Most of us are familiar with the saying, “Time heals all wounds.” Well, it turns out that there may be some truth to that after all. Introducing thyme – an herb with plenty of time-tested health benefits. Not only can this fragrant herb help speed up the healing process, but it can also be used to treat a wide variety of ailments.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the many ways in which thyme can be used to improve your health, answer some of the most common questions about thyme leaves as well as some ways to incorporate it into your cooking.
What do thyme leaves look like?
Thyme leaves are small and oval, with a pointed end. They typically range in color from light green to gray-green. The leaves are covered with tiny hairs, which give them a fuzzy texture.
Can dogs eat thyme leaves?
Yes, thyme leaves are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Thyme is an herb that has many health benefits for dogs, including reducing inflammation, preventing infection, and boosting the dog’s immune system. It also helps to prevent bad breath in dogs and can be used as a natural flea repellent.
How to dry thyme leaves?
There are a few different ways to dry thyme leaves. The easiest way is to place the thyme leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and set them in the oven at 100 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until they are crisp. You can also place them in a dehydrator set at 105 degrees for about 24 hours, or you can freeze them for up to six months.
Health Benefits of Thyme
Thyme is a powerful medicinal herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Here are some of the most well-known health benefits of thyme:
Treats respiratory infections: Thyme is an expectorant, which means it helps loosen phlegm and other respiratory infections. It is also antimicrobial, so it can help fight off infection-causing bacteria.
Soothes digestive issues: Thyme can also be helpful in treating digestive issues like gas and bloating. It does this by stimulating digestion and promoting the production of bile. Additionally, thyme can help relieve nausea and vomiting.
This is the thyme leaves product we use. We love Greek thyme, and this brand removes the twigs and stems, which produces an exceptional product.
My Land Organic Greek Thyme – Hand Picked From Mount Olympus
Reduces inflammation: Inflammation is a major contributor to the development of many chronic diseases. Luckily, thyme contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Fights off free radicals: Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases like cancer. Thyme contains antioxidants that help fight off free radicals and protect cells from damage.
Improves heart health: Thyme has also been shown to improve heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels and preventing blood clots.
To have this powerful medicinal on hand, keep a thyme tincture in your medicine cabinet for general health or to help heal from one of the issues above.
Nature’s Answer Thyme Herb with Organic Alcohol
What we love about Advanced Botanical Thyme Extract:
- Excellent to promote lung function
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- 1 fluid ounce glass bottle
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Ways to Use Thyme in Cooking
Now that we’ve gone over some of the many ways in which thyme can improve your health, let’s talk about how to use this flavorful herb in cooking.
How to strip thyme leaves
To strip thyme leaves, hold the stem of a Thyme sprig in one hand and use your other hand to strip the leaves off the stem by running your fingers down the length of the stem. The leaves will come off easily.
How to store fresh thyme leaves?
The best way to store fresh thyme leaves is in a paper bag in the fridge. Avoid plastic bags if you can, the plastic suffocates the herb and it goes bad quicker in plastic.
Savory dishes with thyme leaves
While thyme is most commonly used in savory dishes, it can also be used in sweet recipes like cakes and pies. Here are some ideas for incorporating thyme into your cooking:
Add it to soups and stews: Adding thyme to soups and stews is one of the simplest ways to use it. This will give your dish a nice flavor without requiring much effort on your part. Simply add a few sprigs of thyme towards the end of cooking time so that the flavor isn’t too overwhelming.
Use it as a seasoning for meat or vegetables: Another easy way to use thyme is by using it as a seasoning for meat or vegetables before cooking them. This is a great way to add flavor without having to make a complicated sauce or rub. Simply season your food with salt, pepper, and thyme (and any other herbs or spices you like) before cooking it as you normally would.
Make a simple thyme syrup: If you’re looking for a way to add thyme flavor to sweet dishes like cakes or pies, try making a simple thyme syrup!
To do this, combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and add a handful of fresh thyme leaves (remove them before using). Allow the syrup to cool completely before using it in place of plain sugar syrup or honey in any recipe.
More from the thewellthieone.com on healing herbs
Concluding Thoughts
As you can see, there are endless potential uses for thyme – both medicinally and culinarily speaking! So next time you’re feeling under the weather or looking for ways to spice up your cooking, don’t forget about this helpful herb!
We wish you well on your continuing journey to optimum health!
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