What is  Thyme Leaves:
Thyme is an herb from the mint family that you probably recognize from your spice set, but it’s so much more than an afterthought ingredient. Its range of use is impressive. And according to a 2014 study, it has over 400 subspecies—that’s four times as many as rosemary, which is also from the mint family.

USES:

  • Thyme has been used for centuries by Egyptians to embalm their dead and by Greeks to make incense for religious ceremonies. Even today, thyme is still used for both medicinal and culinary purposes in various cultures around the world. If you’re tired of buying and trying over-the-counter acne medication with no good results, you may be in luck. Thyme is known for its antibacterial properties, and it might have a future as an acne-fighting ingredient.
  • You can also use fresh leaves or whole sprigs while preparing meat or poultry. Fresh leaves or whole sprigs can be used while preparing meat or poultry. Thyme is also an excellent ingredient to use with fish, like in this heart-healthy white fish recipe.
  • This whole wheat macaroni and cheese with mushrooms and thyme is a grown-up spin on a childhood favorite, and it’s a great way to add some thyme to your diet.


BENEFITS:

  •  When it comes to preventing food poisoning, there are a lot of options on the market. Some are more effective than others, but one thing is for certain: thyme is one of the most effective.
  • In a 2013 study, researchers found that thyme oil showed potential as a natural preservative of food products against several common foodborne bacteria that cause human illness, even at low concentrations.
  • In addition, a 2011 study found thyme oil effective against resistant strains of Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia and Pseudomonas bacteria.
    • It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean that ingesting thyme oil will prevent you from getting food poisoning. Plus, if you were to take thyme supplements on a regular basis, you’d also likely be killing a lot of the good bacteria in your gut.