Thyme is said to be the driest and strongest among herbs. Its history dates back to ancient Egypt where it was used for embalming. Among the ancient Greeks and Romans, thyme has been a superstar among herbs.
The Romans believed that eating thyme before a meal protected one against poisoning. While the Greeks burned thyme bundles to purify their homes and temples. People turned to thyme to protect them from the Black Death in the 1340s.
They boiled thyme turning them into thyme tea to keep them away from plague and sickness. Since then, there are many popular health benefits of thyme tea.
What is Thyme?
Thyme is a medicinal herb with small leaves and thin stems that grow in clusters. It is derived from the Greek word “thumus” which means courage. Ancient Greek soldiers wore thymes sprigs to symbolized bravery. The herb originated in Southern Europe.
But today, it’s a common plant in North America and other parts of the world. Thyme has a mix of floral, grass, and wood taste. They are similar to lavender and rosemary. It exudes a citrus fragrance scent making it a popular cooking herb.
How to Make Thyme Tea?
Spread fresh thyme on a flat surface and leave it to dry for several days. Once dried, transfer them into a jar. To make thyme tea, put 3 sprigs of dried thyme on one and a half cups of boiling water. You can add a little amount of honey or a slice of ginger and lemon to flavour the thyme tea.
Another way to make thyme tea is through a tea ball infuser. Using the tea ball infuser, chop the thyme sprig and steep it. You can also mix it with fruity flavours like apples, oranges, or peaches.
Benefits of Thyme Tea
Thyme is a fragrant herb that has lots of benefits more than flavouring food.
Anti-Bacterial
Thyme tea has anti-bacterial properties that fight helicobacter pylori, salmonella, and staphylococcus aureus. Helicobacter pylori cause acidity in the digestive tract. Most food-bourne illnesses are caused by salmonella. While Staphylococcus aureus commonly caused blood poisoning, bone infections, and pneumonia.
Appetite and Mood Booster
Thyme tea has carvacrol that has a positive effect on the nervous system. It increases one’s appetite and relaxes the nerves to boost the feeling of well-being.
Gastrointestinal Support
The antimicrobial properties of thymol in thyme tea reduces bacteria and germs in the food you eat. They also promote the production of microbes for healthy guts and intestinal tract. Thyme tea strengthens the gastric mucus layer, the protective lining of the stomach against acids. It also supports the healthy functioning of the liver.
Inflammation Reduction
Drinking thyme tea helps fight COX-2, the enzyme responsible for body inflammation. Thymol, an active ingredient of thyme tea hinders the production of COX-2 which results in inflammation reduction in the human body. Thyme also contains carvacrol which also prevents the production of inflammatory cytokines.
Respiratory Support
Thyme tea is rich in minerals and vitamins that promote respiratory health. It has Vitamin C that boosts the immune system. It also has antioxidant compounds that clear the mucus in the airways. As such, airflow in the lungs improves promoting a healthy respiratory system.
