Description.
Of the existing species of thyme, the most common is thyme creeping. This semi-shrub, grassy, with a strong odor, belongs to the family of labial flowers. In the plant, the lower part spreads along the ground, the tree branch, the branches with the flowers facing upwards and reach a length of 20 cm. The leaves are hard and small, oval, oblong, the color varies from grayish-green from below to dark green from above, flowers are pinkish-lilac, collected in the inflorescence. Flowering period May - September. The fruit ripens in late September - in October and has the shape of a nut.
The distribution of thyme creeping is very wide: it grows in the European part of Russia, it occurs in the North Caucasus and Siberia.
Medicinal properties are herb thyme creeping. Collect it is necessary during the flowering period. For raw materials only young branches covered with leaves are suitable. Dry the collected raw materials in air dryers at a temperature of no higher than 35 ° C, avoiding direct sunlight.
Chemical composition.
Dried herb thyme has a fragrant smell, a bit bitter taste and natural color. In thyme there are: carotene, vitamin C, tannic and mineral substances, organic acids (cinnamon, coffee, etc.), during flowering up to 1.5% essential oils, saponins. Essential oils include borneol, cymene, thymol, biologically active substances. Disinfecting properties of thyme gives a large, up to 30%, thymol content.
Medical properties.
Creeping thyme has a wide range of medicinal properties: anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, as a soothing, analgesic and anticonvulsant, acts as an expectorant, spasmolytic, choleretic, diuretic and anthelmintic; has wound-healing effect.
From thyme, you can prepare decoctions and infusions that help with various diseases:
- as an expectorant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent for diseases of the respiratory tract, influenza and colds;
- as an expectorant and spasmolytic in pertussis and bronchial asthma;
- as an anti-inflammatory agent that relieves spasm of the musculature of the intestine and stomach, a remedy for diseases of the digestive system;
- choleretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of thyme in diseases of biliary tract and liver;
- antibacterial, relieving inflammation and diuretic in diseases of the kidney and urogenital system;
- as a sedative and anticonvulsant for insomnia, cramps and neuroses;
- Reduces blood pressure and a sedative for pain in the heart and early stage of hypertension.
Outwardly, decoctions and infusions of creeping thyme are used:
- with diseases of the joints and muscles - in the form of compresses and lotions;
- for washing non-healing ulcers and wounds;
- with purulent angina for rinsing the mouth and throat.
Recipes of preparation of infusions and broths.
- For oral administration, the infusion should be prepared in the following way:
a glass of boiling water should take two teaspoons of chopped and dried thyme, half an hour to insist on a water bath, drain, add to the original level. Take one third of the glass three times daily before meals to achieve a calming and expectorant effect.
- For external use:
as well as for internal - boiling water, water bath, straining. Use for rinses, various lotions and compresses.
- You can brew thyme like tea:
for 1 cup of boiling water a teaspoon of dried thyme, insist a quarter of an hour and drink with honey.
Contraindications to the use of thyme.
Ulcer of stomach and duodenum, glomerulonephritis (kidney disease), pregnancy.
Use thyme as a spice.
The medicinal qualities present in thyme do not limit the area of its application. Because of its strong and pleasant smell, thyme is widely used in cooking: borscht, soups, sauces, various meat and fish dishes, salads. Enough small amount of grass or leaves.
It also uses creeping thyme when preserving various vegetables - cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, and others.
General health-improving properties this medicinal plant gives to tea, brewed with its use. This tea perfectly quenches thirst and has a tonic effect.