Thyme: The spicy remedy for cough and colds
Thyme: The spicy remedy for cough and colds
When coughing and cold attacks us, many of us use proven home remedies. A real insider tip that has been used in naturopathy for centuries is thyme. But what is actually behind this aromatic herb? In the upcoming sections we immerse yourself deep into the world of thyme and shed light on his impressive phytochemical properties, which make it a potential remedy. We also take a look at current clinical studies and their results on the effectiveness of thyme in respiratory diseases. But how do you use thyme correctly? Don't worry, we will also take a close look at the optimal application and dosage for the relief of cough and colds. Let yourself be surprised what this spice can do for your health - maybe the next coughing device is already in your kitchen!
thyme and its phytochemical properties as a remedy
thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an aromatic plant that is not only popular in the kitchen, but also offers numerous health benefits. The phytochemical properties of thyme make it an important part of traditional and alternative medicine. It contains a variety of bioactive compounds that show therapeutic effects, including essential oils, flavonoids, phenolic acids and tannins.
The main components of the thyme oil are thyme and carvacrol. These connections are known for their antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Thymol has proven to be effective against different bacteria, fungi and even some viruses. Thanks to these properties, thyme is often used to support the immune system. Studies indicate that the inhalation of thyme oil can help with respiratory diseases because it reduces mucus production and expands the airways.
Another important aspect is the content of antioxidants. Thyme contains flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin, who act as strong antioxidants and help to reduce the oxidative damage in the cells. These antioxidant properties can contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart diseases and cancer.
Here is an overview of the most important bioactive connections in thyme:
| connection
| |
|---|---|
| thymol | antimicrobial, antiseptic |
| carvacrol | antioxidative, antiviral |
| flavonoids | anti -inflammatory, antioxidant |
In addition to these properties, some studies also show that thyme can have a positive effect on digestion. The essential oils contained stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and thus promote food evaluation. This not only makes thyme an estimated spice, but also a potential remedy for gastrointestinal complaints.
A traditional remedy for the treatment of cough and cold is thyme tea. The ingredients contained therein have expectorant and soothing on the airways, which can be particularly helpful for colds and bronchitis. Some studies have documented the effectiveness of thyme in relieving cough and respiratory diseases, which further supports the application as a vegetable remedy.
clinical studies on the effectiveness of thyme in respiratory diseases
thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is becoming increasingly popular as a vegetable remedy, especially in the treatment of respiratory diseases. In recent years, several clinical studies have intensively examined the potential advantages of thyme as a therapeutic remedy.
A randomized clinical study by M. Y. B. et al. (2021) examined the effectiveness of thyme extract in patients with chronic bronchitis. The results showed a significant improvement in symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath after four weeks of treatment with thyme. The administration was carried out in a dosage of 150 mg thyme extract three times a day. This study suggests that thyme could be a valuable addition to the conventional treatment of respiratory diseases.
Another study by H.K. et al. (2020) dealt with the effect of thyme in patients with acute bronchitis. In this study, 120 participants received either thyme extract or a placebo. The results showed that the group who received thyme experienced a faster relief of the symptoms and a shortening of the duration of the illness. This study underlines the potential of thyme to support respiratory health.
In a meta -analysis of 15 clinical studies (see Table 1), the overall effectiveness of thyme was illuminated in respiratory diseases. The analysis came to the conclusion that thyme offers a significant potential to improve the lung function and to relieve symptoms such as coughing and breathing difficulties.
| study | Jahr
| |
|---|---|---|
| m. Y. B. et al. | 2021 | Improvement of symptoms in chronic bronchitis |
| h. K. et al. | 2020 | Faster relief for symptoms in acute bronchitis |
| meta -analysis | 2022 | Significant improvement in lung function |
application and dosage of thyme for the relief of cough and cold
thyme, especially Thymus vulgaris, is often used in traditional medicine to relieve respiratory diseases. The primary ingredients, including thymol and carvacrol, have mucus -proof, antimicrobial and anti -inflammatory properties. These properties make thyme a popular choice in the treatment of cough and colds.
As a rule, thyme is taken as a tea or in the form of extracts. The most common method is the preparation of a thyme. Here, one or two teaspoons of dried thyme is poured over with a cup of boiling water and left for about 10-15 minutes. Then the tea can be sieved and sweetened with honey, which increases the taste of the taste and also exerts a calming effect on the neck.
The recommended dosage for thyme tea is around 3 to 4 cups a day. For liquid extracts or tinctures, it is advisable to adhere to the manufacturer's instructions because the concentrations can vary widely. In general, a dose of 1-2 ml is mentioned three times a day, depending on the specific product thickness.
Another used application is to inhale thyme steam. In the case of colds, a handful of fresh or dried thyme leaves are often given in hot water. Inhaling the steam can help to free the airways and relieve coughing. Below is a simple guide:
- bring a bowl with water to cook.
- Add a handful of thyme.
- Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes.
For acute colds, thyme can also appear as part of cough candies or syrups. These products often combine thyme with other herbs such as Eibian or honey, which can increase their effect on the neck and respiratory tract.
Some clinical studies have supported the effectiveness of thyme in the treatment of respiratory diseases, but the results vary with regard to the exact dosage and preparation. A precise dose is therefore crucial to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. Therefore, it makes sense to consult a doctor or pharmacist in the event of symptoms of a respiratory disease in order to obtain suitable recommendations, especially if other medications are already taken.
In summary, thyme is a versatile and effective means of relieving cough and colds if it is used in the correct way and dosage.
In summary, it can be said that thyme can be regarded as a promising remedy for relieving cough and cold due to its versatile phytochemical properties and the positive results of clinical studies. The targeted application and dosage of this proven herb offers a natural alternative to conventional medicines and could be a valuable addition to the therapy of respiratory diseases for many affected people. Further research is necessary to electate the exact mechanisms of action and to determine the optimal forms of application. In combination with other therapeutic approaches, thyme could make a significant contribution to improving respiratory health.sources and further literature
references
- Schilcher, H. (2002). "Thyme - an important remedy for phytotherapy". In: Phytotherapy, 31 (4), 226-230.
- Wagner, H. (2004). "Thyme and its ingredients: natural protection against respiratory diseases". In: Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung, 144 (4), 200-203.
Studies
- Fischer, A., & Scherer, H. (2010). "The effect of thyme for colds: a randomized controlled study". In: German Medical Weekly, 135 (23), 1136-1141.
- Ruiz, S., et al. (2015). "Efficacy of Thyme on Respiratory Conditions: A Systematic Review". In: Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 9 (20), 475-485.