Content
- Thyme - versatile use as a kitchen and medicinal herb
- Thyme in the kitchen
- What fits thyme?
- Medicinal application of thyme
- Thyme tea for colds and coughs
- Tips & Tricks
Thyme - versatile use as a kitchen and medicinal herb
As a spice herb, thyme is not only highly valued in France. The very spicy herb gives not only hearty meat, but also fish and vegetarian dishes an unmistakable touch.
Less well known, however, is the healing power of thyme, especially that of genuine thyme. This was already recommended by the learned abbess Hildegard von Bingen as a remedy for respiratory diseases as well as for certain women's diseases. Due to a (ancient and medieval midwives already known) abortive effect thyme should be used by pregnant women only small doses, as a herb, on the other hand, as a precaution, not at all.
Thyme in the kitchen
The Mediterranean spice herb has a characteristic, very spicy taste. Thyme is slightly spicy and a bit bitter. Some varieties may also have a sweeter taste. Both the intensity of the aroma and the aroma itself are dependent on the type of thyme used as well as the growing area. For example, lemon thyme gives a strong lemony note. In general mountain thyme is more aromatic than thyme from the plains, in particular the field thyme, which is known as the quendel, is rather sweet.
What fits thyme?
Thyme is used fresh or dried, especially in stew and oven dishes. Dried thyme has a much greater flavor than fresh plant ingredients. You can use both the leaves and the flowers. Thyme is a perfect match for:
At the beginning of the cooking time, add thyme to the desired dish so that its aroma can fully develop.
Medicinal application of thyme
The seasoning herb was chosen as the medicinal plant of the year in 2019 - quite rightly, because the contained thymol, a constituent of the essential oil, has both an antibiotic and a disinfecting effect. Basically, thyme is a natural antibiotic that, due to its mucus-releasing properties, is used mainly for diseases of the respiratory tract. Furthermore, the use of thyme also in complaints in the gastrointestinal tract, because due to the abundant tannin and bitter substances bile and liver are activated and alleviated digestive problems. Therefore, it is highly recommended to always add thyme to hard digestible dishes with meat and / or cabbage.
Thyme tea for colds and coughs
For stubborn, dry cough you can prepare a thyme tea and drink about three to five cups a day. Sweeten as possible with honey, as this natural product has a slight antibacterial effect.
Tips & Tricks
It is best to process fresh thyme after harvesting it at lunchtime - at which time its content of essential oils and other active ingredients is highest.