Thyme medicinal properties and contraindications. Bogorodskaya herb thyme: medicinal properties, contraindications and benefits. The use of thyme preparations in alternative medicine

Bogorodskaya grass or thyme is found almost throughout the steppe and forest-steppe zone of the Northern Hemisphere. The medicinal properties of the species are in many ways similar to common thyme. A number of publications on medicinal herbs specify that the use of these plants is almost equivalent.

Thyme is a natural remedy

Since ancient times, various qualities of representatives of the botanical genus Thyme (in particular, thyme) have been used in cooking and medicine. Medicinal properties, photos of plants are presented in the article. Common thyme (T. vulgaris) has medicinal value; creeping thyme (T. serpyllum); Marshall's thyme (T. marschallianus) and 12-15 other species belonging to the same genus. Residents of the middle lane are more accessible to Marshall's thyme and thyme. The medicinal properties of a decoction, infusion or liquid extract of the plant are useful in diseases of the respiratory tract, digestive system and kidneys.

Common thyme in the wild is found only on the rocky Mediterranean coast of Spain and France, cultivated in the Krasnodar Territory (Russia). In folk medicine, the species whose names were mentioned above are equally used to obtain healing decoctions and infusions. Medicinal preparations from fragrant plants, dishes with ancient spices help fight diseases and restore strength.

Ancient incense and aphrodisiac - thyme

The medicinal properties, aroma and taste of any plant are due to its chemical composition. Creeping thyme accumulates essential oil in its leaves - a multicomponent mixture of volatile compounds. The composition gives a nondescript herbaceous plant a unique fragrance. This specific smell is familiar to many, exciting memories of the vast expanses of meadows and steppes. In addition to the essential oil, thyme contains tannins, flavonoids, saponins, organic acids, resins, and bitterness.

There are references in the annals of the ancient Slavic custom of throwing thyme into the fire during sacrifices to pagan gods. The sky was "informed" about the ceremony with the help of fragrant smoke - incense. Some authors believe that the generic name of thyme comes from the Greek word "thio", which means "to make a sacrifice." The popular name of thyme "Bogorodskaya grass" is associated with the ritual significance of the plant in worship.

There are scientists who connect the origin of the generic definition with the words "thymos" or "timon", used in relation to labial plants. There is a third version, which claims that the term means "courage", "strength", which is associated with the stimulating effect of the aroma of plants.

thyme essential oil

The name of the group of substances "essential oils" appeared in ancient Greece, where the inhabitants considered the gods to be the inhabitants of the radiant layer of air - ether. It was the ancient Greek scientist Herodotus who told the world about the method of purification and treatment used by the Scythians. These ancestors of the Slavs in the 7th-5th century BC. e. knew how good thyme herb is for health. The Scythians used the healing properties of the plant in a peculiar way. Sitting under a layer of felt, they threw handfuls of flowers and leaves on hot stones and breathed in the healing fumes.

The leaves and the entire upper part of the shoots are fragrant, where there are numerous veins and glands with essential oil, thanks to which thyme smells so pleasant. Medicinal properties have a properly harvested plant grass, which is harvested during the budding period and before the end of mass flowering. If the raw materials were slowly dried in the air in the shade, then the content of the essential oil will be about 0.7-1.2%. Its main components are organic alcohols and terpenes: thymol (up to 40%), terpineol, carvacrol, borneol, cresol, α-pinene and other substances of similar composition.

The essential oil in the composition of medicinal raw materials has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, is an antiseptic and expectorant.

Reduces pain with a strong cough ingestion of drugs that contain essential oil or the thyme plant itself. Medicinal properties and contraindications for children are associated with the presence of phenolic compounds in the herb. For example, thymol is disinfected, helps with acute respiratory diseases that affect the younger generation. But with excessive consumption of infusion, decoction of thyme or its essential oil, thymol can adversely affect the functions of the stomach, liver, kidneys, and thyroid gland. Parents should carefully consider these features of the chemical composition of the plant.

Flavonoids

The leaves and flowers of many species contain flavonoids, yellow organic pigments. Creeping thyme is also rich in these active compounds. The thyme herb, whose medicinal properties are largely due to the P-vitamin activity of flavonoids, is useful in the treatment of a large group of diseases. In particular, it contributes to the regulation of impaired permeability of blood capillaries. Thyme flavonoids are well combined with vitamin C and help with various inflammatory processes. Researchers claim that flavonoids even surpass vitamins C and E in their antioxidant properties.

Tannins

Compounds related to tannins are non-toxic, highly soluble in water. Plants need them to protect against pathogenic microorganisms, because they have bactericidal and fungicidal effects. In the human body, tannins exhibit anti-inflammatory and astringent effects. The presence of these components is one of the useful qualities for which thyme is valued.

Medicinal properties, reviews of which in most cases are positive, depend on many factors. The severity of the disease that a person suffers from, the preservation of all useful components during the collection and drying of raw materials matters. It is noted in the reviews the positive effect of the use of thyme herb for colds, coughs, especially in children.

organic acids. Bitter substances. Saponins

Thyme is also rich in organic acids common in the plant world: malic, oleanic, coffee, chlorogenic and others. Medicinal properties and contraindications are associated with the effect on the digestive organs. The pharmacological activity of malic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids is anti-inflammatory and choleretic action. Chlorogenic acid has a laxative effect, promotes natural cleansing of the large intestine.

The bitterness present in the composition of medicinal raw materials improves the functions of the digestive system, gives a choleretic and diuretic effect. Saponins also have a wide pharmacological spectrum of action, stimulate and tone up the work of organs and systems.

Generalized information about the biological action of thyme

Thyme herb preparations have a variety of effects on the body:

• anti-inflammatory;
• expectorant;
• painkiller;
• antiseptic;
• stimulating;
• tonic;
• restorative.

Thymol irritates the stomach and liver. In folk medicine, its preparations are prescribed for reduced secretory activity of the walls of gastric juice. And also with spasms and flatulence in the intestines. Due to the content of a number of biologically active substances, thyme has antiviral and anticarcinogenic properties.

Pharmacological activity of thyme - be careful

The active ingredients of thyme preparations stimulate the activity of the stomach and intestines, which is not recommended for certain diseases of these organs. Not everyone is shown substances of the phenolic series, such as thymol. How does thyme affect the body? The medicinal properties and contraindications to the use of the plant should be carefully studied by those suffering from stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, pregnant women. With these diseases and during the period of bearing a child, it is better to abandon home remedies and dishes that contain thyme. In case of an overdose of its drugs, the stomach, liver, and thyroid gland suffer first of all.

What diseases are thyme preparations used for?

Thyme has a bronchodilatory and expectorant effect, improves the well-being of patients with tonsillitis and bronchitis. During seasonal epidemics of acute respiratory viral diseases, it is useful to use thyme preparations for prophylactic purposes. The essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic and antispasmodic effects, which can help people suffering from bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, intestinal atony.

The use of thyme with food as a spice helps prevent putrefactive fermentation in the intestines, leading to the formation of gases and bloating. With articular and muscular rheumatism, skin diseases (non-infectious), baths and compresses with a decoction of a plant such as thyme are indicated.

Medicinal properties for men are in the fight against sexual weakness and early ejaculation. Regular use of the decoction orally and adding thyme to meals reduces the risk of developing prostatitis. Thyme has a tonic effect on the body, helps to cope with fatigue. Preparations from this herb are taken to increase efficiency, resistance to stress.

Alcoholism treatment

Traditional medicine recommends taking an infusion of a plant such as thyme to get rid of alcohol addiction. The healing properties of alcoholism will help get rid of it due to the conditioned reflex effect of the herb on the body. After taking the infusion, give the patient a sip of alcohol. After about 20 minutes, there will be a gag reflex caused by thyme.

To consolidate the vomiting reaction, the procedure is repeated up to 10 times a day, each time using about 150 ml of creeping thyme infusion (this plant is better known as thyme). Medicinal properties and contraindications for men and women who suffer from alcohol dependence require discussion with a competent specialist in a medical or rehabilitation institution.

home remedy recipes

Infusion and decoction of thyme are used for severe coughs and chest pains as an expectorant, disinfectant, analgesic and sedative. Applied for acute respiratory diseases, bronchitis, inflammation of the lungs, an infusion prepared in accordance with a simple recipe:

• grind 15 g of thyme herb and place in a clean enamel bowl;
• pour raw materials with 200 ml of water;
• close the dishes with a lid and heat for 15 minutes in a boiling water bath;
• remove the infusion and leave to cool for 45 minutes;
• filter the extract, squeeze the grass;
• add boiled or filtered water up to 200 ml.

Adults take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times daily after meals. Children can take a teaspoon of infusion 3-4 times a day.

For rinses and compresses, an infusion is prepared from 50 g of grass and 1 liter of water. Place the raw materials in a thermos, pour boiling water. After 30 minutes, the solution is ready, they can rinse your mouth with sore throat, use it for compresses for rheumatism. The same infusion is added to the bath to reduce pain in the joints, with radiculitis and myositis. Creeping thyme is included in the aromatic bath collection along with chamomile flowers, lavender buds, mint herb and

The perennial plant thyme, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which are worth studying, can also benefit you. Delicate lilac flowers of this perennial have an amazing, incomparable aroma. Spicy fragrant thyme is a unique and miraculous herb. This is not only a spicy seasoning for vegetable or meat dishes, but a storehouse of healing ingredients to maintain our health. The medicinal qualities of thyme are really impressive: with its help, they treat nervous disorders, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, are used externally to treat joints, relieve fever, cold symptoms.

When to harvest thyme and where does it grow

Summer is considered the best time for harvesting the gifts of nature - medicinal herbs or roots. When is thyme (thyme, misspelled) or thyme harvested? Usually, when the mass flowering of the plant begins. Starting somewhere from the end of May, rocky slopes, hills, steppes, forest glades are covered with flowering carpets of thyme, gathering around bees and other insects. The small leaves of the plant have an elongated oval shape, the flowers are located close to each other, form inflorescences. The color of the flowers has a predominantly lilac-pink color scheme, the stems are creeping, woody in their lower part.

Thyme - what is hidden in this modest low shrub that encourages people to cultivate it or harvest it for future use? It's all about the healing essential oil, which is successfully used to treat a wide range of diseases.

It can be found in Southern Europe, the forest-steppe zone of Belarus, the Crimea, Transbaikalia, in the south of Russia, in Ukraine, in the Caucasus, in the steppes of the Krasnodar Territory and Stavropol - where thyme grows freely, like a wild plant.

Now many gardeners have begun to cultivate this perennial, as its benefits, medicinal and healing properties are gaining more and more popularity among followers of traditional medicine, adherents of the use of natural natural gifts.

What is the difference between thyme and savory, thyme, oregano - confusion in the names of the plant

In fact, this culture has many species, but the most popular and common are thyme (thyme) ordinary and creeping. Supermarkets or spice departments sell pretty bottles or small bags that say "Thyme". This aromatic herb is one of the most basic spices in French cuisine, and in fact, thyme and thyme are the same plant.

Also, people often confuse two very similar names - thyme and savory, believing that these are two designations for the same herb. This is not so, despite the fact that both representatives belong to the same family, and are also used as spices, medicinal preparations, they are completely different. Their official names also vary: thyme is thyme, and savory is sometimes called kondari.

Thyme, as mentioned above, is a creeping shrub with creeping shoots that tend to root.

Savory is an upright plant, native to the Mediterranean countries, reaching a height of 15-30 cm. The leaves of this annual have a burning, spicy taste, somewhat reminiscent of hot green pepper, because of this it is sometimes called pepper grass. The appearance of flowers, savory leaves is also different, it cannot be confused with a relative thyme.

In the photo savory

At the same time, it is also worth dispelling the misconceptions that thyme and oregano are the same plant. This is not true. They really have a somewhat similar aroma, but in oregano it is more weakly expressed. Both herbs are used as seasonings for various dishes, and are also brewed as a medicinal tea. Their main similarity lies in the sedative, anti-inflammatory effects on the body, but even outwardly they differ significantly.

Thyme is undersized with small inflorescences, and oregano can reach a height of half a meter, has branched stems, lilac-pink flowers collected in a panicle.

This is thyme
This is oregano

Both herbs are useful, widely used in traditional medicine, but they are completely different, therefore, when compiling medicinal recipes, they cannot be replaced by each other.

If we are already talking about names, then it is worth mentioning another, fairly common designation of thyme - Bogorodskaya grass. According to a beautiful legend, the Mother of God herself pointed out this medicinal plant to people, in some places the tradition of decorating the icons of the Most Holy Theotokos with flowering branches of the Bogorodsk grass has been preserved to this day. Be that as it may, the popular name has taken root, and the plant itself benefits people.

Thyme useful properties - what are they

Due to the rich composition of medicinal and healing components, this herb successfully heals colds, respiratory diseases in children and adults. For treatment, all parts of thyme are used, except for the rhizome: leaves, inflorescences, twigs. Medicinal stocks are recommended to be harvested in June-July, carefully cutting off the upper part of the shrub, leaving the root. Thyme is dried in the fresh air, in a shaded place, laying out the raw materials on a clean cotton cloth. To store dry grass, it is better to use cloth bags or thick paper boxes, in places where there is no moisture, bright light.

From what grass thyme, from what diseases? A truly wide list of diseases, with the symptoms of which he successfully fights. Folk medicine has preserved a lot of different ancient recipes.

Thyme herb copes with various intestinal inflammations (even of an infectious nature), colds, nervous diseases, depression, skin rashes (external use: lotions, compresses). Baths with herbal decoction are a real relaxation-salvation after a hard day full of emotions.

A general tonic, immunomodulatory effect is provided by tea with thyme. Headaches, migraines, eye diseases, muscle pains, manifestations of rheumatism, arthritis - all of the above can be done with thyme, provided the correct dosage, regular use.

Alcohol tincture of thyme inflorescences helps to alleviate the effects of a stroke (8 tablespoons / 0.5 l of vodka). Hands, feet, numb parts of the body are rubbed with the composition, 25-30 drops diluted with half a glass of water are recommended to be taken orally three times a day.

With brain bruises or concussions, a decoction helps - a tablespoon of grass (with a slide) is poured with two glasses of water, brought to a boil, infused for 1 hour, taken orally three times a day, half a glass. The same recipe helps with insomnia, migraines, headaches (especially of nervous origin), the course of treatment is at least 5-6 months.

To restore the intestinal microflora, you can take a similar composition orally, only increase the amount of the therapeutic dose (1 glass / twice a day). The course of treatment is at least 2 months. Cataract treatment gives positive results if you mix 500 g of liquid honey with 100 g of dry raw thyme ground very finely (like pollen). To enhance the effect, the resulting mixture can be stewed in a water bath for about 1 hour, periodically stirring with a spoon. This medicine should be taken 1 teaspoon at night.

The medicinal properties of thyme successfully fight annoying coughs, manifestations of bronchitis, even asthma. To do this, grind 1 tablespoon of grass, pour 250 g of boiling water, insist in a thermos for about 2 hours. After straining, such a decoction should be taken 2 tablespoons 4 times a day, after meals. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to rub the chest with the same infusion, cover it with plastic wrap on top, and leave overnight. Two or three nights with such a "compress" on the chest have an effective, healing effect.

With such diseases, you can use the usual decoction on the water, or you can use alcohol, on vodka - an expectorant, bronchodilatory effect is guaranteed. Infusions, as well as finely ground flowers, leaves are used to prepare ointments.

Thyme for alcoholism

Traditional medicine knows another, somewhat non-standard field of application of thyme. It helps fight alcoholism. Its medicinal properties are due to the presence of thymol, a substance that causes a gag reflex when mixed with alcohol. For a positive effect, however, the consent of the patient himself is needed, since the treatment consists in drinking 50 g of a decoction with a small amount of an alcoholic drink, two to three times a day. After two weeks of such treatment, as a result, there is a persistent rejection of alcohol.

Thyme tea benefits

Tasty, very useful tea with this medicinal herb, which is a natural natural stimulant. The best time to take herbal tea with thyme is in the morning. It is recommended for children suffering from anemia, it removes the feeling of heaviness in the stomach when overeating, the symptoms of fermentation in the intestines, and increased gas formation. After eating fatty foods, to normalize digestion, it will never be superfluous to drink a cup or two of this aromatic drink. The herb can be brewed on its own, or combined with the addition of regular black tea.

Herbal medicinal tea, photo:

What is useful tea with thyme? This honey plant contains organic acids, flavonoids, vitamin "C", resins, tannins, essential oil, vitamins "B" of the group. This list of useful components has a positive effect on the body as a whole, has an antiseptic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, wound healing, disinfectant effect. Moreover, steeply brewed thyme tea is successfully used for inhalation.

Drink more tea for cold symptoms, runny nose - essential oils will do their job, you can be sure. Such tea will increase mood, efficiency, vitality, despite its tonic effect, it will calm shattered nerves, help to cope with fatigue. It is indispensable with the onset of the cold season, when viral, colds are activated.

Even such an unpleasant thing as halitosis is successfully eliminated by regular rinsing, drinking this healing tea.

Contraindications

Despite all its useful properties, thyme also has contraindications.

• If a person has diseases of the liver or kidneys, then these decoctions, infusions, teas should not be consumed.
• If there are diseases of the thyroid gland, especially a decrease in its function, then taking this herb is also contraindicated.
• In the presence of vascular atherosclerosis, cardiosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, the use of thyme is strictly contraindicated due to the presence of a high content of thymol.
• This warning also applies to those who have an increased acidity of the gastric juice.

Thyme for healthy, cautions

What is the effect of thyme tea on healthy people?

• Even if your health can only be envied, you should not get carried away with prolonged, frequent use of this delicious drink.
• Infusions, teas based on thyme help to reduce the production of thyroid hormones, which inevitably leads to hypothyroidism in case of overdose.
• Do not forget that thyme contributes to an increase in blood pressure, moreover, it does it imperceptibly, and the achieved effect persists for a long time.
• Allergies or individual intolerance to plant constituents can also occur, although this rarely happens.

Thyme - beneficial properties for women and men

What is useful thyme for women

The positive effect of thyme on the female body is due to its ability to reduce pain symptoms during PMS, critical days. The same tea or thyme infusion baths have a positive effect on a woman's health during this period. The use of infusions, decoctions favorably affects the genitourinary function in general, provided there are no individual contraindications.

Can pregnant women drink tea with thyme? The answer to this question will not be specific, since everything depends on the situation, the state of health of the woman, how the pregnancy proceeds. On the one hand, it is a natural diaphoretic, anesthetic that does not contain chemistry, like most pharmaceutical preparations. Based on this, with a cold, cough, or inflammation of the urogenital area, it will be much safer to use herbal tea or decoction to relieve the symptoms of the disease.

On the other hand, thyme works to increase the tone of the uterus, which can pose a threat to the baby, increase the likelihood of miscarriage. Such tea can be safe, even useful just before the onset of childbirth, since in this case it can only provide positive stimulation. If a pregnant woman suffers from impaired cardiac function, then drugs containing thyme in their composition should not be taken categorically. Is it possible to use thyme during pregnancy, only your personal attending physician will say, who sensibly assesses your specific situation.

thyme for men

Since we have touched on the topic of women's health, it is fair to recall the benefits of thyme for men. Thyme is famous for its positive effect on the male urogenital area. Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory effect, it successfully fights prostatitis and other inflammatory phenomena in this area. Regular use of herbal infusion (1 tablespoon of inflorescences / 250 g of boiling water, 5-6 times a day, before meals) has a stable preventive, therapeutic result.

Thyme is also favorable for male power. Medicinal properties, contraindications for men are not very different from other tips, recommendations for the use of medicinal plant raw materials. The main thing here is the measure, regularity of intake, taking into account the individual intolerance of thyme components. It is used as an aid in the fight against male infertility, it increases the viability of spermatozoa, potency.

Dried thyme, photo:

The health benefits of thyme are not in doubt, but do not forget about the dosage, the permissible duration of the use of the herb in your particular case. You can grow this amazing fragrant plant in your summer cottage, after carefully digging up the shrub at the place of growth. It is useful, fragrant, looks beautiful in a flower bed next to flowers.

Thyme in a flower bed, photo:

In the diversity of the world of medicinal herbs, a special place belongs to thyme.

This name combines several perennial plants belonging to the genus Lamiaceae at once. The sonorous name, this genus of plants received from the Celtic "thymos", which means "strength" or "spirit", which is consistent with the exciting properties of the plant.

Thyme is also known as thyme, which is the traditional name for a culinary herb made from it.

The people have their own name for grass - they also call it “Bogorodskaya”, symbolizing by this, exclusively, the good goals of its action.

Common thyme (thyme) and creeping thyme (thyme) are the most famous as a medicinal plant.

Botanical features

Common thyme is a herbaceous plant in the form of a shrub 35-50 cm high. To keep strongly branching stems, its lower part is woody.

The stems are densely strewn with small fragrant lanceolate leaves, and light purple inflorescences frame the ends of the branches, attracting butterflies and bees.

This variety of thyme comes from the countries of the northwestern Mediterranean, and today it can be found on the territory of the Krasnodar Territory and the Stavropol Territory, Ukraine and Moldova.

The difference between thyme creeping and ordinary reflected in the title. The brown stems of the plant are flattened and spread along the surface of the earth, taking root in the course of growth.

Shoots growing upwards are covered with small elliptical hard leaves and bright pink or purple flowers collected in round caps of inflorescences.

This species, initially, had a Eurasian and North American origin, and the modern range captures almost all the territories of the former CIS, preferring:

• rocky and sandy areas,
• steppe meadows,
• outskirts of pine forest,
• lichen tundra.

The flowering period of thyme lasts from June to August, and in September the seeds ripen - in the form of boxes with brown nuts.

It is this type of plant that is used for harvesting medicinal raw materials. The collection begins at the beginning of the summer season, when the shoots are saturated with essential oils and exude an unusual aroma.

The collected ground parts of the shrubs are connected into small bundles, which are hung in well-ventilated dry rooms, lowering their heads down.

The main condition for proper drying, which retains all the benefits of grass, is the complete absence of direct sunlight.

Chronicle of health

Thyme was familiar to man as early as the third millennium BC - this is how the first written mention of it by the ancient Sumerians, who already, then, used it as an antiseptic, says.

In Egypt, thyme was included in the elaborate embalming process, and the Greeks used thyme as an incense or incense (thymiama).

Even in the old days, it was noticed that the grass gives strength and courage. Therefore, the Scottish highlanders fortified themselves with thyme tea before the battle.

The glory of the thyme very soon reached Europe, where the ladies of the court made embroidery with his image on the shirts of their knights, in the hope of an upcoming victory on the battlefields.

Origins of power

Thyme has collected a lot of useful elements that give it a truly remarkable power.

It contains a lot of essential oils (up to 18%), tannins and flavonoids, bitterness, resins and tannins, gum and vegetable acids: oleic and ursolic.

The vitamin composition is represented by carotene, ascorbic acid and B vitamins.

The mineral base of the herb is no less diverse, including iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, fluorine, molybdenum, selenium, manganese and copper, and much more.

The action of these ingredients explains the effectiveness of thyme in several areas of healing at once:

• antiseptic and disinfectant;
• wound healing;
• diaphoretic;
• expectorant and mucolytic;
• carminative;
• sedative and antidepressant;
• restorative and tonic.

Doctor of all trades

Thyme is indispensable in the treatment of respiratory pathology, its expectorant effect has proven itself in various forms of bronchitis, pneumonia and bronchial asthma.

On the page: it is written about the beneficial properties of oregano and St. John's wort.

In pediatric practice, thyme is a traditional remedy for whooping cough and other infections of the respiratory system. This herb is also used for respiratory diseases of tuberculous etiology.

The plant is of particular benefit to men who have a long history of smoking and suffer from "smoker's bronchitis".

Neurological diseases accompanied by insomnia, anxiety and depression, depression and neurasthenia are also well cured using Bogorodsk herbs.

The tonic effect is used to relieve chronic fatigue syndrome, harmonizes the mental state and eliminates emotional stress.

Due to the ability to eliminate flatulence and fight infection, thyme is successfully used in the treatment of intestinal diseases and dysbacteriosis.

It normalizes the digestion process, especially when eating fatty and heavy foods.

Rinsing the mouth with a decoction of thyme helps with stomatitis and gingivitis, relieving inflammation and eliminating bad breath.

The diaphoretic action of thyme helps to lower the temperature, relieve fever and intoxication in all febrile conditions, viral diseases, colds and flu.

With a runny nose or sinusitis, it is instilled into the nose, tonsillitis and tonsillitis are treated with rinses, and for laryngitis, steam inhalations with the addition of herbs are used.

In addition to internal use, thyme infusion is often used in the form of compresses, lotions and rubbing. In this form, they are treated with arthritis and rheumatism.

Ointments with the addition of thyme help well with inflammatory diseases of the skin and joints, and lotions based on it eliminate swelling and pain along with inflammation.

Help for kids

More and more modern parents prefer to use exclusively natural products in the treatment of their children, refusing toxic synthetic drugs.

One of these remedies, gently and effectively acting on the children's body, has become a useful and fragrant thyme. Its mild and effective action is used in the antitussive drug "Pertussin".

Combining a soothing, disinfectant and antitussive effect, thyme is the best suited for the treatment of childhood ailments, such as:

• rickets,
• hyperexcitability,
• streptoderma and diathesis.

The usual warm thyme bath helps to calm the child and gives him a calm and sound sleep.

For men's health

Thyme, or thyme, is widely known as the "male herb" - in addition to its excellent tonic effect on the male body, it has a positive effect on the male reproductive organs.

These include, first of all, inflammatory processes of the urogenital tract and prostatitis. Eliminate inflammation, relieve swelling and neutralize the infection - this is the triune task that thyme copes with in the best way.

This is a proven and reliable remedy for the prevention of urethritis, prostatitis and congestion in the pelvic organs.

In addition, thyme delicately and effectively eliminates problems in the intimate sphere of men's health, the causes of which are often chronic depressive states against the background of stress and emotional overwork.

Its ability to relieve stress, while increasing emotional and physical tone, leads to a rapid normalization of sexual function and a harmonious state of the intimate sphere.

Another point of application of the amazing plant is the problem of male infertility.

Thanks to the unique combination of biologically active substances and vitamin-mineral complexes that make up the thyme, the process of spermatogenesis is enhanced and the quality of sperm is improved, thereby creating a favorable background for conception.

Against addictions

Another area of ​​application of the unique herb is getting rid of alcohol addiction.

In folk medicine, the ability of thyme flowers to cause disgust for alcohol has long been used. The thymol contained in their composition, in case of an overdose, provokes a gag reflex.

Fixing itself in the mind of a patient with alcoholism, this action subsequently extends to subsequent portions of alcohol - already in the form of a conditioned reflex.

Be sure to use only fresh broth. After a course of treatment lasting 1–2 weeks, the patient develops a persistent aversion to alcohol.

Only for women

The “male” orientation of the thyme does not prevent him from solving purely female problems. For example, in folk medicine, its ability to normalize the menstrual cycle and cope with periodic pain is well known.

In former centuries, thyme oil was used to revive delicate beauties in fainting spells.

By inhalation of essential vapors of thyme, labor pains were stimulated, accelerating the birth of a newborn.

And after childbirth, women have successfully used it to treat hemorrhoids and cystitis, which often accompany this period.

Necessary Precautions

The richness of the composition of thyme and its biological activity in case of inept handling can bring not only benefits, but also some harm.

After all, even the most useful medicine with inept handling can have a negative impact on health.

Do not forget the golden rule that everything is good in moderation.

Therefore, the use of medicinal herbs should be, after familiarizing yourself with the contraindications:

• like other plants saturated with essential oils, thyme requires caution in allergic people;
• the use of thyme should be abandoned by all those who suffer from various forms of heart rhythm disturbance;
• kidney and thyroid diseases are also a contraindication - the risk of exacerbations while taking plant preparations is too high;
• those who have a stomach or duodenal ulcer should be treated with caution - there is a possibility of gastrointestinal bleeding;
• during pregnancy, any self-medication, including medicinal herbs, is unacceptable.

Thyme can tone the uterus and provoke a miscarriage or premature onset of childbirth.

If there is a need for lotions, and even more so - the internal use of thyme decoction, it is better not to risk it and consult a doctor.

Watch a video that talks about the benefits and harms of thyme (creeping thyme).

Thyme or thyme is well-deservedly popular with both culinary specialists and herbalists. The medicinal properties of this plant were well known as early as the time of Avicenna, Theophrastus and other founders of medicine. Nowadays, most residents of megacities prefer to purchase ready-made medicines in pharmacies, without wasting time and effort on preparing herbal decoctions and tinctures, but numerous studies and the experience of many cured people prove that the use of medicinal herbs, such as thyme, is not only much safer, but often more effective than drug treatment. The main thing is to know what diseases a medicinal plant can help with and how to properly prepare a medicinal composition from it.

Thyme - composition and useful properties

Thyme or creeping thyme is a perennial plant, which is a low-growing shrub from the Lamiaceae family. Low, with small leaves, thyme shoots are willingly planted by gardeners and landscape designers in our country. Beautiful purple inflorescences delight the eye from June to August, and the pleasant aroma of the plant's unpretentiousness adds to its popularity. In addition to beauty, honey-bearing and "delicious" smell, almost all types of thyme, and there are more than a hundred of them, have medicinal properties and can be used to prepare decoctions and tinctures for coughs, rheumatism and other diseases. The maximum amount of useful substances accumulates in the leaves and shoots of the plant during the flowering period, when it is recommended to harvest thyme for treatment.

Thyme contains many biologically active substances, essential oils, tannins and organic acids. Decoctions and infusions of thyme have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, tonic and sedative properties, they are used for various inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, joints, diseases of the digestive system, nervous system, skin diseases and other pathological conditions.

In addition to thymol, carvacrol, tannins and organic acids have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The high content of the latter in thyme essential oil explains its effectiveness in the treatment of skin diseases and inflammatory changes in various organs.

Flavonoids are powerful natural antioxidants, they not only protect the body from external harmful effects, but also activate the processes of apoptosis - the destruction of old or altered cells, thereby slowing down the aging process and preventing the development of cancer.

The use of thyme in folk medicine

Thyme or creeping thyme has been used in folk medicine for several millennia. In Russia, this plant was especially popular, it was called Bogorodskaya grass and was used to decorate icons in churches and houses. According to legend, thyme flowers in the house not only protect people from diseases, but also help cleanse the mind and soul, and also have the ability to drive away evil spirits.

How true this is, unfortunately, is unknown, but the fact that thyme can cure many diseases has been confirmed by numerous scientific studies.

So, thyme is used in the treatment:

• inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system - common colds, sore throats, pharyngitis, bronchitis and laryngitis can be quickly cured by gargling and taking thyme inside. Thyme infusions perfectly relieve irritation, have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and when the infection spreads to the bronchi, it helps to get rid of cough and facilitate the removal of sputum;
• diseases of the digestive system - the bitterness and tannins that make up thyme are very useful for various digestive disorders. They stimulate appetite, improve the functioning of the digestive glands, relieve inflammation and promote faster regeneration of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Thyme is recommended to take with a decrease in appetite, cholecystitis and flatulence;
• dental diseases - gingivitis, stomatitis, pulpitis and other inflammatory changes in the oral cavity will disappear much faster if you rinse your mouth with a strong infusion or decoction of thyme;
• hypertension and headaches - infusions and decoctions of thyme have a vasodilating and sedative effect and can be used for hypertension and headaches caused by it;
• neurological diseases, insomnia, headaches, and so on - taking a decoction of thyme has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system, herbal preparations improve cerebral circulation, relieve increased irritability, headaches, nervousness, help with stress, insomnia, migraines and other diseases of the nervous system;
• skin diseases - decoctions and infusions of thyme disinfect the surface of the skin, relieve inflammation and accelerate tissue regeneration, baths and lotions with thyme are effective in the treatment of dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, furunculosis and other dermatological diseases;
• joint diseases - compresses and baths with thyme help reduce pain and inflammation in rheumatism, arthritis and gout;
• diseases of the male reproductive system - decoctions of thyme are recommended for men with sexual weakness, early ejaculation and a general decrease in sexual activity;

Thyme or thyme has a tonic, stimulating and calming effect. Regular intake of decoctions and infusions of thyme helps to strengthen the immune system, improve the general condition of the body and increase the tolerance of physical and psycho-emotional stress.

Contraindications

Thyme, like any other medicine, has not only indications, but also contraindications. You can not take decoctions and infusions of thyme:

• during pregnancy and lactation;
• for the treatment of children under 2 years;
• with impaired liver and kidney function;
• with exacerbation of gastritis with high acidity and exacerbation of gastric and duodenal ulcers;
• with hypothyroidism;
• with chronic constipation;
• with hypotension;
• with bronchial asthma and emphysema;
• with atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels;
• with arrhythmia and cardiosclerosis;
• with individual intolerance to decoctions and infusions of thyme.

Recipes with thyme

1. Infusion of thyme- used to treat diseases of the respiratory and digestive organs, as well as for the preparation of baths and compresses for skin and joint diseases. To prepare an infusion, 1 tablespoon of dry herb is poured into 1 tablespoon of boiling water and infused for 15-30 minutes, then the infusion is filtered and cooled.

For diseases of the respiratory tract, the infusion is taken 12 tablespoons - 3 times a day, preheated. It is recommended to drink the infusion for 5-7 days or until the symptoms of the disease disappear completely.

For the treatment of joint diseases and diseases of the digestive system, a more concentrated infusion is recommended - for 2 tbsp of raw materials 1 tbsp of boiling water, the infusion is infused for about an hour, it is taken 14-13 tbsp 2-3 times a day for 10-14 days in a row.

2. Alcohol tincture of thyme- is used for all the above conditions and for rubbing joints with rheumatism and arthritis. The advantages of alcohol tincture are its effectiveness and the preservation of medicinal properties for a long time. Such a tincture can be purchased at a pharmacy or prepared independently.

For oral administration, a less concentrated tincture is prepared - 30 g of dry finely chopped grass is poured into 2 tablespoons of 40% alcohol and left in a cold and dark place for 10-14 days, after which the tincture is filtered and stored in the refrigerator. Take a tincture of 15 drops per 1 tbsp of water 3 times a day after meals, the course of treatment can be from 7 to 21 days.

For lotions and rubbing, a more concentrated solution is prepared - 3 tablespoons of fresh or dried finely chopped thyme are poured into 1 tablespoon of 70% alcohol, left for 3-4 weeks, then filtered, carefully squeezing the grass. The resulting tincture is used for rubbing joints with rheumatism and arthritis - 2-3 times a day or at night for 2-3 weeks in a row.

To strengthen the immune system and general healing of the body, take thyme tincture on wine. 100 g of dried chopped thyme is poured into 1 liter of dry white wine and left for 7-10 days, shaking occasionally. After that, the tincture is brought to a boil over low heat and left in a warm place for 4-6 hours. After that, the tincture is filtered and taken 30-50 ml of tincture 2-3 times a day before meals. This tincture has a milder effect and the course of treatment can be longer - up to 1 month.

3. Thyme decoction- It is used to treat diseases of the respiratory and digestive organs. To prepare a decoction of 1 tbsp of dry thyme, pour 1 tbsp of boiling water and bring to a boil over low heat and leave for 1 hour. After that, take 1 tbsp 3 times a day before meals for 7-10 days.

4. thyme oil- can be used for rubbing the skin and joints, as well as for oral administration in diseases of the digestive system and joints. To prepare this oil, 15 g of dry thyme is crushed and poured into 100 ml of warm olive or any other oil and infused for 2 weeks. After that, the oil is filtered and taken 5 drops 3 times a day or used externally.

The famous medieval philosopher, physician and scientist Avicenna mentioned thyme in his writings on medicine. He believed that the plant was able to eliminate headaches, itching from insect bites, expel excess water from the body, save a person from decay and kill lice. Modern doctors use the medicinal properties of the plant more widely and are aware of contraindications.

Thyme photo

Useful substances included in the composition

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, the plant is used in the complex therapy of diseases of the liver, gallbladder and biliary tract. The herb helps with flatulence and intestinal atony.

Thyme is widely used to strengthen the immune system, increase vitality in asthenia (impotence, weakness of the body). Medicines are used to improve efficiency and vitality, are prescribed during the rehabilitation period after surgery and illness.

Medicinal properties include the ability of this plant to fight dermatosis, various skin diseases due to its wound healing effect. Outwardly, remedies with a medicinal plant are used in the form of lotions, compresses and baths.

Contraindications for use

Despite the large number of medicinal properties of thyme, there are contraindications, so before taking this plant, you should consult a doctor. The potent substances that make up its composition can adversely affect human health. In what cases should the use of herbs as a remedy be abandoned, and in which cases should they be used with caution?

Creeping thyme is contraindicated in the following diseases of the cardiovascular system:

• acute heart failure;
• atrial fibrillation;
• atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels;
• myocardiosclerosis (scar formation that reduces the contractile function of the heart muscle);
• infarction and postinfarction.

Important! For people suffering from stomach and duodenal ulcers, chronic constipation, the use of thyme is contraindicated. This is due to the ability of the plant to increase the secretion of gastric juice, which is dangerous in such diseases, especially with increased acidity.

The active substances that make up creeping thyme can cause allergic reactions associated with individual intolerance. At the first sign of an allergy, the herb should be stopped. In some cases, medicines containing this plant in their composition can cause asthma attacks, so their intake should be carried out under the strict supervision of the attending physician. Diabetics should also refrain from using the plant for medicinal purposes.

For men, thyme is an indispensable tool in the treatment of prostatitis, impotence, premature ejaculation. The plant effectively fights sexual dysfunction and premature ejaculation due to its constituent minerals - selenium and molybdenum. These substances are involved in the synthesis of testosterone, normalize the sexual functions of the stronger sex, improve the quality of sperm.

With prostatitis, the herb stimulates the work of the genitourinary system in a man, improves blood flow, effectively relieves inflammation, and provides an unhindered outflow of urine. Baths with thyme help reduce the pain that occurs when. AT

complex therapy, taking funds containing creeping thyme allows you to achieve positive results.

The problem of baldness is especially acute for representatives of the strong half of humanity. Essential oil from the herb helps to cope with this problem thanks to its ursolic acid. This substance has a positive effect on the hair follicles, restores their functions, activates hair growth. To achieve the desired effect, you need to mix 1 teaspoon of vodka with 3 drops of thyme essential oil, rub into the scalp.

Alcoholism is a serious disease that destroys not only the body of a man, but negatively affects his ability to work, moral values ​​and well-being. Thyme contains thymol, which, when interacting with alcohol, causes a gag reflex that persists for a long time. This property is used when removing a person from hard drinking.

Benefits for women

For the female body, grass is an effective remedy for aging. The vitamins and minerals it contains

rejuvenating effect not only on the skin, but also on the whole body. During menopause, the use of thyme in various herbal preparations helps to relieve symptoms such as neuroses and hot flashes. The composition of this plant includes substances that have a sedative effect, so creeping thyme can be used as a light sleeping pill.

Creeping thyme is used for cosmetic purposes, to improve the appearance of the skin and hair. Decoctions of herbs and essential oils are used as home remedies to combat acne, dandruff, and skin irritations.

In gynecology, the plant is used to treat certain female diseases. The antifungal substances included in its composition help to cope with thrush (urogenital candidiasis).

What are the benefits for children

In childhood, the herb serves as an indispensable remedy for skin problems that most babies face. This prickly heat, small allergic rashes, inflammation. To eliminate these problems, babies are bathed in water from childhood with the addition of a decoction of grass. Such baths help with restless behavior of the child. Thyme has a sedative effect, so after water procedures a good sleep is ensured. As a light sleeping pill, you can use small bags of dry grass, which should be placed under the child's pillow.

Thyme is part of many medicinal children's syrups, which are used for colds and coughs, to alleviate the condition. Due to the bronchodilator properties of creeping thyme, sputum begins to be better separated, cough disappears, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract decreases. Gargling the throat and mouth with a decoction of grass is prescribed for children with stomatitis, sore throat.

Important! Children under 2 years of age are shown only external use in the form of compresses and baths. Treatment with creeping thyme with its internal use can be carried out after the child reaches the age of two.

Application during pregnancy

It is strictly forbidden to use products containing grass in their composition in case of kidney failure, liver diseases, thyroid dysfunction. Only a gynecologist and a therapist can give proper advice on use during pregnancy.

Thyme tea: useful properties

A storehouse of useful vitamins and microelements, which, in addition to amazing medicinal properties, has an indescribable aroma and taste. Tea with herbs will help to warm up on cold winter days, and in summer it will refresh and give a surge of vitality. This drink effectively copes with spring fatigue syndrome associated with a lack of essential substances in the body. In winter, a person consumes fresh vegetables and fruits less often, and the lack of sunlight affects health in the cold season.

Hot tea with thyme will help to cope with colds, sore throats, coughs, increase immunity, protect the body from the negative effects of various viruses and bacteria. In addition, the vitamins that make up the tea will have a preventive positive effect on the human visual apparatus.

Tea with thyme creeping will help relieve pain during menstruation, regulate the cycle. With neuroses and insomnia, tea acts as a sedative.

To prepare a healthy and tasty drink, you need to take 5 grams of herbs (1 teaspoon without top), pour them with a glass of boiling water. Tea is infused for 10-15 minutes, filtered and consumed warm. You can drink no more than 3 glasses of thyme tea per day. To improve the taste, you can add a little honey or sweet jam.

You can make tea in a thermos. To do this, fall asleep 2 tbsp. spoons of thyme per 1 liter of boiling water. The thermos is hermetically sealed, and the medicinal tea is infused for half an hour, after which it can be consumed.

The best recipes for folk remedies

In folk medicine, thyme is widely used to treat a number of diseases. There are several of the most popular recipes that have proven themselves in the treatment of various diseases:

1. A universal remedy for oral administration for many diseases is an infusion of thyme, which is prepared as follows: 1 tbsp is poured into a glass of boiling water. a spoonful of dry grass, on top of the container is closed with a lid for 30 minutes. A remedy is used for 2 tbsp. spoons in the morning, afternoon and evening.
2. Remedy. Thyme creeping and wormwood mixed in a ratio of 4:1. To prepare the drug, you need 1 tbsp. a spoonful of cooked herbal tea and 300 ml of water. All components are mixed, heated in a water bath to a boil, infused for 20-25 minutes. The resulting broth must be given to drink to a person suffering from alcoholism, throughout the day in small doses.
3. Remedy for dysbacteriosis. To prepare it, you need 1 tbsp. a spoonful of thyme herb and 2 cups of water. The ingredients are mixed in a saucepan, which should then be put on fire. When the first bubbles appear, the fire is turned off, the container is closed with a lid and infused for 30–40 minutes. The prepared broth is taken 150 ml in the morning and evening, half an hour before meals.
4. Remedy for sciatica and neuritis. In a glass of boiling water, add 1 tbsp. a spoonful of thyme herb, cover with a lid, let it brew for 2 hours. The prepared product is used for 1 tbsp. spoon up to 3 times a day.
5. . To return male strength, it is necessary to use an infusion of thyme 3 times a day, 100 ml each. To prepare the infusion, you need 2 tbsp. tablespoons of dry herb creeping thyme and half a liter of boiling water. All components are mixed, infused for 2-3 hours.
6. For the treatment of diseases such as sciatica, arthrosis, neuralgia, taking baths with the addition of thyme essential oil (no more than 10 drops) has a positive effect.

Thyme is a miraculous natural medicine with a lot of useful properties. However, it should be remembered that any of its use is possible only after consulting a doctor.