5 Health Benefits Of Thyme

Thyme, an herb from the mint family with dietary, medicinal, and ornamental uses, is packed with health-promoting compounds, vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. It not only perks up your cooking but also helps your body get rid of harmful organisms and supports your physical and mental health.

The nutrients present in this wonderful herb have both disease-preventing and health-promoting properties.

* Reduces & Stops Coughing

Due to its expectorant properties and antibiotic and antiseptic compounds, thyme can provide relief from respiratory conditions like cold, cough and sore throat. It also helps reduce congestion, by making mucus thinner and easier to eliminate.

* Lowers Blood Pressure

Thyme is reputed to help lower blood pressure, most likely due to its diuretic properties which reduces the fluid volume in arteries as well as its ability to lower cholesterol including LDL as well as triglycerides. Also, the herb contains lots of potassium, which is integral to maintaining normal blood pressure.

* Complements Antimicrobial Activity of the Immune System

Thyme combats many pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms which essentially means its activity complements pathogen containment and eradication by components of our immune system.Thyme is rich in a compound called thymol which has antimicrobial properties. Also, being rich in antioxidants, thyme prevents oxidative damage to DNA in human lymphocytes (white blood cells).

* Improves Oral Health

Thyme contains antibacterial properties that help treat or prevent oral infections. A component of thyme oil, thymol, is used in dental care products because of its natural ability to prevent tooth decay and gum problems.

* Boosts Mood

Thyme or thyme oil has long enjoyed a reputation among herbalists, naturopaths and integrative physicians for alleviating depression and lifting the mood. This property may be due to the fact that thyme contains carvacrol, a monoterpenoid phenol which acts as a memory booster and an antidepressant in lab animal models.