Thyme infusion: how to prepare it, and its health properties

This plant typical of Mediterranean countries can provide various benefits to the human body.

Chamomile, rosemary, oregano and lavender are plants that have been well known and valued since ancient times and have been used by humans in a wide variety of ways throughout history.

We probably recognize them mainly as a gastronomic condiment, but they also have interesting medicinal properties. In addition to those mentioned above, one of the most outstanding and common is thyme, which is used in a large number of presentations and formats. One of them is the infusion of thymeof which we are going to talk about in this article.

Thyme and thyme infusion: main properties.

We call thyme a small aromatic plant or herb that has been known at least since ancient times, with records of various uses given by the Greeks and Egyptians. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, like rosemary or basil, and there are many different varieties.

Thyme has been used historically in many different ways, such as as cosmetic orFor example, as a cosmetic or flavoring (not in vain its name comes from the Greek word thymos, which refers to its powerful odor), in funeral rituals and especially as a condiment in the form of spice, it is a plant found predominantly in the Mediterranean, being common in countries like Spain or Greece.

It is also known for its medicinal properties, derived from the large amount of essential components and different types of nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals.

Thyme can be used in a variety of ways, consumed both as a spice and in oils or even as an infusion.. In the latter case, its preparation is extremely simple, as we will see below.

How to prepare an infusion?

Preparing an infusion of thyme is relatively simple, requiring only infusion and water. However, occasionally other herbs are occasionally other herbs, such as rosemary, are also added.. In addition, sugar, sweetener, honey or some other element that gives the infusion a sweeter taste is usually also used.

To prepare it, first of all, put a sufficient amount of water (the exact amount may vary depending on the quantity you want to prepare) in a pot or container and heat it on the fire until it boils. Once the water is boiling, the thyme should be added and let the mixture boil for ten to fifteen minutes.. Once this is done, remove from the fire and let it rest. Finally, filter the mixture and add, if desired, the type of sweetener of your choice.

Its beneficial properties

The infusion of thyme is a very common type of preparation, which as we said above has a number of very beneficial health effects to take advantage of and introduce into the body nutrients and healthy components of this plant.

It can be consumed by people of any age, including children, although there are some exceptions, as we will see later. Thus, thyme in infusion has a large number of interesting properties, some of which we analyze below.

1. It is anti-inflammatory

The high amount of polyphenols in thyme causes this herb to have a clear Anti-Inflammatory effect, and can help to reduce inflammation of lesions and wounds as well as those caused by bacterial infection..

2. Combats various respiratory problems

Thyme is commonly used when we have a respiratory problem, possessing multiple properties very useful to treat various annoying and painful conditions. It has a bronchodilator effect, which helps to open the lungs, and at the same time it is antitussive and antispasmodic. is antitussive and antispasmodic, relaxing and relieving irritation of the airways.. It also favors the expulsion of mucus and phlegm.

3. Reduces digestive problems

Thyme has proven to be useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal discomfort, as well as in the reduction of gas. It also increases the synthesis of gastric juices and reduces abdominal bloating..

4. Antiseptic and healing properties

Thanks to its many components, thyme has an important antiseptic effect, which is why its infusion poured on cloths or gauze is often used to help clean and disinfect wounds. its infusion poured on cloths or gauze is often used to help clean and disinfect skin or even eye wounds. skin or even eye wounds. It also helps healing, favoring the recovery of injuries.

5. Antioxidant effect

Thyme also contains an interesting amount of flavonoids, substances which can be considered antioxidants.. This allows to reduce cellular aging and damage caused by free radicals, something that can affect both skin and organic or even brain.

6. Strengthens the immune system and helps fight anemia.

In addition to its antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, thyme is also very useful in strengthening the immune system, among other things. for its high content of vitamins, iron and minerals.. This makes it difficult for infections to appear and even helps to combat cases of anemia.

7. Reduces the pain and discomfort of premenstrual syndrome.

Many women experience great discomfort during menstruation or during the period immediately preceding it, a discomfort that can sometimes appear in the form of colic. Fortunately, thyme infusion has a soothing effect on these painsIt is also partly due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

8. It is diuretic

In addition to all of the above, thyme is a diuretic element that facilitates urination, which in turn facilitates the elimination of harmful elements through the urine and hinders infections in the genitourinary system.

9. Calming

It has been observed that the infusion of thyme also has an effect on the psyche, having a relaxing effect that allows to reduce the level of activation, tension and anxiety.. In addition, it also reduces blood pressure.

Caution: it also has contraindications

The infusion of thyme, as we have seen, is certainly a good help in different conditions due to its multiple medicinal properties. However, the truth is that it can also be harmful in some situations.

Specifically, it is recommended to avoid excessive consumption in those people with heart problemsIt can cause bradycardia, which in some cases can be dangerous.

It should also be avoided by people with ulcers people with ulcers and chronic digestive problems, constipated personspeople with constipation (it could aggravate this situation) or allergies to this spice. Finally, its consumption should be avoided during pregnancy, since it may cause contractions, miscarriages or premature pregnancies. Neither during lactation, since it decreases the quantity and quality of milk.

Bibliographical references:

• Morales Valverde, R. (1986). Taxonomy of the genera thymus and thymbra in the Iberian Peninsula. Monographs of the Royal Botanical Garden.