Origin: In ancient times, Egyptians used thyme for embalming rituals. Thyme was introduced in Europe through Romans. Romans used thyme for purifying their rooms and used it to add aromatic flavor to their food. This herb was also used to induce sleep and to keep nightmares at bay.
Roman soldiers used to exchange sprigs of thyme as a sign of respect. During the war, women used to give this herb to their men as a symbol of courage and strength.
Thyme is usually grown in hot sunny weather with well moist soil. It is generally grown in the springtime and grows ever after. This herb reaches the height of about 20cm -40cm and has a warm, pungent flavor.
Thyme natively belongs to Southern Europe. It is very popular in Spain and Italy. It is also grown in Australia, North Asia, North Africa, Canada, and the USA. In India, it is cultivated in the Himalayas and is locally known as banajwain.
Scientifically: Thyme belongs to the genus, thymus. This herb is an aromatic, perennial evergreen herb. Thyme is closely related to oregano. It helps in different culinary and medicinal ways. This herb has anti-spasmodic, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties.
Thyme is used in dried, fresh or in the form of essential oil. Thyme tastes best when added to soups, pasta, cheese dishes, and meat dishes. Apart from culinary use, thyme is also used to treat several diseases. It helps in treating bronchitis, high blood pressure, yeast infection and other skin problems. Thyme is best known for acne-fighting properties. It also helps in dealing with common flu. Thyme is rich in vitamins A and C. Thyme works as an excellent disinfectant. Thyme is also one of the main ingredients in different products like mouthwash, sanitizers, and medicines.
How to make thyme oil at home?
You just need half a cup of fresh thyme and 8 ounces of some carrier oil (like olive oil). Wash the herbs and then pat dry them. Crush them using a pestle and mortar – this releases their natural oils. Now, add the crushed thyme, its oil, and the olive oil to a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool. Pour it into a glass container and store in a cool and dry place.
Below are some DIYs with thyme for clear skin and hair:
- Take a few drops of thyme essential oil and massage the skin with it. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse.
- Take some thyme and witch hazel, steep them in water for 20-30 minutes. Apply this with a cotton ball and leave it for 10 minutes. Rinse later.
- Take some thyme and boil it in a liter of water until reduced half. Use this as a hair rinse. This works great in getting rid of dandruff and makes hair healthy.
- Applying thyme oil and olive oil together helps in making hair stronger and frizz-free.
- Take some fresh thyme and grind it into a paste. Apply this to the face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse later. This helps in giving healthy and glowing skin.