a digestive that supports a healthy gastrointestinal system. It is thought to relax the smooth muscle of the stomach, relieving all kinds of stomach upsets. It is commonly used by herbalists for entrapped gas, abdominal and intestinal aches, and even spasmodic cholera. This action may be due to lessening spasms in the intestines. This can be helpful as for conditions that may rob you of your appetite for good food that the body needs. The tincture of Thyme may also help to inhibit bacterial growth within and outside of the body. It kills bacteria and keeps them away from the organs, which can be particularly beneficial in curing bacterial infections like B-colitis, renal colic, infections of the urethra and genitals.
One of the more important uses of Thyme that is still being used and studied today is for heart troubles. With heart problems growing at an alarming rate, it is important to keep the valves functioning properly. With its antispasmodic properties, it helps to relax the arteries and veins and thereby reduces blood pressure and stress on the heart. It has been said to strengthen the cardiac muscles and tone the heart. Basically, it is good for every part of a healthy heart.
Thyme is thought to be an excellent herb to boost the immune system. Getting all the vitamins your body needs every day can be difficult. Luckily, Thyme tinctures are packed with vitamin C and is also a very good source of vitamin A, as well as copper, iron, and manganese. So, if you feel a cold coming on, this may be just the herb to help get you back in shape. It has also been used to treat mold, an air pollutant that can lurk in your home. And it has shown good results against clinical strains of Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Escherichia genus of bacteria.
Women should be interested in this herbal remedy for the relief it may offer for obstructed and painful menstruation. This herb has been used forever for abdominal pain, fatigue, backache, headaches, nausea, depression and low blood pressure, often associated with menstruation. It may also help to delay menopause, thereby keeping women happy, healthy and fertile. The herb is believed to have the action of stimulating certain hormones, like estrogen. Studies are being conducted on the herb for its protective effect against colon and breast cancer, as it has been shown to induce cell death in cancer cells.
Used externally, it is helpful dental decay, plaque, thrush, tonsillitis, halitosis, deep wounds, bruises and when used as an ingredient in a bath, helps to alleviate nervous exhaustion.
CAUTION: Excessive internal use of thyme can lead to symptoms of poisoning and to overstimulation of the thyroid gland.
Two types of Thyme. Thymus vulgaris and Thymus serpyllum. Thymus serpyllum is Wild Thyme, so be careful to not mix the two.
Also, adding thyme to soups in the wintertime can be of great flavor and health benefits. I keep thyme growing in my house all year round. And in the summer months, I keep it outside. If you plant it in the ground close to the house, it should come back year after year, for a few years. Pluck off the flowers before it blooms to keep healthy new growth fresh.
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