What is thyme good for? According to a 2018 report, thyme “exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenesis, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic activities.” This herb comes in dozens of varieties, but French thyme is considered the most common.
Thyme plants are currently cultivated throughout the world, and the fresh leaves are commonly dried and used as culinary seasoning. In other words, herbs tend to be consumed in smaller quantities than vegetables. Is thyme a vegetable? It’s considered an herb rather a vegetable, since herbs are something that mostly flavor food (and supply nutrients too) where as vegetables are plants that can be eaten as a main ingredient. The plant is a relative of the oregano genus Origanum. Thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) is an herb that belongs to the mint family ( Lamiaceae). The fact that these classic, although not very natural, products choose to use thymol speaks to the medicinal benefits of this versatile herb. Whether you realize it or not, you’ve likely used this herb medicinally before - since thymol, thyme’s most active ingredient, is found in Listerine mouthwash and Vicks VapoRub, due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. And prior to modern antibiotics coming on the scene, thyme oil was used to medicate bandages. In the days before refrigeration and food safety laws, including thyme in recipes gave you at least some protection against spoiled meat and food-borne illness. For example, back in the Roman era, it was consumed to prevent and treat poisoning.
Thyme isn’t just one of the most popular culinary herbs today - it also has a long history of use as a medicinal healer and protector.