Thymus - a beautifully fragrant herb with versatile use

Description of thymus in literature

Have you read the book "Znachor" by Tadeusz Dołęga Mostowicz? Although it has been about ten years since I last held it in my hands, I remember one scene very well. The title character speaks about the advantages of one of the most beautifully fragrant herbs in Poland - he describes the benefits of thymus and successfully treats a cough with it.

Thymus serpyllum is a close relative of thyme. It grows in sandy areas. The effect of thyme on the airway is well known to all mothers - they give their children thyme syrup for productive cough. Thymus has a slightly more delicate effect than thyme, perhaps because it is rarely used as an independent medicinal product.

Mrs. Korżawska's recipe

Thymus mixed with ribwort plantain in equal parts will work well as a medicine that coats the airway and helps to cough up discharge. A tablespoon of this mixture should be brewed in a glass of water and infused for ten minutes, covered. Drink slowly, in small sips.

What does thymus contain?

Thymus contains various essential oils - such as p-cymene, carvacrol, thymol, terpineol, flavonoids, organic acids, and mineral salts. The composition indicates an antibacterial effect, mainly on the digestive and respiratory systems. It improves the mobility of the ciliary epithelium, has antispasmodic and carminative properties. I also came across the use of thymus as a seasoning for dried meat. It will stimulate the secretion of gastric juice.

It can also be used externally, as a mouthwash, for irrigation, and for damaged epidermis and for light burns. Mixtures with this herb are Septosan, it is also part of Pectosol.

Preparation of the infusion

When you brew only thymus, take a tablespoon of the herb for one and a half glasses of water, boil it for twenty minutes and after ten minutes of infusion, take a quarter of a glass. If you want to improve your appetite, use it before a meal, and if it is to have an expectorant effect, use it after a meal.