Thyme Tea Benefits Both the Mind *and* Body—Here Are 5 Reasons to Add It to Your Anti-Stress Toolbox
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Photo: Getty Images/alvarez |
One of the best things about tea is that it’s always there when you need it, no matter why you need it. Have digestive issues? Want to sleep more soundly at night? Feel a cold coming on? There’s a tea for virtually every purpose. Heck, even the ritual of brewing a cup of tea is therapeutic on its own. While teas like green, chamomile (my fave), or black are the most popular, there are many other less buzzed-about teas that also come chock-full of benefits, thyme tea included.
Thyme tea, as its name suggests, is a tea made from thyme leaves. “Thyme is a perennial shrub with greenish-gray aromatic leaves,” says chef, nutritionist, and Reiki master Serena Poon, CN, CHC, CHN.
“It originates from southern Europe and countries bordering the Mediterranean but now is considered a common herb that can be found in most grocery stores and farmers markets alongside rosemary, oregano, bay leaf, and sage.”
If you’re looking to add a new tea to your rotation, it’s worth giving thyme tea a try for its taste alone. Although different varieties of thyme have different flavor profiles, it generally contains a mix of fresh, floral, and earthy notes. Need further convincing? It’s also got all sorts of health benefits, from nervous system support to an array of antioxidants and immune-boosting vitamins. Keep reading to learn about the various thyme tea benefits and how to brew the perfect cup. It’s about thyme the tea got its moment in the spotlight, right? (Sorry, had to).
5 Health Benefits Of Thyme Tea
1. It may have antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties
2. It’s packed with antioxidants
3. It contains a compound that calms the nervous system
4. It contains essential vitamins and minerals
“Thyme supports the immune system in dealing with viral pathogens causing such infections as mononucleosis, flu, shingles, HPV, genital or oral herpes, hepatitis, and others,” Dr. Gersh says.
5. It may be a natural cough remedy
How To Make Thyme Tea
Makes 1 large cup (12 oz) of tea
Ingredients:
5-7 sprigs of fresh thyme, rinsed and cleaned
12 oz of alkaline water (if unavailable, use filtered)
1/2 small lemon or other citrus fruit
1 tsp manuka honey (adding slightly more is optional)
Directions:
- Combine thyme and water in a small pot on the stove over medium-low heat.
- Squeeze half of a lemon into the pot and add the pulp and rind.
- Bring the pot to a simmer for five minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and allow it steep for five minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the tea to cool.
- Once the tea has cooled to a warm, drinkable temperature, add manuka honey and serve.
What Are The Side Effects Of Thyme Tea?
1. It may slow blood clotting
2. Some people may be allergic
All in all, with its plentiful benefits and yummy taste, thyme tea is definitely worthy of a spot in your tea collection. Ready, set, brew.
Important Notice: This article was originally published at www.wellandgood.com by Jessica Estrada where all credits are due.
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