Thymean aromatic herb with many properties and excellent in the kitchen to make different types of dishes tastier. Let’s find out All the benefits and how to use it at best.
The thyme of which we are talking, not to be confused with the thyme gland, is the botanically known plant with the name of Thymus vulgarisalso known as alerte or sermollo. It is a small shrub with small size and green-gray and rather small leaves, from intense perfume And immediately noticeable, especially rubbing them between the fingers.
There thyme flowering It takes place between spring and summer, with the appearance of rosé flowers. The use of thyme is particularly suitable for the treatment of affections that affect the respiratory tract. There are hundreds of variety of thymesome of which are characterized by a pleasant lemon aroma.
How to cultivate thyme
The thyme, which belongs to the Labiate family – the same as marjoram – is a resistant shrub which can be grown as a polytienous aromatic plant. Its cultivation can take place from the seeds or by cutting. There sowing of thyme can take place in the seedbed from early spring until June.
Time transplant from the seedbed to the pot can take place about two months after sowing. During the summer, thyme seedling may require rather abundant watering. Immediately after sowing, cover the seeds with a light layer of soil and proceed to the first watering. Yes advice Of Truth In late spring or in August, starting from resistant plants and aged between the two and four years, taking portions of 7-10 centimeters.
There thyme collection It takes place from spring to the end of summer, indicatively from May to August. The aerial part is used in particular, with reference therefore to both flowers and leaves. The fresh thyme can be kept in the refrigerator in a perforated container for about five or six days. The drying of the thyme must be carried out in the shade. The dried thymus must be preserved In a cool, dry and shelter place from light in hermetic jars, preferably in glass. Its characteristics will remain intact for a period between four and six months.
What are the properties of the thyme
Thyme can boast an unexpected vitamin contentboth in reference to the Vitamin C That to the vitamins of group B. also contains Timolo, Linaiolo and mineral salts. It is a Officinal and aromatic plantwhich presents a essential oil and beneficial substances thanks to which the thyme are attributed balsamic propertiesancient and antiseptic. Among the mineral salts contained in thyme we find manganese, iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
The thyme is also considered a tonic and a stimulant of the digestive system. It is also considered by alternative medicine as a real natural antibiotic and a diuretic.
Finally, the thyme is attributed significant Antioxidant propertyi in protection cell membranes.
In summary of the thyme it is:
What are the benefits of thyme
Its vitamin C content allows to contribute the body’s resistance to infections and the action of free radicals. This aromatic herb then promotes good digestion and is useful in case of water retention or in all cases in which we want to encourage the proper functioning of the lymphatic system.
The use of thyme in one’s diet and in the form of a drink obtained by infusion can contribute to the regularization of the menstrual flow. A study conducted by the Leeds Metropolitan University, he indicated the thyme as a possible charity remedy in the treatment ofacne.
In summary of the thyme:
The nutritional values of the thyme
The thymus contains above all carbohydrates and one Good dose of fiber. There are also proteins, fats and sugars in small quantities. Do not underestimate also the sodium content:
How to use thyme in the kitchen
From the point of view of the natural health care, the thyme is used above all in the form of syrup and infusion, to be used in case of diseases of the respiratory, cough and cold tracts. Thyme essential oil can be used in case of closed nose To make suffumigi with boiling water, in order to help decongest and free the respiratory tract.
THE’thyme infusion It is particularly suitable for solving problems of intestinal swelling and aerophagia due to bad digestion. The thyme infusion also uses in the preparation of a natural mouthwash suitable for the execution of rinsing and gargarisms, to be carried out in the event of a bad breath or sore throat. Thyme is a disinfectant and natural antibacterial which contributes to counteracting the germs that can cause such ailments. Other uses of thyme infusion provide for their use in the pedluvians, in order to relieve the feeling of tiredness and fatigue that could present themselves at the end of the day at the level of the lower limbs. The cold thymus infusion also represents an excellent remedy to be used as the last rinse in case of weak hairto strengthen them.
The use of thyme in the kitchen, as a spice to be used for the dressing of dishes and for the preparation of soups and soups, allows you to protect your body naturally from cooling diseases typical of winter and can help stimulate the proper functioning of ours immune system. For the preparation of infusions or thyme decorations they are usually used 5 grams of the same for every 100 grams of water.
In the kitchen the addition of thyme during cooking or as a condiment for i legumes can contribute to facilitate digestion of the same and to allow the intestinal swelling problems. A jar of thyme placed on the windowsill, on the balcony or in the kitchen allows you to naturally remove the insects.
Recapitious thyme in the form of syrup or infusion It can be used for:
Thyme essential oil
Thyme essential oil is widely used and appreciated mainly thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral power. There are two variants: that redstronger, and that whitemore delicate. In the most typical period for influences and colds, just spread a few drops of thyme at home (1st per square meter of the environment) to purify the air avoiding contagion. It can also be used for Make fuments in case of cold, sinusitis, sore throat, etc. or for massage on the chest with balsamic power. In this case, 2-3 drops of thyme essential oil (but eucalyptus) diluted in a tablespoon of sweet almond oil or other vegetable oil are needed.
With the dilute thyme essential oil they can also be done massages against rheumatic pain or to stimulate microcirculation.
How to prepare thyme infusion
With the thyme you can prepare an infusion in a very simple and quick way. Need 1 teaspoon of dry leaves and chopped every 250 ml of water. It brings to the boil the water then adds the thymus turns off and leaves to rest covered for about 10-15 minutes. After filtering you can drink perhaps adding a teaspoon of honey or use external use to disinfect wounds and plagues or even to make gargarisms against sore throat and cough.
Recipes with thyme
The thymus lends itself very well in the kitchen to flavor several dishes: it can be used in the preparation of soups, soups, velvety But it can also give that more flavor to burgers and vegetable meatballs, omelettes or headlights. Then excellent thecombination with legumes In particular, the beans that also contribute to making more digestible.
It goes well then with fish or meat dishes vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, onions, aubergines and mushrooms. There are those who also add it to the fresh fruit!
Borragine fritters with thyme
Together with Borragine the thyme is true protagonist of this spring recipe. Find all the details here.
Baked potatoes with thyme
The potatoes cut into wedges, seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper and thyme leaves, are perfect as a crunchy and aromatic side dish. Bake them in the oven until golden brown.
Ratatouille
This dish of French mixed vegetables is enriched with fresh thyme, rosemary and other aromatic herbs. It is an ideal dish to be served as a side dish or as a main vegetarian dish.
Focaccia with thyme
Add some fresh thyme to the focaccia dough for a delicious perfume. After cooking, brush with olive oil and coarse salt, for a fragrant and aromatic focaccia.
Thyme flavored oil
With the thyme you can easily prepare an flavored oil to be used to flavor your favorite dishes. You can choose to Use only thyme or combine it with other herbsfor example Salvia, Basil or Dragoncello. Here the complete recipe.
What are the contraindications of thyme
Food use in small doses of thyme does not present contraindications. The discussion is different if you use the thyme on a healing level in the form of syrup and above all essential oil. In this case the remedy is Not recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding but also for small children Since it is a very concentrated and potentially irritating or allergizing substance. It should never be used pure and internally. Excessive doses of the type may make skin rates, urticaria and if taken in the form of syrup also nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain.
The use of the thymus a Who suffers from hypothyroidism. If you take drugs then better always ask your doctor’s opinion.
To discover The properties of other aromatic herbs Read also:
Curiosity about the thymus
Thyme has always been used in ancient civilizations and appreciated above all for its antibacterial properties. The Egyptians, For example, they used it not only to burn in the house or for the conservation of food but also for the embalming of the deceased. It seems that Roman soldierson the other hand, were done A bathroom in the Thyme water Before starting a battle while the Greeks used it in the form of oil to make massages that would instill courage (the word thymus derives from an ancient Greek term which meant precisely courage).
Also Charlemagne He used and appreciated the thymus, in his edict he even ordered the cultivation in the gardens of medicinal plants of his empire while in the Middle Ages the ladies gave bunches of thyme or embroidered shawls or insignia with this aromatic plant and gave them to those who started for the war as Fortune symbol.
