What Is Thyme Used For?

Thymol, the main component present in thyme, is a potent antioxidant. Tea made from the herb contains a few other potentially unique substances that contribute to its astonishing variety of health benefits.

Thyme tea is made from dried leaves that have been prepared and stalked up earlier. Stalks of thyme plant are cut, washed thoroughly, and hung to dry. Once dried completely, the leaves are removed and stored.

You may use the leaves as a whole or crush them into powder.

• Add a spoonful of dried thyme leaves to two cups of boiling water and leave in low heat for five minutes.
• Cover the teapot after adding leaves, which helps retain the fragrance and quickens the brewing process.
• You may see the contents of the leaves seep slowly into the water, changing the color of the water.
• Remove the pot from heat and let it cool down for one to two minutes.
• Strain the tea into a cup, and you may add other components such as honey or lemon to enhance the taste of the tea before serving.

Thyme is consumed by many people through food, but some people may have certain reactions to compounds of the herb, such as thymol and carvacrol, which can irritate the mucous membranes in sensitive people.

• Children:
  • Children younger than 10 years should not be given thyme herb.
  • People on antithyroid and thyroid replacement drugs should avoid using thyme because it interacts negatively with these treatments, impairing their effectiveness.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
  • No published studies have reported that this herb is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but there are no contraindications.
  • However, because thyme has been used for centuries to promote menstruation, pregnant women may be at a risk of miscarriage in certain cases.
• Bleeding disorders:
  • Thyme may help slow blood coagulation.
  • Taking thyme may increase your risk of bleeding, especially if taken in large quantities.
• Sensitivity to hormones:
  • Thyme leaves may work in the body as estrogen. Therefore, it should be avoided in people with hormone-sensitive illnesses such as:
    • Breast cancer
    • Ovarian cancer
    • Uterine fibroids
    • Endometriosis
    • Conditions that could be aggravated by estrogen
• Surgery:
  • It may slow blood coagulation, which increases the possibility of further bleeding during and after surgery.
  • It should be discontinued at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Thyme is contraindicated in people who are allergic to other herbs such as oregano or mint.