Few plants have as many uses as thyme, which has been utilized as far back in recorded history as the Egyptian empire, when peoples used the herb in various embalming practices. Aside from temple rituals, the evergreen herb also has been used in aromatherapy, decoration, cooking, and medicine for centuries. Anecdotal applications of thyme have been observed as well, and it was once believed that placing the herb under a pillow would bring about courage. Today, thyme is mostly used in cooking where it provides a delicious flavor to many meat based dishes. But, there are also medicinal uses for the herb and some of them are still relevant today. The constituent in thyme that is said to be its active component is thymol, still found today in mass produced products like mouthwash. In addition to thymol, other components of thyme’s essential oils are myrcene, linalool, borneol and p-cymene. Thyme tea benefits are related to these powerful, naturally occurring compounds that are most easily enjoyed through a hot, brewed infusion.
When most people think about herbal tea recipes, thyme is probably not the first herb to spring to mind. It has a characteristically savory quality and although over three hundred varieties are in existence, few are ever associated with beverage making. But, the herb does lend itself well to citrus notes, and a thyme tea recipe that incorporates a touch of lemon can create a delicate and delightful brew. Finely chopping two tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves and adding to them two cups of just boiled water creates the tea that should be steeped for ten minutes and then strained. A few drops of fresh lemon juice can be added to the beverage before enjoying. This drink is sure to impart the bountiful thyme tea benefits the herb is known for like the ten found below, with a satisfying and soothing flavor, too.
1. Bronchitis
Thymol as is found in the essential oil of thyme has been proven to have antiseptic properties (hence its use in mouthwash). Studies have found this germ killing ability may be effective at reducing bronchitis symptoms in adults and teenagers.
2. Coughing
Specifically when related to certain conditions such as the common cold and infections of the respiratory system, thyme tea benefits may include reducing coughing and soothing the respiratory tract as well as making coughs that do occur more productive.
3. Cancer
Still a theory at best, it’s thought that certain chemical compounds found in thyme called terpenoids may be effective at battling some forms of cancer. More study will be needed to fully evaluate if anticancer uses are truly evident amongst thyme tea benefits.
4. Acne
Most likely it’s the antibacterial actions of thyme that are what make it supposedly useful in skin conditions characterized by both inflammation and infection. In particular, a reduction in acne may be on the list of purported thyme tea benefits.
5. Movement Disorders
Studies on thyme’s role in conditions such as dyspraxia are limited, but some have found that when combined with other herbs, movement improvement is possible in some with the conditions. Other herbs associated with treating the disorders are vitamin E and various fish oils, although thyme tea benefits are quite promising in this regard.
6. Hair Loss
Most of the studies done on alopecia involve externally applied products, but thyme when taken in tea is an important part of alternative and folkloric medicine and it’s likely that brew made from the fresh leaves was also used in this application.
7. Diuretic
Although not normally associated with increasing urine flow, throughout history many references to thyme’s diuretic properties have been noted and the remedy has also been linked to “disinfecting” the urine, again likely related to the antiseptic qualities of the herb.
8. Stomach Problems
Both diarrhea and upset stomach are purportedly soothable by thyme tea benefits, although precisely how this occurs is still largely unknown. Perhaps it’s the inflammation relieving properties associated with the herb. Or, it may be the supposed ability of thyme to soothe and relieve spasms of the muscles. Regardless, both gastrointestinal problems are thought to be helped by thyme.
9. Tooth Decay
The use of thymol, the active constituent in thyme, is no accident. This same chemical compound is also found in many brands of hand sanitizer. This is because it’s an effective tool against various types of bacteria. It’s possible, then, that on a much less grand scale, thyme tea benefits may includes some dental protection from tooth decay.
10. Tonsillitis
There are probably numerous ways that thyme tea benefits may positively affect swollen or inflamed tonsils. Most of the time, bacteria and viruses are the root cause of the symptoms affecting the tonsils, and the thymol found in thyme may have an effect on the root cause as a result. The herb is also associated with reducing inflammation which can help as well. It’s also worth noting that warm tea in itself can offer therapeutic effects for sore throats and more serious instances of such, as in the case of tonsillitis.
