Thyme - good and bad

Since ancient times, people have known about the benefits and harm of herb thyme, which is not only used in cooking, but also in the recipes of traditional medicine. By the way, in culinary recipes such a herb is called thyme. It is impossible not to mention the pleasant menthol flavor with light bitterness, which attracts many people. It is worth noting that the maximum amount of useful substances in the plant is contained in the flowering period, so it is at this time that it should be collected and dried.

Benefits and harm of thymus

The plant includes bioactive substances, providing a number of useful properties, actively used in medicine and cosmetology.

Benefits of thyme for the human body:

  1. The composition includes an essential oil, which has an antiseptic effect and actively influences viruses, fungi and microbes. That is why the plant helps fight inflammation.
  2. Thanks to the presence of antioxidants, the grass helps fight free radicals, which in turn reduces the risk of oncological diseases, as well as heart and vessel problems;
  3. Given the presence of iron, we can not fail to mention the effectiveness of the herb in the treatment of anemia.
  4. The use of herbs of thyme is caused by the presence in the leaves of carvacrola - a substance that is used in products with an antispasmodic and analgesic effect.
  5. The composition of the plant can be found in the B vitamins , as well as ascorbic acid, which helps strengthen the immune system. It is this that is recommended to drink tea with thyme with the active spread of viruses and infections.
  6. Included in the composition of tannins and resins, cause an expectorant and thinning effect, so the grass should be used for making drinks with a strong cough.
  7. Allows you to adjust the digestive system, as well as thyme improves the process of digestion.
  8. The benefit of thyme for women is that it helps reduce pain in PMS and menstruation.
  9. Actively the plant is used for cosmetic purposes. Essential oils in the grass contribute to slowing down the aging process, and they also improve the elasticity of the skin.
  10. Has a tonic effect, so it is recommended to drink tea with thyme people who are engaged in mental work or are often in stressful conditions.
  11. Given the presence of flavonoids, thyme promotes the acceleration of metabolism, which is important for those wishing to get rid of excess weight.

Thymus for women and men can not only benefit, but also harm, so it is important to take into account existing contraindications. The plant is forbidden to people who suffer from constipation, as well as to those who have problems with bladder work. Contraindications include ulcer and gastritis. You can not drink tea with thyme pregnant and breastfeeding women. Careful with it you need to be hypotensive and people with atrial fibrillation. Harm of thyme can bring in the event that there are problems with the thyroid gland, as well as kidney and liver diseases.

How correctly to collect thyme?

If you harvest the grass yourself, then collect it away from roads and industrial plants along with the leaves during the flowering period. Dry thyme is recommended in the open air, avoiding direct sunlight. It is best to spread the grass on paper and turn it over from time to time. When all the branches dry, you need to grind them, and then sift, which will remove the thick stems that are useless. Store the thyme in a dry container under the lid.