12/28/2023 0 Comments English thyme plantWhen medicinal forms of thyme are taken in excess, the herb can alter the menstrual cycle. The internal use of thymol, an active compound of thyme present in all medicinal preparations of the herb, can cause abdominal pain when taken in therapeutic doses (0.3 - 1 g). The topical use of thyme essential oil may cause dermatitis. However, it can trigger allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to other herbs of the Lamiaceae family. Thyme is considered generally safe when consumed in culinary amounts. Thyme leaves and stems are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, both of which may carry anti-aging effects, although further research is needed to corroborate this claim.Īntispasmodic properties are also present in herbs like guelder rose and oregano, whereas basil and Oregon grape can provide similar antimicrobial benefits. THYMOL IS BEST KNOWN FOR HAVING ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES. It also possesses mild antispasmodic properties, which are particularly effective on the respiratory system and on muscle tissue. Thymol is best known for containing antimicrobial properties, although it is also antiseptic and antifungal. Thyme is known to contain more than 40 different volatile compounds, but thymol, present in concentrations that range 20 - 54%, is regarded as the main active ingredient of the herb, responsible for most health benefits of thyme. The antifungal and antimicrobial properties of thyme help control infectious diseases due to fungal overgrowth. The same mechanism that helps prevent asthma attacks helps to relieve cold symptoms, including coughing and throat irritation. Mild antispasmodic properties are helpful for preventing muscle spasms that are part of asthma attacks. Thyme is an antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antifungal, making it an ideal disinfectant. Useful in potpourris and sachets, as an antiseptic, in wreaths and floral arrangements, as well as in a variety of culinary creations from vinegar to herbal butter, stuffing, soups, breads, and teas, this herb is an easy plant to cultivate and propagate and integral to the herb garden.Although modern science has validated many of its traditional applications, the medicinal properties of thyme have been used, since ancient times, to:ĭisinfecting wounds and scrapes. At that time, the plant may be moved into a container or other area of the garden. The mother plant will nourish the layered section until roots form on the bent stem, at which time it may be severed from the mother and, voila, a brand new thyme plant is formed. To facilitate rooting, cut a small lesion just below a node on the buried stem. Simply bend a stem down to the ground, remove the leaves from the stem, and cover it with soil. Layering of thyme plants will also result in an easy propagation of the herb. Keep the pot in a warm, shaded area and keep slightly damp. Remove the lower leaves and then push the cut end into a container of moist soil mix, vermiculite, or perlite. This is where the root formations are most viable. Take your thyme cutting at a node on the stem at a point where the leaves attach. Cuttings may also be taken in late spring for propagation of additional thyme plants. Divide the little bush into smaller sections and make sure that each section has roots attached to it. Propagate from root division during the spring months. This little shrub-like herb may easily be divided or propagated through cuttings for supplementary plants. Thereafter, in most climates, the plant will grow as a perennial and, once established, requires very little watering and no fertilization. Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, thyme will grow to around 12 inches (31 cm.) tall for upright cultivars and 10 to 12 inches (25-31 cm.) across. Keep young plants moist and thin to 6 inches (15 cm.) apart. Thyme plants thrive in hot, sunny areas of well-drained soil ( pH of 6.3) and should be sown by seed in the spring in a seed tray or directly into the garden. This member of the family Labiatae ( Thymus vulgaris) will not only thrive in the herb garden, but also does well in containers and some varieties are especially suited to tight areas among pavers in well-trod patios or walkways. As such, they are easy herbs to grow in most regions. Thyme plants can handle deep freezing conditions and are tolerant of drought. This herb may be sprouted from seed with additional propagating of thyme plants accomplished via root division, cuttings, and even layering. It is a hardy little plant most commonly grown for its essence of thymol, which gives a distinct flavor to foods in cuisines from French (herbs de Provence) and Lebanese to Italian, Greek, Turkish, Portuguese, and even the Caribbean. Thyme propagation can be accomplished in a number of ways.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |