What is thyme? What are the benefits of thyme?

What is Thyme? What are the Types of Thyme?

Thyme is a type of herb native to the Mediterranean region and widely used in Middle Eastern cuisine. Thyme, whose Latin name is Thymus vulgaris, belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). The leaves of the thyme plant are small, oval and green in color. The flowers of the thyme plant are white or pink in color.

Thyme can be used fresh or dried and adds flavor to dishes. Thyme oil is also obtained and used in aromatherapy. Thyme has also been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times due to its antiseptic properties.

Thyme species include Thymus vulgaris (Highland thyme), Thymus citriodorus (Lemon thyme), Thymus serpyllum (Wild thyme). Each species has its own unique aroma and properties, but in general their culinary uses are similar.

What are the Benefits of Thyme for the Skin?

Thyme can provide many benefits to the skin. First of all, thyme has antioxidant properties, which protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals and can reduce the signs of premature aging. In addition, thyme has anti-inflammatory properties and can help fight acne, acne and other skin problems by reducing inflammation in the skin. Thyme is also a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, which can cleanse the skin and reduce the risk of bacterial infections. Thyme oil or skin care products containing thyme can regulate the skin's oil balance, reduce skin oiliness and clean pores. Thyme can also even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of blemishes and pigmentation. However, when applying thyme or products containing thyme oil to the skin, it is important to do a patch test first and be careful to avoid any allergic reactions.

How to Use Thyme?

Thyme can be used in various ways. We have listed some of these for you below:

1. Use as a Spice in Cooking: Thyme can be used as a spice in various dishes with its dried leaves or powder form. It is especially used to flavor meat, chicken, fish, vegetable dishes and salads. It can be added at the last stage of cooking to improve the flavors.

2. Using Fresh Thyme Leaves: If you have fresh thyme leaves on hand, you can add them chopped or whole to your dishes. Fresh thyme is a great flavor addition, especially for salads, soups and sauces.

3. Preparing Thyme Oil: You can get an aromatic oil by preparing thyme oil. Fill a glass jar with olive oil and add dried thyme leaves. Leave the jar in a place out of sunlight for a few weeks. Then you can strain the oregano oil and use it. This oil can be used in salads, marinades or skin care.

4. Consumption as Tea: You can make thyme tea with dried thyme leaves. Add a teaspoon of thyme to a glass of boiling water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Then you can strain and drink. Thyme tea supports digestion and can strengthen the immune system.

5. Aromatherapy: Thyme oil can be used for aromatherapy purposes. You can use a few drops of thyme oil in a diffuser to purify the air in a room or apply it to the skin as a massage oil to promote relaxation.

With each method of use, it is important to use thyme in moderation, as overuse can cause irritation in some people. It is also important to choose good quality and fresh thyme products before use.

In which dishes is thyme used?

Thyme is often used in protein-based dishes such as meat, chicken and fish. Especially in kebabs, grills, meatballs and stews, the use of thyme is quite common. Vegetable dishes, salads, soups and sauces can also be flavored with thyme. Oregano is also frequently used in Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta. Wild oregano can also be used as a flavor additive in spice mixtures and pickled olives.
How to Use Oregano Oil?

Drying thyme is a fairly simple process. The first step is to take fresh thyme sprigs and gather them together to form an upside-down bundle. Next, wrap the bundle in a paper towel or gauze and hang it in an airy, cool place, out of direct sunlight. Thyme sprigs can usually take a few days to dry. When dry, separate the leaves from the branches and store them in an airtight container. Dried oregano retains its freshness for a long time and is ready to use in your cooking.