Herbal remedy spotlight: Wild thyme for digestive relief

Wild thyme, also known as savoury, summer savoury, common thyme, wild thyme, or thymus serpyllum, is a perennial plant that grows wild but can also be cultivated in gardens. It belongs to the same family as thyme and is commonly found in forests and meadows. An infusion of wild thyme is a natural remedy with many beneficial health properties, including helping with bloating.

Wild thyme can be identified primarily by its small, pink-purple flowers (which bloom from June to October) and its characteristic, intense aroma. Wild thyme originated from the Mediterranean region and grows well in warm, sunny places.

Wild thyme is a plant with extraordinary properties that can be used in various ways. The essential oils contained in this plant have mood-enhancing and calming abilities, so it is worth growing in a home garden. Occasionally, you can rub the flowers between your hands to benefit from their aromatherapeutic effects. It is also worth making use of an infusion of wild thyme.

Due to phenols and tannins, wild thyme infusions have bactericidal solid properties. They can be used as gargles or inhalations to help alleviate symptoms of respiratory difficulties such as cough, asthma, and chronic bronchitis. Infusing wild thyme is also an effective remedy for compressing skin wounds, ulcers, and burns. Additionally, it has astringent and anti-inflammatory effects and helps wash acne-prone skin and bite areas. Furthermore, wild thyme can relieve menstrual pain and reduce menstrual tension.

It is worth consuming a wild thyme infusion after meals. The herb's essential oils have carminative effects, helping to expel intestinal gas and alleviate bloating. Moreover, an infusion based on wild thyme increases appetite, stimulates gastric juice secretion, positively affects liver function, and prevents the rapid growth of bacteria and excessive fermentation in the digestive tract.

Wild thyme infusions are best prepared with around 2 grams of the herb, and the daily dosage should not exceed 5 grams of the dried herb. Prepare the herbs by pouring a cup of boiling water over them and letting them steep under a cover for about 15 minutes (using a cover reduces the loss of valuable essential oils). The prepared infusion is best consumed after meals, with up to three daily servings recommended.

Wild thyme can successfully season dishes. It is a plant worth harvesting and drying yourself. Stored in a sealed jar, it will serve as a seasoning for meat, fish, and vegetable dishes, as well as salads and sauces throughout the year.