10 Amazing Thyme Tea Benefits Backed by Science

Thyme, an aromatic herb revered for centuries, has woven itself into our cultures and cuisines.

This blog post will explore the myriad health benefits of thyme tea, from its antioxidant activity to its benefits for lung health and skin. We’ll also delve into its unique hypoglycemic effects and even its potential anticancer properties.

So, grab your cup, steep some thyme tea, and join us in exploring these fascinating thyme tea benefits.

What is Thyme Tea and How is it Made?

Thyme tea is a herbal infusion made from the leaves of the thyme plant. This perennial herb, native to the Mediterranean region, is known for its distinctive flavor and aromatic scent. Thyme comes in numerous varieties, including common thyme, lemon thyme, and caraway thyme.

For an in-depth look at these varieties and more, check out our comprehensive guide on thyme. You’ll find fascinating details about each variety’s unique attributes and origins.

How to make Thyme Tea

Making thyme tea is a simple process:

1. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried thyme leaves or 1 thyme tea bag to a cup.
2. Pour in boiling water and let the tea steep for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain the tea (if using loose leaves) and enjoy your dried thyme tea!

Thyme tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for those looking to limit their caffeine intake.

Now that you know how to prepare thyme tea, let’s explore the many thyme tea benefits.

List of Thyme Tea Benefits

Thyme tea offers a plethora of health benefits. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each benefit and the scientific evidence supporting them.

1. Antimicrobial Properties

Antimicrobial properties refer to the ability to kill or inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. Thyme tea is known for its antimicrobial properties, which have been demonstrated in various studies. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of oral pathogens (Thosar et al., 2013) and exhibit bactericidal effects against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains (Băicuș et al., 2022).

2. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Inflammation is a natural response of the body’s immune system to protect itself against harm. However, prolonged inflammation can lead to various health issues. Thyme tea benefits your body by offering anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have reported that thyme tea can help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions (Ghorbani & Esmaeilizadeh, 2017).

3. Antioxidant Activity

Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals. These are unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. The antioxidant activity is one of the vital thyme tea health benefits. Thyme tea, rich in phenolic compounds, exhibits antioxidant activity that helps neutralize harmful free radicals and protects the body against oxidative stress (Köksal et al., 2016).

4. Respiratory Health

Thyme tea benefits for lungs are significant. Traditional use of thyme tea in treating respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis has been reported (Dauqan et al., 2017). Its antiseptic and antispasmodic properties make thyme tea an effective remedy for chest infections and soothing coughs (Köksal et al., 2016).

5. Digestive Health

Thyme tea benefits extend to the digestive system as well. It’s been used in traditional medicine for treating gastrointestinal disorders (Dauqan et al., 2017). Thyme tea has antispasmodic properties, helping to relieve abdominal pain and discomfort.

6. Immune System Support

Boosting your immune system is another of the thyme tea benefits. It’s recognized for its immune-boosting properties, acting as a tonic for the immune system, especially in chronic infections (Dauqan et al., 2017).

7. Menstrual Pain Relief

Thyme tea benefits also include menstrual pain relief. Traditional use of thyme tea includes treating various health problems, including menstrual pain (Zeru & Muluneh, 2020). It’s been reported that thyme tea drinking decreased the risk of primary dysmenorrhea. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effect of thyme tea on menstrual pain.

8. Hypoglycemic Effects

For those with diabetes or those looking to regulate their blood sugar levels, thyme tea benefits can be beneficial due to its hypoglycemic effects (Ghorbani & Esmaeilizadeh, 2017).

9. Anticancer Properties

Thyme tea benefits may extend to anticancer properties. Thyme tea contains phytochemicals linked to potential anticancer effects. These phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and curcumins, provide significant protection against cancer (Lai & Roy, 2004).

10. Cardiovascular Health

Lastly, among the 10 health benefits of thyme tea is its contribution to cardiovascular health. Thyme tea has been reported to exhibit angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. ACE inhibitors are commonly used in the management of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The presence of ursolic acid in thyme contributes to its ACE inhibitory activity (Shimada & Inagaki, 2014).

The thyme tea benefits are extensive and diverse, from boosting your immune system to supporting cardiovascular health. So, if you’re passionate about teas and their health benefits, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive article on the ”health benefits of drinking tea”.

What’s the Best Way to Take Thyme Tea?

Thyme tea can be enjoyed in various ways. Savor it plain or with a splash of lemon and honey for added flavor. Pair it with a light meal or snack to maximize the health benefits of thyme tea. You could also use thyme tea as a base for other hot or iced herbal blends, and in recipes as a:

• Marinade Ingredient: Infuse meats or vegetables with a flavorful oregano tea marinade.
• Soup Base: Add to soups for added depth of flavor.
• Salad Dressing: Mix with vinegar and oil to create a unique salad dressing.
• Grain Cooking Liquid: Use in place of water when cooking grains like rice or quinoa.
• Sauce Addition: Incorporate into tomato-based sauces for an extra herbal punch.

For a unique twist, why not try thyme tea blends from Loose Leaf Tea Market?

thyme tea side effects

While thyme tea is generally safe for most people, it’s important to consume it in moderation. Overconsumption may lead to heartburn or nausea. If you’re pregnant or nursing, consult your healthcare provider before incorporating thyme tea into your diet. It’s also crucial to source high-quality thyme to ensure you’re reaping the full thyme tea benefits.

Conclusion on thyme tea benefits

The health benefits of thyme tea are extensive, from its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to its potential anticancer effects and cardiovascular benefits. So, why not steep a cup of thyme tea and discover these benefits for yourself? We’d love to hear about your experience! Also, don’t forget to check out our review post about the best thyme tea!

References

• Băicuș, A., Mattuzzi, F., Paraschiv, A., Dinu, R., Dumitrescu, M., Marinescu, A., … & Dragos, D. (2022). Antibacterial Activity Of Clove, Oregano, Thyme, Eucalyptus, and Tea Tree Essential Oils Against escherichia Coli And klebsiella Pneumoniae Strains. Revista Romana De Medicina De Laborator, 3(30), 327-338. Link Here
• Dauqan, E., sup>, A., Abdullah, A. (2017). Medicinal and Functional Values Of Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris L.) Herb. Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology. Link Here
• Ghorbani, A. and Esmaeilizadeh, M. (2017). Pharmacological Properties Of Salvia Officinalis and Its Components. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 4(7), 433-440. Link Here
• Köksal, E., Bursal, E., Gülçin, İ., Korkmaz, M., Caglayan, C., Gören, A., … & Alwasel, S. (2016). Antioxidant Activity and Polyphenol Content Of Turkish Thyme (thymus Vulgaris) Monitored By Liquid Chromatography And Tandem Mass Spectrometry. International Journal of Food Properties, 3(20), 514-525. Link Here
• Lai, P. and Roy, J. (2004). Antimicrobial and Chemopreventive Properties Of Herbs And Spices. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 11(11), 1451-1460. Link Here
• Shimada, A. and Inagaki, M. (2014). Angiotensin I-converting Enzyme (Ace) Inhibitory Activity Of Ursolic Acid Isolated From Thymus Vulgaris, L.. Food Science and Technology Research, 3(20), 711-714. Link Here
• Thosar, N., Basak, S., Bahadure, R., Rajurkar, M. (2013). Antimicrobial Efficacy Of Five Essential Oils Against Oral Pathogens: An In Vitro Study. European Journal of Dentistry, S 01(07), S071-S077. Link Here
• Zeru, A. and Muluneh, M. (2020). ≪p>thyme Tea and Primary Dysmenorrhea Among Young Female Students</p>. Adolescent Health Medicine and Therapeutics, (Volume 11), 147-155. Link Here