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Discover thyme and its 3 superpowers!

Discover thyme and its 3 superpowers!
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Used in ancient Egypt for its medicinal properties, thyme and its health benefits are well known nowadays, and largely endorsed by our grandmothers! Whether it’s for health or for beauty, thyme can treat numerous ailments, from gastrointestinal problems to greasy hair! It can also treat ear, nose and throat problems as it is a powerful natural antibiotic. It can be used fresh, dried, in a tea, or in the form of an essential oil. So what can it be used for? 

Thyme: an effective natural disinfectant

From 1978 to 1994, Germany had a commission dedicated to the evaluation of herbal remedies, called ʺKommission Eʺ. It is still known the world over for excellence because it established a list of 380 plants and their associations, attesting to their safety or their effectiveness.

Thyme in particular was recognised by this commission for its efficacy in the treatment of the symptoms of bronchitis, whooping cough and inflammation of the respiratory passages. Furthermore, the WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends using or consuming thyme in the case of a shortage of or a lack of medication for treating dyspepsia, laryngitis and tonsillitis. 

The main mission of the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy is to promote knowledge in the field of herbal medicine and to regulate and unify the status of this practice in Europe. This cooperative recognises the effectiveness of thyme in the treatment of mouth and gum inflammation.

Antioxidants in your meals

As well as spices, certain herbs such as thyme or rosemary equally possess antioxidants. They are best eaten fresh. You can grow them at home in a pot on your balcony, or directly in the earth in your garden. Certain components of thyme, such as carvacrol and thymol, protect against risk of cancer and to a certain extent, against cell ageing.

Add these herbs to accompany and season fried eggs, omelettes, potatoes, vegetables, gratins or marinades. Their antibacterial power has a protective effect on the body. Thyme is one of the essential ingredients in the famed bouquet garni, which is indispensable for stews and casseroles.

Thyme: good for digestion and for the respiratory passages

Thanks to its antiseptic and natural antibiotic properties, thyme is ideal for treating digestive problems and for clearing blocked respiratory passages (blocked nose, hoarse throat, etc.).

Prepare yourself a medicinal drink:

  • Infuse 2 teaspoons of thyme in a cup of hot water for five minutes
  • Add the juice of half a lemon and a dessertspoon of honey

Thyme effectively treats slow digestion, bloating, belching and flatulence. A thyme infusion can also contribute to cleansing the liver. Its antifungal and antimicrobial properties also allow it to re-balance intestinal flora and treat stomach ulcers.

This infusion of thyme, honey and lemon can cure problems relating to the ear, nose and throat and the bronchi, such as laryngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis or coughs. It can also provide relief to asthmatics, helping them clear their respiratory passages and easing their coughing fits.

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