Medicinal properties of thyme and contraindications for use. Thyme medicinal properties and contraindications. Thyme decoction as an expectorant

Many housewives appreciate fragrant thyme as spicy seasoning, which enriches the taste of the dish and improves appetite. However, the scope of this fragrant plant is not limited to cooking. Thyme can help relieve coughs and inflammation of the lungs, save you from cramps, improve sleep, and even get rid of alcoholism.

What do we know about thyme?

Under the name "thyme" it is customary to understand a whole genus of plants similar to each other, numbering several hundred species. They all have a lot in common - from appearance to healing properties.

T imyan is a small shrub with white or pink flowers collected in inflorescences. The common and creeping species of this plant are the most common. Moreover, it is known that common thyme contains twice as much useful essential oils than its creeping cousin.

In ancient times, thyme was especially revered by people - it was believed that, thanks to its divine power, it was able not only to restore lost health to a person, but even bring a dying person back to life.

The perennial plant thyme, also known as thyme or Bogorodskaya grass, was used by the ancient peoples of Egypt and Iraq to embalm mummies, and also as a powerful antiseptic. The Latin name for thyme is thymiama, which means "incense" or "incense".

not without reason ancient people Greece used thyme incense to worship the goddess Aphrodite in her temple, and the inhabitants of Rome dedicated it to the god Saturn. Thyme baths were a favorite remedy for awakening the courage of warriors preparing for battle. Surprisingly, the highlanders of Scotland added thyme to tea with the same purpose to awaken their strength and militancy.

The Greatest Physician and Philosopher Central Asia Avicenna and the famous scientist and philosopher of Ancient Greece Theophrastus highly valued beneficial features thyme. They used it to prepare various healing potions that could defeat a variety of diseases.

Thyme acquired the name "Bogorodskaya grass" due to the fact that it has been used since ancient times. Orthodox people to decorate icons Holy Mother of God on the occasion of the Feast of Her Assumption. Believers believe that herbs with such a holy name can cure any disease.

Nowadays, thyme is very popular as a spice for sauces, cheeses, homemade preparations, salads, soups, fish, meat or legume dishes, as well as for confectionery. Moreover, thyme is used not only in dried, but even in fresh. Classic spice blends such as French Provence, Bouquet Garni and Egyptian Dukka are also indispensable without thyme.

How to collect, where to buy, how to choose and how to store thyme

The best time to collect thyme begins in June, when Bogorodskaya grass begins to bloom. At this time, thyme is a real storehouse of nutrients, and the essential oil is contained in it in the highest concentration.

Search Bogorodsk grass best of all in a dry meadow or edge, in a forest or mixed forest, where there is a lot of sand and stones in the soil. You can recognize thyme, which blooms from June to August, by a woody stem up to 25 cm long and by small pinkish inflorescences resembling a ball in shape. Fragrant thyme flowers create a beautiful fragrant carpet that fills the entire space around.

Thyme should be cut very carefully, choosing only the upper, not coarsened, part. In no case should you uproot the plant, because. this will lead to the destruction of natural "plantations" of thyme. Then you need to leave the plant to air dry. After that, you need to separate the flowers and leaves from the stems in order to store them in an airtight container that protects from moisture for up to 3 years.

You can buy fresh thyme in the markets and oriental bazaars. Special attention should be given appearance plants. Thyme leaves should be bright green and show no signs of disease such as spots, damage, or mold.

Fresh thyme can last up to two weeks if placed in a container of water and refrigerated. You can also dry the Bogorodsk grass in vivo or freeze chopped.

Dried thyme can be purchased at a spice shop or grocery store. The seasoning must be uniformly ground and dry, free of impurities and moisture.

Useful properties of thyme

Thyme, which has a strong spicy aroma and burning taste, has proven itself since ancient times not only as fragrant spice but also as a valuable medicinal plant. The beneficial properties of thyme are determined by its composition, which combines such essential oils as thymol, borneol, carvacrol and cymol, as well as tannins, gum, bitterness, flavonoids and mineral salts. Thyme is rich in vitamins A, B1-B9, C, D, and E. The following healing properties of thyme are especially distinguished:

Stroke Recovery Potion

Pour 500 ml of vodka with 8 tablespoons of thyme inflorescences. Leave to infuse for 14 days in a dark place. Take 25 drops 3 times a day and rub the immobilized parts of the body with tincture.

Decoction against dysbacteriosis and gastritis with low acidity

Bring a tablespoon of thyme herb to a boil in two cups of water and immediately remove from heat. Infuse for an hour, wrapped in a warm cloth. Filter and take twice a day 40 minutes before meals for two months.

Infusion against bronchitis and asthma

Steep a tablespoon of thyme in a glass of boiling water and infuse in a thermos for 1-2 hours. Filter and consume after meals three times a day for a tablespoon. In the case of treating cough in children, the regimen remains the same, but you need to take the infusion in a teaspoon. Also additional effect will give rubbing infusion into chest followed by covering with a sheet of paper, pre-lubricated goat fat. Leave the compress overnight. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times. Thus, you can get rid of bronchitis forever.

Infusion against seizures

Brew 15 g of thyme with boiling water and leave for half an hour. Take a tablespoon three times a day.

Infusion from alcoholism

Make a mixture of thyme, centaury and wormwood in equal proportions. Then brew with boiling water at the rate of 15 g per 200 ml of water, insist and take a tablespoon three times a day.

Thyme in cooking

Thyme stimulates appetite and improves digestion, so since ancient times it has been used as a seasoning. Thyme is widely used in homemade preparations, brewed as tea and adds spice to second courses. Here are some of best recipes with thyme.

Fragrant soothing tea

Mix thyme, St. John's wort and lingonberries in equal proportions. Brew a dessert spoon in a glass of boiling water and leave for a quarter of an hour.

Chickpea cutlets with thyme

Soak a cup of chickpeas or lentils overnight in a pot of water. Boil until soft in the morning. Grind with a blender, meat grinder or potato masher until mashed with a small amount small pieces. Add salt to taste, a clove of garlic or a pinch of asafoetida, and a pinch of dried thyme. Form cutlets, roll in flour and fry on both sides in a pan over medium heat.

Plum cake with thyme

Mix in a bowl 160 g of flour with half a teaspoon of soda and 100 g of sugar. Add a teaspoon lemon peel and mix. Then pour in 120 ml of fermented baked milk or curdled milk and 80 g of sour cream with 15% fat content. Add a chicken egg to the dough (How many calories are in a boiled egg), beat with a whisk and pour in a teaspoon of vanilla essence. Knead the dough.

Line a baking dish with parchment and grease with three tablespoons of honey. Pick the leaves from 4 sprigs of fresh thyme and arrange them in a baking dish. Next, put the halves of ten pitted plums into the mold and pour over the dough. Bake at 170 degrees for about an hour. Remove the finished cake from the mold and turn over.

Contraindications

because of high concentration thymol thymol can irritate the stomach, liver, and kidneys. Therefore, thyme is contraindicated in people with peptic ulcers stomach and intestines, as well as in diseases of the liver and kidneys. It should not be used by pregnant women. Thyme is also contraindicated in diseases of cardio-vascular system and at reduced function thyroid gland. Too long use of thyme even healthy people can lead to hypothyroidism.

1. Thyme and savory are not the same thing. These are related plants with a fragrant aroma and various medicinal properties.
2. It has been scientifically proven that thyme helps sensitive and restless people feel confident in themselves and their own abilities.
3. To maintain immunity and protect against colds you can drink tea with thyme, adding a pinch of this seasoning to not too hot tea. A temperature of 30-40 degrees not only does not reduce the healing properties of the Bogorodsk herb, but also helps to activate the action of essential oils.
4. Thyme helps to awaken emotions, return vitality and beat depression.
5. To restore memory lost due to illness or injury, it is recommended to wash your hair with a decoction of Bogorodsk grass.
6. For inhalation, you need to add 2-6 drops of thyme oil to a container with hot water or on a clean handkerchief and inhale the therapeutic vapors for 10-15 minutes.
7. If you sleep on a pillow with thyme, you can not only get a sound and healthy sleep, but also recharge with calmness and peace for an active and long life.

Thyme - indeed amazing plant, capable of enriching a person's life with its spicy aroma and curing him of many diseases. Using thyme wisely and in moderation, you can long years live an active and healthy life.

In ancient times, this plant saved people's lives more than once. With the help of him, they tried to put seriously ill patients on their feet, who had practically no chance of recovery. No wonder it was considered by people as a divine grass. This weed great amount names - lebyushka, lemon scent, muhopal, incense, chebarka. Its beneficial properties are still used today. In this article, we will talk in detail about this valuable herb.

Description

Thyme grass, the beneficial properties of which have been known to mankind for many years, is actually a perennial shrub. He belongs to the Yasnotkovs. About 400 species are known today. At the same time, half of them are growing in the CIS countries. Varieties differ in shades and shape of leaves, color of flowers. There are also compact bushes, the height of which is 15-30 centimeters. Other plants are equipped with creeping branches. Such shoots are about 5 centimeters long. They create a thick "carpet" that tightly covers the ground.

The most popular option is ordinary thyme. Based on it, a huge number of hybrids appeared. It is worth noting that the compact look creates a low (about 15 centimeters), while sprawling bush. The color of the leaves is pale green, the flowers are pale lilac or white.

At the base, the shoots are woody, completely covered with small leaves. They have a slight pubescence with reverse side. Some varieties have curly branches. These shoots are located close to the ground and create additional roots. Inflorescences in the form of a ball make up flowers. They are at the ends of branches.

Places of growth

The homeland of creeping thyme, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are described in the article below, is the Mediterranean. At the same time, in the form of a cultivated plant, it is cultivated in America and parts of Europe, in Africa. Prefers steppe areas in the temperate zone, in addition, lives on rocky and rocky areas.

The area of ​​​​growth is the whole of Russia. From Siberia and the Urals to the Caucasus. It is found in the middle lane in open areas. Prefers glades in the forest, meadows, edges. But it can also be found in the mountains.

plant composition

We will talk about the beneficial properties of thyme, the photo of which is presented in this article, a little lower, now we will figure out what they are due to. One of the herb's most valuable ingredients is carvacrol, an active antibiotic. This substance can defeat staphylococcus aureus. Thyme is also rich in essential oil, which includes thymol, linalool, caryophyllene.

Vitamin B complex, antioxidants, beta-carotene, ascaridol, cymol, choline, ursolic acid, borneol complete the composition. There are also trace elements - potassium, selenium, iron, sodium, calcium.

Useful properties of thyme

The plant has a pronounced antiseptic effect. Used in the treatment of various inflammatory processes, for which they use the most various forms processing of raw materials.

There are types for internal use, but also prescribe compresses, inhalations, rinses, rubbing. Rinses are relevant for diseases of the oral cavity - stomatitis, gingivitis. In addition, they are used for diseases of the throat - pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis. Thyme also helps in the fight against SARS.

Benefits for men

Nature was able to endow thyme with useful properties that are simply unique. With their help, you can support men's health. Confronting stress, normalizing pressure, relieving muscle spasms, combating problems that arise in the intimate area, stimulating hair growth - the effect of the herb is actually universal.

For sexual weakness

For any man, erectile dysfunction is a sad diagnosis, to put it mildly. But here, the beneficial properties of thyme will help. Molybdenum and selenium, which are part of it, allow you to cope with this disaster. A drink from a miracle herb will save you from early ejaculation.

To do this, pour half a liter of boiling water into a thermos, pour 2 tablespoons of raw materials, insist for 2 hours. Drink twice a day for two weeks, one glass. After you need to take a break, and then the treatment resumes again.

To increase sexual energy, rub into the perineum. The tool can be bought at a pharmacy, as well as cook with your own hands. To do this, pour olive oil 15 g of grass and removed for a month. Further, the resulting infusion can be used as needed.

In case of impotence, take a spoonful of dry pink inflorescences, pour a glass of boiling water, wrap for half an hour. Drink up to 6 times a day before meals.

With myositis

Movements become constrained with inflammation of the muscles. This disease also negatively affects sexual function. In order to stop the development of the disease, compresses should be done. And here the useful properties of thyme will help. It is necessary to steam the raw materials for 30 minutes in boiling water, squeeze. Wrap cake in gauze, attach to the sore point, secure with polyethylene.

For hair

With baldness, you can regularly apply a mixture of a spoonful of vodka and 3 drops of thyme essential oil to the scalp. It is better to hold the tool longer without washing off. which is included in Bogorodsk grass, strengthens hair follicles and stimulates hair growth.

Properties for women

The plant helps with pain inflammatory diseases appendages, menses. Also known to enhance lactation during breastfeeding baby. To create a drink, take one spoonful of raw materials per glass of boiling water. Tea is ready in a few minutes.

The herb is actively used in cosmetology, where it is treated acne. To do this, you need to finish the juice of ½ lemon in a glass of broth. This product should be applied to the skin.

Rinsing with a decoction of thyme after shampooing helps to avoid dandruff and also soothes irritated skin. These procedures relieve hair from excess dryness.

Also, fragrant grass can be added as a seasoning to fish and meat dishes. Such advice is especially relevant for those who want to lose weight, but it should be understood that the green healer does not burn fat, it activates the metabolism.

For kids

Gargling with thyme will help with stomatitis and sore throat in babies. The plant is the active ingredient in various cough syrups.

The main number of synthetic drugs has many contraindications, in contrast to drugs created on plant-based. The antiseptic, soothing, disinfectant effect of thyme is used for the benefit of babies.

Trays

For children whose sleep leaves much to be desired, you can add 10 ml of infusion to the bath. These procedures will prevent the occurrence of diaper rash in babies, help with rickets.

With a concussion

The herb helps to resume the functioning of the brain in a natural mode after trauma, strengthens nervous system, relieves headache, improves sleep. This therapy lasts 6-12 months. To do this, pour a spoonful of raw materials with two glasses of water, boil and remove from the stove. The container with the decoction should be wrapped in a blanket and removed for an hour. Drink 1/3 cup before meals three times a day.

For gout

In the fight against this disease, the anti-inflammatory effect of this little doctor is used. Dried or fresh leaves should be brewed and used instead of tea twice a day.

From alcoholism

To cope with this dependence allows thymol, which is contained in the grass a lot. This substance causes vomiting in case of overdose. To do this, 15 g of thyme is poured into 0.5 l hot water and heated in a water bath for 15 minutes. Then the infusion is drained and again brought to 500 ml. Several times a day they drink 60 g of this potion, washed down with 30 ml of vodka. Nausea or vomiting appears very quickly. The course of such treatment is 1-2 weeks.

With a stroke

A very simple recipe will be effective:

• 8 large spoons of flowers need to be filled with a bottle of vodka;
• store in the dark for two weeks;
• drink three times a day, 35 drops;
• rub the numb areas with the finished product.

From cataract

Grind into powder 100 g of raw materials. Add ½ kg of honey. Simmer for one hour in a water bath, stirring occasionally. Eat 1 scoop every night before bed. Store the product in a cool place.

Contraindications

Continuing to consider the beneficial properties and contraindications of thyme, it is worth dwelling on the latter. For oral use, thyme-based products are contraindicated for self-administration with:

• peptic ulcer;
• kidney and liver diseases;
• thyroid diseases;
• the period of feeding and pregnancy;
• atrial fibrillation;
• coronary disease hearts;
• individual intolerance;
• myocardial infarction myocardium.

In official medicine, the plant plays an important role. This herb is included in various medicines. Since the plant has expectorant properties, it is used to treat pneumonia and bronchitis. Before use, be sure to clarify contraindications. For girls it remains the same indispensable tool significantly alleviating menstrual symptoms.

Thyme, also known as thyme, is a perennial shrub with a pleasant aroma. The plant has medicinal properties and is used as a sedative, analgesic and prophylactic. Usually grows on the outskirts of pine forests. Thyme is common in Eastern Europe, Kazakhstan and Russia.

Description

The plant belongs to the Yasnotkovy family and the Thyme genus. It is a small, branched subshrub with fluffy stems of a grayish hue. The flowers of the plant can be pink and purple. They are small in size and produce essential oil. The fruits appear in the form of nuts.

Bogorodnaya grass, small mother, pine forest, greed, fly fly, thyme - all this is thyme.

The shrub blooms in summer or early autumn. This is the time of procurement of raw materials. AT agriculture the thyme is harvested using hay mowers and then dried in the open air. The plant is packaged in bags and placed in a warehouse where the dry collection is stored for up to two years.

Chemical composition

Although the plant has been famous for its healing properties for many centuries, it was not until the twentieth century, thanks to emerging technologies, that it was possible to figure out why exactly thyme is so good. The beneficial properties characteristic of thyme are due to its rich chemical composition.

The leaves and grass of the plant contain the following elements:

• Essential oil (0.5-1.3%), which contains thymol, relieves worms, has an antiseptic, antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect;
• Tannins have anti-inflammatory, astringent and bactericidal properties;
• Flavonoids - these include vitamin P. They play a significant role in the prevention oncological diseases, normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system and suppress allergic reactions;
• Cymole and terpineol are sources of the pleasant aroma of thyme leaves;
• Carvacrol prevents the occurrence of atypical cells;
• Acids - malic, saponic, ursulic, caffeic and cinchona;
• Trace elements - magnesium, cobalt, lead, copper and others;
• Macroelements - potassium, calcium, iron and manganese;
• vitamins;
• Minerals;
• resins.

Beneficial features

Thyme has always stood out with a wonderful aroma and pleasant view, and most of all - the healing potential. More traditional healers the distant past recognized the amazing possibilities of this perennial shrub. A rich set of useful properties makes the leaves and grass of the plant popular ingredients to this day. useful infusions.

The essential oil in the composition of the plant is the main reason for the pharmacological importance of thyme. Bacteria do not tolerate it because of thymol. This element has an antihelminthic, antiseptic and analgesic effect.

Among the useful medicinal properties thyme herbs and leaves include:

• Calming effect, thanks to which thyme decoctions help to effectively deal with chronic sleep deprivation and suppress the feeling constant anxiety and irritability;
• Analgesic effect - as an external agent of local action, thyme is used to make medicinal lotions, compresses and ointments. These remedies help eliminate joint pain and skin inflammation;
• The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect that thyme herb has during. The plant is considered an effective diaphoretic, so it is often recommended during colds and flu;
• Normalization of work gastrointestinal tract, and in particular - neutralization of heaviness, bloating and elimination of constipation. Regular consumption of thyme contributes to the normalization of intestinal microflora and separation gastric juice;
• The expectorant action of the plant is useful in the treatment bronchopulmonary diseases;
• The diuretic effect of thyme herb helps to eliminate excess toxins from the body;
• Antihelminthic action — herbal decoctions and infusions of herbs and thyme leaves are used to prevent helminthic invasion.

It is useful for women to use thyme for normalization hormonal background and suppression of pain during menstrual days. Men can use thyme herb to increase potency and improve spermatogenesis.

Application in traditional medicine

Traditional medicine based on thyme is used internally and externally. in number internal drugs includes decoctions, infusions, herbal teas and essential oils. Speaking of external methods of treatment, they mean ointments, compresses, lotions and special baths.

In addition to the typical uses for thyme, there are non-standard uses for the plant. Folk healers never cease to amaze and advise in case of a headache to sleep on a pillow, inside of which instead of fluff and feathers is thyme grass.

For cough and bronchitis

Thyme is used as an element complex treatment infectious diseases respiratory system eg bronchitis, bronchopneumonia, laryngitis and tracheitis. With inflammation of the throat, thyme grass and leaves become an ingredient in gargling solutions.

AT this case official medicine did not bypass the thyme side. Pharmacy syrups from cough with the addition of this plant are very tasty and fragrant, so children with a cold take them with great pleasure.

For cooking homemade cough syrup and sore throat you will need:

• One bunch of fresh thyme, or thyme;
• Five cloves of garlic;
• 300 grams natural honey;
• 450 ml of boiled water.

Wash thoroughly, then dry and chop the thyme. Boil the plant for approximately 15-20 minutes. The water should boil away by half. Strain the decoction through a sieve. Add honey and chopped garlic, and then mix well the resulting mass. If the decoction is intended for a child, and he is picky, then garlic can be omitted - it will be tastier. Homemade syrup take one tablespoon twice a day. Keep refrigerated.

With hypertension

Oleic acid and vitamins in thyme help reduce blood pressure, strengthen the walls blood vessels and normalize the work of the heart. The plant also relieves spasms.

To prepare infusion for the treatment of hypertension you will need the following ingredients:

• one tablespoon of dry thyme;
• half a teaspoon medicinal chamomile;
• one teaspoon of fireweed;
• one liter of water.

Mix all the components of the tincture thoroughly, pour a liter of boiled water, cover with a lid on top, wrap it with a warm blanket and leave to infuse for an hour. Take a quarter cup of decoction three times a day.

With prostatitis

thyme is effective tool to increase potency, get rid of prostatitis, eliminate inflammation and pain. The herb is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action and also facilitates urination.

For cooking decoction against prostatitis based on thyme you will need:

• one glass of boiled water;
• two tablespoons of dried thyme (thyme).

Pour dried thyme with boiled water, put on water bath, bring to a boil, then keep on fire for another ten minutes, and then leave the broth under the lid for two to three hours. Take two tablespoons of medicinal tincture twice a day before meals.

With alcoholism

Thyme causes disgust alcoholic beverages, in connection with which traditional medicine the plant is often used to treat alcohol addiction.

You can get rid of alcoholism with the help of decoction of thyme and bitter wormwood. To prepare a decoction, mix the ingredients in ratios of ¼ (wormwood / thyme). Pour a tablespoon of the mixture into a glass of water and boil for ten minutes. Medicinal decoction should be taken one tablespoon three times a day. Therapy should last several months. As a result, people become indifferent to alcohol. The decoction also calms the heart, relieves tension in the lower and upper limbs.

With sciatica

Thyme is known for its relaxing and restorative properties. The plant is added to therapeutic baths during sciatica, gout and rheumatism, and also used to create medicinal tinctures to strengthen joints and eliminate muscle pain.

To prepare thyme tincture for the treatment of sciatica, pour five tablespoons of finely chopped grass with half a liter of high-quality vodka. Close the container tightly and leave to infuse in a dark room at room temperature for a week, then strain. Wipe tincture of sore joints before going to bed. The effect is noticeable within a few days after the start of application.

For the nervous system

Thyme herb has a calming effect and restores the shattered nervous system. AT preventive purposes use medicinal teas, infusions, as well as products based on essential oils.

For cooking remedy for insomnia mix a teaspoon of dried thyme herb and two tablespoons of alcohol. Close the container with the liquid tightly and place it in a dark place for a week, then strain. The remedy must be taken a few hours before bedtime, thirty drops. If a person has a strong emotional and nervous breakdown, the dose can be increased to fifty drops.

aromatherapy also perfectly normalizes psychological balance. Purchase or borrow an aroma lamp from your friends and pour a few drops of thyme, jasmine and lavender essential oil inside. Turn off the lights, lie down and relax. A few drops of essential oil can also be added to the bath.

For the cardiovascular system

Antioxidant flavonoids and potassium in thyme herb contribute to the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system. Potassium restores the correct heartbeat However, its excess leads to destabilization of the heart.

Before using thyme as a remedy, you should consult a doctor, as in the case of atrial fibrillation, cardiosclerosis and atherosclerosis, thyme herb is contraindicated.

If the heart is healthy herbal tea based on thyme will be an excellent prophylactic. Take dry collections of such medicinal herbs as chamomile, thyme, fireweed and oregano. Mix them in proportions 1:3:2:2 and brew with two liters of boiling water. The infusion can be taken as an alternative to regular tea several times a day.

Application in cosmetology

Numerous acids, vitamins, natural antibiotics and tannins in thyme make the plant an effective cosmetic product. Especially well it copes with problem skin and weak hair structure. Homemade lotions, masks and ointments eliminate sagging skin and remove swelling, and decoctions of thyme in shampoos strengthen hair.

To prepare facial compress based on thyme, pour a tablespoon of dry grass with a glass of boiled water and let it brew under the lid for half an hour. Take a soft piece of cloth, soak it in the resulting decoction and wring it out. Lie down and apply a wet compress to your face. The cloth must be wetted every five minutes. The procedure lasts from twenty minutes to half an hour. Regular use of the compress removes swelling and oiliness of the skin, and also restores correct work metabolic processes within cells.

For cooking hair rinse use an infusion of thyme. The ingredients of the remedy are:

• 5 grams of thyme herb;
• 5 grams of hop cones;
• 5 grams of birch leaves;
• 5 grams of nettle;
• 1 liter of boiled water.

Mix all the herbal ingredients and pour the mixture with water. Put on fire for fifteen minutes, then cover with a lid for half an hour. After regular wash shampoo, use a prepared rinse aid. The procedure must be carried out at least twice a week. The infusion prevents dandruff, baldness, nourishes the hair roots and eliminates split ends.

Steam bath with thyme herb is effective procedure for cleansing and restoring problematic skin. The pores open, and the skin itself becomes softer and more tender.

For steam bath with the addition of thyme, the plant should be finely chopped. Calculate the amount of grass needed at the rate of one tablespoon per half liter of water. Boil the infusion for half an hour, then lift the lid and keep your head wrapped in a towel over the pan for 5-10 minutes. The time depends on the level of sensitivity of your skin. After taking a steam bath, you should not go outside for about three hours.

Application in cooking

In cooking, thyme is used fresh and also as a seasoning powder. The plant becomes an aromatic ingredient in meat and fish dishes. Thyme leaves are added to vegetable salads and used during pickling of cucumbers and tomatoes.

Types of thyme that are used in cooking:

• Ordinary;
• Caraway;
• Citric;
• Creeping.

Leaves common thyme are the part of the plant with the most pronounced pungent aroma. They give the dishes an exquisite taste, emphasizing unique properties other ingredients. In professional cooking, it is preferable to use fresh leaves plants, however home kitchen As a rule, dried thyme is used.

Can it be taken during pregnancy?

Pregnancy rarely goes without additional medicines, but sometimes the body of the expectant mother does not accept them. In some cases, due to side effects and drug intolerance thyme can be a good alternative. herbal teas in small portions good helpers in the fight against a mild cold, fatigue and headache. The main thing to remember is not to abuse it in any case. An overdose causes headache, nausea, vomiting and affects the development of the child.

As for the important contraindications to the use of thyme, the list for expectant mothers is as follows:

• Increased arterial pressure;
• Problems with the work of the cardiovascular system;
• kidney disease;
• Diseases of the thyroid gland.

It is difficult to give an unequivocal answer to the question of the permissibility of using thyme during pregnancy. Opinions medical specialists different, but in some way they converge - common cases there is no pregnancy. Whether or not to take thyme is the personal decision of each woman, which should be based on individual characteristics organism and the opinion of the attending physician.

Contraindications and harm

Despite the fact that thyme is pure and natural product, in some cases, its use is not recommended, since certain elements in the composition of the plant interact poorly with problematic human organs.

Below is a list of the most important contraindications when using thyme:

• peptic ulcer;
• Hypothyroidism;
• kidney disease;
• Heart failure;

In the presence of serious problems with the liver, the use of grass is also contraindicated.

) is a plant representative of the mint family. It is predominantly represented by semi-shrubs, which have recumbent woody stems, as well as grassy branches. Thyme leaves are petiolate, small. The flowers are predominantly lilac in color, represented by capitate or other inflorescences. Thyme bears fruit in 4 nut-shaped lobes. Just over 400 are known today. various kinds, 40% of which grows in our country.

The most common type is Creeping. It grows in dry sandy places, in pine forests. Also, Marshall thyme is famous, which can always be found on the edges of forests and in open glades.

Thyme leaves are rich in essential oils, mainly thymol. It is often used as an antihelminthic. Common thyme is cultivated in our country. His homeland is the Mediterranean countries.

Preparation and storage of thyme

Thyme flowering time - the second half of June - the first decade of July. The plant begins to bear fruit in late August and until the end of September. The collection of raw materials as medicinal ingredients begins in July. Collection is predominantly carried out by mowers, but it is necessary in without fail leave up to 15 cm in length above the ground in order to get an equally plentiful harvest next year.

Collection constituent parts thyme can be produced twice a year. The first time - during the flowering of the plant, the second time - after the formation of fruits.

AT medicinal purposes absolutely all parts of the plant located above 15 cm from the surface of the earth are suitable. Drying of blanks is carried out in natural conditions in dry and warm weather, but in a place protected from sunlight. Store at room temperature in cloth bags or glass jars, but avoid temperature extremes to prevent condensation. Shelf life - 2 years.

Application in everyday life

The plant in question is not used in everyday life, since it is rich in essential oils and other beneficial substances used in medical purposes. In addition, it is an excellent addition to dishes, as well as seasoning. Thyme has no decorative value.

Medicinal properties of thyme

The plant in question is one of the most versatile and rich in various useful components. Consider some of the main medicinal properties of thyme.

1. Thyme has anti-inflammatory properties, and it can be taken both internally and externally.
2. The antibacterial properties of this plant have been known for a long time, and today thyme is used for this purpose in the absence of other medical preparations.
3. Infusions and decoctions based on this plant can eliminate depression and other mental ailments. It is also an excellent sleep aid.
4. You can easily and quickly relieve pain of various origins with the help of various drugs, including those prepared according to folk recipes.
5. Also, various convulsions associated with both increased loads on the muscles, and as a result of the presence of any diseases.
6. Useful ingredients of thyme help to remove phlegm from the bronchi. Dry cough turns into wet much faster, the process of healing from colds is accelerated.
7. Thyme contributes to a significant reduction in the symptoms of gallbladder diseases, and also cures some of the diseases.
8. With the help of this plant, you can quickly get rid of worms, as well as take preparations based on it as a prophylactic against various unfavorable microflora.
9. Compresses and rubbing thyme preparations help relieve pain in muscles and joints.
10. Decoctions based on the plant in question help to heal open wounds and ulcers faster, in which case they are taken externally.
11. Thyme infusions help speedy recovery with angina and others inflammatory processes throat.

The use of thyme in folk medicine

To date, dozens of different folk recipes, consider the most popular.

Thyme decoction as an expectorant

Pour 2 tsp. tablespoons of dry thyme leaves in a small saucepan, pour 200 ml of boiling water and insist in a water bath for about 30 minutes. Then cool, strain and place in the refrigerator to cool, because. the shelf life in this case is almost 10 days. Use 30 ml 2 times a day, preheating, without reference to food intake. The expectorant effect will come already on the 2-3rd day of taking the decoction.

Decoction for use as a compress for non-healing wounds and ulcers

Pour 2 tbsp. dry parts of thyme into a saucepan, pour 500 ml of boiling water, bring to a boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Then close the lid, let cool and strain. You can use it right away. To do this, moisten a gauze bandage with the indicated decoction and apply it to wounds and ulcers for 15 minutes. It is necessary to repeat the procedure 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening. The duration of such compresses is until the wounds and ulcers are completely healed.

Thyme tea to calm the central nervous system

Pour 2 tsp into the teapot. dry leaves and flowers of the plant in question, also pour usual amount black or green tea. Pour 300 ml of boiling water and insist with the lid closed for at least 20 minutes. The portion shown is enough for 2 adults. Drink 1 time before bedtime in the amount of 150 ml. A noticeable effect occurs on the 3-4th day of taking tea. The duration of admission is not limited.

Thyme infusion as a choleretic agent

Pour 3 tbsp. thyme in 500 ml glass jar, pour boiling water to the top, close with a plastic lid and let it brew until cooled to room temperature. Then strain and place in the refrigerator. Shelf life - 14 days. Take 50-75 ml immediately before meals 3 times a day. This infusion helps normal excretion bile while eating. Duration of admission - 2-3 cycles with breaks between doses of 3-4 days. The volume prepared according to the above scheme is enough for 5 days.

Thyme decoction for gargling with sore throat

Pour 4 tbsp. dry parts of the plant in a small saucepan, pour 1 liter of water, bring to a boil and simmer for at least 10 minutes over low heat. After that, add warm water to the original level. boiled water and close the lid. After the broth has cooled, strain it and store in the refrigerator. Warm up to body temperature before gargling. Repeat the procedure 6-7 times during the day. The effect occurs at the end of the 2nd day of rinsing - they decrease pain, reduces the area of ​​​​inflammation of the throat.

Thyme infusion for the treatment of worms

Pour 1 tbsp. into a glass beaker, pour 200 ml of boiling water, cover and leave for 5 hours. After that, strain and take 10-15 ml 2-3 times a day 30 minutes after meals. You can get rid of worms at the end of the 1st week of taking it, but then it must be repeated for 5 days for prevention.

Thyme decoction in the presence of inflammatory processes

Pour 2 tbsp. dry ingredients of this plant in a metal mug, pour 250 ml of water and simmer for 5 minutes. Then add boiled warm water to the original level, close the lid and wait for cooling. Then strain. You can store in the refrigerator. Use 50 ml 1 hour after taking antipyretic drugs. The decoction will help increase the intervals until the next rise in temperature.

Thyme infusion as a general tonic

The recipe is the simplest. Pour 1 tsp. into a glass beaker, pour 150-200 ml of boiling water, cover with a saucer and leave to cool to room temperature. Consume during the day 2-3 times in equal portions. Take for 1 week, longer if needed.

Thyme tea for increased physical activity to prevent cramps

Pour 2 tsp. dry parts of this plant, as well as the same amount of black tea, pour 500 ml of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Consume 2 hours after finishing physical activity. Only 1-2 doses are enough to subsequently eliminate the possibility of seizures. It is advisable to periodically repeat the procedure for prevention. Also, this tea can be consumed by children leading active image life, including those associated with high physical exertion.

The use of thyme infusion as a tonic

To prepare the infusion you need: take 1 g of herbs and pour 1 cup of boiling water. Put the mixture in a water bath, where to keep for 15 minutes. Then insist 45 minutes in a warm place, filter. Take before meals 1-2 tbsp. spoons 3 times a day.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of drugs based on thyme are diseases of the stomach, in particular, ulcers, as well as kidneys. Also not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers. With caution, it is worth giving infusions and decoctions of thyme to children under 3 years old. Isolated cases of individual intolerance to thyme components are possible, which is associated with the presence a large number essential oils in its composition.