The Amazing Benefits of Thyme Tea
Thyme tea is a traditional remedy that’s been used since ancient times as a complement to promote well-being. Although it isn’t a curative or miraculous product, its consumption is recommended as an adjuvant to improve the symptoms of some diseases.
Of course, like other herbal remedies, it should be used with caution, only in specific cases. Although some studies have commented on its properties, there’s still no solid evidence to consider it as a first-choice treatment. Find out more below.
What’s thyme tea for?
From now on, you’ll no longer only use this spice to add flavor and delicious smells to your foods, but you’ll also want to give it a try in a hot drink. Thanks to its content of thymol and other bioactive compounds, thyme has great health benefits.
In fact, according to information published in Phytotherapy Research , this plant has many functional possibilities in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. In general, it has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. Want to know more about it? Below, discover how to enjoy thyme tea by knowing all its properties.
Also read: Healthy Benefits and Properties of Thyme
1. Disinfectant
According to research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, thyme has effective antimicrobial properties thanks to its main active compound, thymol, which has shown effects against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
- If you have a canker sore, you can drink hot or cold thyme tea to reduce inflammation and disinfect the area
- In addition, since this is a strong antiseptic thanks to the thymol it contains, you can use this tea on wounds or cuts if you don’t have anything else at hand
2. It helps relieve respiratory problems
Another active compound of thyme is carvacrol. This substance has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, as research published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine highlighted, this substance helps reduce airway inflammation in conditions such as asthma.
It’s even used for colds, bronchitis, and laryngitis, among other conditions. However, it should be kept in mind that it doesn’t replace medical treatment and should be used in moderation.
- You can drink a cup of thyme tea for the first symptoms of conditions such as flu and cold. You can also drink it if you have bronchitis or asthma if your doctor approves.
3. Thyme may prevent premature aging
Thanks to the number of antioxidants that thyme tea contains and its large flavonoid contribution, you can maintain healthy cell function and prevent premature aging in cells and organs.
According to research published in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, the antioxidant properties of this plant, and especially rosmarinic acid, act beneficially against the effects of overexposure to UV solar radiation. Specifically, they could help prevent photoaging and collagen deterioration.
4. It reduces the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
As we mentioned above, there’s evidence of the antispasmodic properties of thyme. Thus, the typical symptoms of the days leading up to menstruation can be reduced with thyme tea. During your period, it can also relieve cramps and other discomforts.
5. Thyme tea lowers blood pressure
High blood pressure problems should be treated by a professional. The doctor, based on the diagnosis, will determine if some medications are necessary or if it’s enough to make adjustments in the diet. However, thyme, due to its properties, seems to be an adjuvant against high blood pressure.
According to data from a study published in Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, extracts of a species of thyme known as Thymus linearis showed favorable effects in reducing heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol in rats.
Although more evidence is needed to prove whether these effects also apply in humans. However, anecdotal data suggest that ingesting the infusion helps against this condition. If you wish to try it, it should be under professional supervision.
6. It relaxes you
Stress, anxiety, depression, irritability? Don’t worry, thyme tea can help you. Actually, thyme contains a substance with therapeutic and relaxing properties called carvacrol.
According to scientific evidence, when you consume it, feelings of well-being and comfort balance brain activity. It also temporarily increases your energy levels and relieves anxiety.
Visit this article: How to Improve Your Mood with Natural Remedies
How to drink thyme tea
It all depends on the way that you would like to use it. In other words, different preparation is required if you would like to use it internally or externally. In general, an infusion is prepared from the leaves of the plant. However, you should remember that it’s a complement, not a replacement of medical treatment.
At any sign of a disease, you should see a professional. In fact, it’s important to ask them if there are any risks of side effects or interactions from the consumption of this plant. Keep this in mind!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. of thyme leaves
- 1 c. of water
Preparation
- Heat the water, and when it’s boiling, add the thyme
- After that, cook for 15 minutes and remove it from the heat source
- Let is sit until it’s at room temperature
- Filter out the leaves and transfer the liquid to a spray bottle
- Finally, apply it to the infected area to clean and disinfect
If you want to enjoy the benefits of thyme tea if you have a cough or a cold, you can add a few more ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. of thyme leaves
- One c. of water
- 1 tbsp. of honey
- 1/2 lemon
Preparation
- First, heat the water
- Then, when the water starts to boil, add the thyme and cook for 15 minutes
- After, remove it from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes
- Filter out the leaves and add a tablespoon of honey
- Squeeze the lemon and add the juice
- Finally, drink it as hot as you can handle
Don’t drink this tea if you:
- have stomach ulcers
- suffer from heart problems
- are pregnant
Be sure to consume this infusion in a moderate way, avoiding more than one cup a day. In excess, it can be counterproductive. Also, don’t forget it’s only a complement and shouldn’t be a first-choice treatment for diseases.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Liu Q, Meng X, Li Y, Zhao CN, Tang GY, Li HB. Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Spices. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(6):1283. Published 2017 Jun 16. doi:10.3390/ijms18061283
- Boskabady MH, Jalali S, Yahyazadeh N, Boskabady M. Carvacrol attenuates serum levels of total protein, phospholipase A2 and histamine in asthmatic guinea pig. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(6):636–642.
- Sun Z, Park SY, Hwang E, et al. Thymus vulgaris alleviates UVB irradiation induced skin damage via inhibition of MAPK/AP-1 and activation of Nrf2-ARE antioxidant system. J Cell Mol Med. 2017;21(2):336–348. doi:10.1111/jcmm.12968
- Heghes SC, Vostinaru O, Rus LM, Mogosan C, Iuga CA, Filip L. Antispasmodic Effect of Essential Oils and Their Constituents: A Review. Molecules. 2019;24(9):1675. Published 2019 Apr 29. doi:10.3390/molecules24091675
- Melo, F. H. C., Moura, B. A., de Sousa, D. P., de Vasconcelos, S. M. M., Macedo, D. S., Fonteles, M. M. de F., … de Sousa, F. C. F. (2011). Antidepressant-like effect of carvacrol (5-Isopropyl-2-methylphenol) in mice: Involvement of dopaminergic system. Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology, 25(3), 362–367. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-8206.2010.00850.x
