What is Thymus vulgaris used for?
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herb with a distinct smell. The flowers, leaves, and oil are commonly used to flavor foods and are also used as medicine. Thyme contains chemicals that might help bacterial and fungal infections. It also might help relieve coughing and have antioxidant effects.
What are the benefits of thyme oil?
Benefits of Thyme Essential Oil
- Combat respiratory problems. Whether it’s the common cold, a cough, flu or even bronchitis, Thyme Essential Oil works to drain congestion and kill infections in the chest to help you breathe more easily.
- Stimulate circulation.
- Promote heart health.
- Ease stress and anxiety.
- Antiseptic.
Where is Thymus vulgaris found?
southern Europe
Thymus vulgaris is native to southern Europe, from Spain to Italy. It is commonly cultivated there as well as in most mild-temperate and subtropical climates, which include southern and central Europe. Thymus zygis is indigenous to the Iberian peninsula (Portugal and Spain) and on the Balearic Islands.
What foods contain thymol?
Thyme (T. vulgaris L., Lamiaceae) is the main source of thymol, as commented before. It contains between 10% and 64% of this compound (Burt, 2004). However, a species from Eastern Morocco contained only 0.24% of thymol in its essential oil.
How do you grow Thymus vulgaris?
As a Mediterranean plant, it grows best in light, well-drained soil in full sun. It does not do well in wet areas. It is a companion plant for lavender, and prefers the same growing conditions. Seeds planted in shallow soil about 10 inches apart in the garden in the spring soon sprout into sturdy seedlings.
Is Thymus vulgaris edible?
The flowers of the plant are also edible. The have a milder taste than that of the leaves. See Edible Flowers. The Persians once nibbled fresh thyme as an appetizer.
Is thyme good for kidneys?
Last but not least, thyme helps cure urinary tract infections and renal colic – a pain caused by kidney stones, and eventually it dilutes the kidney stones.