Thyme has been used for many years as a medicinal herb for a number of illnesses. Its flowers, leaves, extract, and oil was found to be beneficial in treating a range of health complaints. According to a 2018 report, this Mediterranean herb exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and antispasmodic activities. Aside from this, it is also rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and manganese.
Being one of the most popular culinary herbs today, thyme is excellent supporting the immune and respiratory systems, as well as the digestive, nervous, and other body systems.
Thyme Against Cough
A cough can be very stressful on the body and can affect overall well-being considerably. It can be due to colds, allergy, a viral infection, or bacterial infection.
There are several types of coughs:
Dry, Tickling Cough: Occur when the throat doesn’t produce enough mucus, resulting in throat irritation.
Chest Cough: Triggered by excessive mucus.
Whooping Cough: Has mild, cold-like symptoms that persist into severe coughing episodes over the course of a few weeks.
Bronchitis: Produces yellow-grey phlegm and is normally accompanied by cold-like symptoms such as the stuffy nose, headache, and fatigue.
When it comes to cough relief, thyme works as a first-rate expectorant that helps the body loosen and thin out mucus thereby making it easier for us to cough up and expel the mucus from our body.
Moreover, it reduces inflammation in the airways (bronchitis), alleviates the symptoms of sore throat and cough, and decreases mucus associated with allergies and upper and lower airway infections.
One study published on NCBI, suggests that the essence extracted from thyme leaves mixed with ivy can help relieve coughing as well as short-term bronchitis.
The leaves contain compounds called flavonoids that relax the throat muscles involved in coughing and lessen inflammation.
To obtain this benefit, we can have some soothing thyme tea.
Make thyme tea at home using 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves and 1 cup of boiling water. Cover the cup, steep for 10 minutes, and strain.
We can also combine 5-7 sprigs of fresh thyme and 12 oz. water in a small pot on the stove over medium-low heat. Squeeze half of a lemon into the pot and add the pulp and rind. Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and allow it steep for five minutes. Remove from heat and allow the tea to cool. Add a teaspoon of honey and drink while it’s warm.
