Thyme is one of the best remedies we have at hand for treating the symptoms of a cold. It has powerful anti-microbial, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties. Due to its antispasmodic effects, thyme soothes muscle spasms and coughs. Traditional medicine recommends it for respiratory ailments, such as coughs, sore throat, or bronchitis.
Two preliminary studies have confirmed that thyme can help treat bronchitis and cough. The German Commission E. has also approved the use of this herb in the treatment of these conditions. Together with honey and lemon, it becomes a real home medicine for adults and children. Thyme also has powerful energizing effects.
Hildegard von Bingen said that anyone who drinks a cup of thyme tea in the morning instead of coffee will immediately feel the beneficial effects: invigoration, comfort in the stomach, elimination of morning cough, and a general feeling of well-being.
Recipe
1 handful of fresh or dried thyme
175 g honey
half a lemon
2 cups of water
Preparation
Wash the lemon well and slice it. Put the slices in a glass jar and cover the slices with honey. Marinate the thyme sprigs in a kettle and pour water over them. Turn the heat on high until it starts to boil, then reduce the heat and let the thyme simmer until the liquid is reduced by half.
Allow the tea to cool and strain, removing the twigs and leaves. Pour the tea into the jar over the lemons and stir well with a spoon. Put the lid on and store the jar in the fridge.
It will keep for up to 1 month. The bee’s honey helps to macerate the lemons and extract the juice.
You can consume 1 teaspoon, several times a day. Ideally, eat it as it is. If you put it in tea, the high temperature will destroy the nutrients in the honey and lemon.
The syrup is very aromatic and pleasant tasting, even for children (no younger than 2 years). Don’t throw away the slices of lemons, eat them as they are! Warnings Thyme may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking blood-thinning medication (e.g. aspirin, warfarin).
Also, because of its estrogen-like effects in the body, thyme should be avoided by people suffering from hormonal diseases or undergoing treatment with synthetic hormones.
Benefits of thyme tea
To treat cough
Thyme is known to treat respiratory diseases such as cough or bronchitis. A study has highlighted the effectiveness of thyme essential oil, combined with ivy leaves, to soothe people suffering from bronchitis and cough. In addition, its antibacterial compounds help eradicate the pathogen for a quick cure.
To relieve menstrual cramps
To relieve painful periods, there’s nothing better than drinking a cup of thyme tea. Its antispasmodic compounds make it possible to eradicate menstrual discomfort and, at the same time, stabilize the mood, thanks to the carvacrol it contains, which has a positive effect on the activity of neurons for a feeling of well-being.
To strengthen the immune system
In winter periods when the body needs to be stimulated, thyme will be the best remedy, thanks to its vitamin C content which helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, as well as its antioxidant compounds such as thymol and apigenin which neutralize free radicals, sources of serious diseases.
To improve heart health
Its potassium content helps strengthen the heart muscles. Just as potassium is vasoactive and helps to relieve tension in the walls of blood vessels and thus relieves cardiovascular stress.
To improve digestion
Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, thyme can treat constipation, and bloating, as well as stomach cramps and inflammatory gastrointestinal problems. In addition to its antibacterial effects, it helps eliminate parasites from the stomach for better digestion.
To fight acne
A tincture of thyme is proven to help fight acne-causing bacteria. And it has been shown to cause fewer side effects than most pharmaceutical solutions containing benzoyl peroxide for treating skin conditions.
