Thyme is a perennial plant with tiny leaves and whitish pink flowers, it grows across North America, but this plant originally came from Southern Mediterranean. The name thyme herb came from the Greek word thumus which means "courage." This very aromatic herb is a famous culinary ingredient, not just because of its aroma and taste but also because of its health benefits. Thyme oil, which is sometimes used in cough medicines, is extracted by distillation of the culinary thyme and another species, T. zygis.

Health Benefits: Thyme has long been used to help in respiratory problems, and studies backed up this traditional use. Every part of the thyme plant is useful as medicinal herb, although the leaves and flowers are much more important than the stems.

• Thyme contain thymol, carvacrol and flavonoids which are all beneficial for breaking up congestion, stopping coughing, calming bronchial spasms, and stimulating respiration.

• Herbal experts believed that thyme may relieve toothache, and treat menstrual problems.
• Thyme essential oil has been found to help relax the smooth muscles of the stomach and to release gas from the stomach.
• Thyme is also nutritious, ounce for ounce; it contains 100 times as much chromium and 400 times as much manganese as meat.
• Thymol, a constituent of the oil, is also sometimes used as a topical antifungal medication.

Other Medicinal Uses of Thyme: Thyme is also helpful in some cases like Alzheimer's disease, Arthritis, Athlete's foot, Halitosis, Hair loss, Lice, Laryngitis, Nail Infection, Scleroderma, Vaginal Disease, Skin Diseases, Muscle Cramps, Fatigue, Depression and Stress.

To treat indigestion: Make an infusion by adding ½ ounce of thyme to a pint of boiling water. Steep it for 15 to 20 minutes. Enjoy it warm or cool. Drink up to 2 cups a day.

As bronchodilator: A tea made of 1 teaspoon of thyme leaves steeped in 1 cup of boiling water.

To make Poultice: Mash the leaves into a paste and apply it to the skin. Be aware however that thyme can irritate sensitive skin. Test small area first.

Recommended Daily Dosage: ½ to 1 teaspoon of thyme extract daily, or 1 tsp of dried herb in a cup of hot water taken three times a day.

Precaution: Do not take thyme oil internally it can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting and muscle weakness.