“Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission.”
~ Mourning Dove
The annual ritual of planning, designing, and implementing organic herbal gardens is one of the
most gratifying highlights of Springtime for those of us who have mud in our blood. Herbal
gardens date as far back as 4,000 years, with the Egyptians, initially planting them for medicinal
purposes. Ancient Egyptians consider Thyme the herb of choice among the many species of
herbal plants due to its sweet aroma and efficient healing properties. However, the Greeks
were more attracted to it due to its fragrance, and the Romans infused it in their baths and to
purify their rooms.
Throughout recorded history, Thyme has been used to treat poisonings, relieve pain, and
encourage and farewell to soldiers going to battle; of course, sometimes thought of as a home
for fairies. Today, Thyme is a primary pharmacological ingredient in most medications that
treat respiratory issues, sinus infections, dental cavities/gum disease, and present in
mouthwashes, such as Listerine. In addition, evidence-based research shows Thyme has multi-
pharmacological properties allowing it to serve as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent
within the human body.
In addition, Thyme has the medicinal healing properties of antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal,
and antiseptic medication. Thyme consists of essential oil, the active ingredient primarily
responsible for most of its incredible healing properties. The oil contains active flavonoids and
phenolic compounds such as carvacrol and thymol, which are the most dominant and
chemically active. Additional chemical composition compounds in Thyme are borneol, linalool,
geraniol, terpineol, tannin, apigenin, luteolin, saponins, and Rosmarinus acids.
Fresh Thyme contains the highest antioxidant levels among all herbal plants. Therefore, it is
rich in essential minerals and vitamins for optimum health. Furthermore, the presence of
Thyme in herbal gardens is indispensable. To have continuous access to this extraordinary herb
is advantageous due to the following reasons:
- Stimulates Happy Moods: The active ingredient carvacrol is showing evidence to
improve overall moods. Studies suggest If regularly ingested in low concentrations,
thyme oil might provide feelings of well-being and could have a positive reinforcer
effect. - Anti-Cancer Action: Research findings report carvacrol and thymol have potential
use in the therapeutic and management intervention against cancer. Studies show
that by exerting anti-cancer effects in various types of cells mimicking human cancer,
carvacrol and thymol exhibit their potential to act as chemo-preventive or anti-
cancer agents for different cancers. - Colon Cancer: A study designed to investigate the effects of carvacrol on the
reproduction and destruction of two human colon cancer cells. Research findings
report carvacrol inhibited the growth and migration of the two cancer cell lines. - Research study results suggest that carvacrol may have therapeutic potential for
preventing and treating colon cancer. - Boosts the Immune System: Thyme encourages white blood cell formation and
increases the body's resistance to bacteria and viruses. - Digestive Issues: Thyme is effective against digestive complications caused by
bacteria and viruses, including stomach flu and diarrhea. - Sore Throat, Coughs, and Bronchitis: The antibacterial component of Thyme is
valuable in combatting bronchitis and coughs. - Dental Cavities and Gum Disease: Weak thyme tea is a valuable mouthwash with
antiseptic properties which help prevent cavities and treat gingivitis.
Thyme provides many more health benefits. However, incorporating fresh herbs into recipes
and cooking with them is the safest way to obtain the medicinal effects of fresh herbs such as
Thyme. However, speak with your healthcare provider before use due to the high
concentration of active compounds in herbal oils. In addition, herbal oils may present various
drug-nutrient interactions.
“Nothing is more rewarding than planting an herbal garden that enables a fresh thyme to
heal.”
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