There are increasingly sudden temperature changes, and this causes many people to suffer from colds. It is the most common condition, and everyone in our life has experienced at least one. It can be more severe or more minor, with fever, without fever, with more or less pain, but at the end of the day, it is a cold, and we always resort to the same medicines. However, there are many good natural remedies to improve cold symptoms, such as thyme. This widespread plant has many benefits for coughs, fatigue, and tiredness and even acts as a natural antibiotic. It is perfect not only to treat it but also to prevent it. In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain the properties of thyme infusion for colds and how to prepare it.
Properties of thyme for colds
Thyme has numerous properties and benefits for colds, such as:
Natural antibiotic
Thyme has been used for many years; already in ancient times, it was used as a condiment in foods to eliminate germs from the products and, in this way, poisoning was avoided. Therefore, it is considered a natural antibiotic. Its antiseptic properties come from its thymol content and the polyphenols it contains.
Calm the cough
It can help with coughs and even bronchitis as it acts as an expectorant. Thanks to its antiseptic properties, it improves the respiratory system and can help combat the symptoms of heavy chest and bronchitis.
To do this, you can inhale it to improve breathing. Add a few dried thyme leaves to a pot of hot water and let it steep to infuse. It is not necessary to let it cool down since what we need is the steam from the hot water. Cover your head with a towel and carefully approaching the bowl or pot, inhale the vapors produced several times.
Fight fatigue and tiredness.
Thyme contains carvacrol, a chemical compound with anxiolytic properties. Therefore, it helps to relax the body. When we have a common cold, even if it is not too bad, the body feels tired and generalized muscle pain. An infusion of thyme can not only help to improve symptoms but also relax the muscles and rest, which is very necessary to cure a cold or flu.
Healing
In addition to infusion and inhalations, you can also use thyme topically on the skin. One of the most common cold symptoms is profuse mucus. This causes us to blow our noses more often and causes the skin in the nose area to become irritated. To heal it and make it heal better, you can dip a sterile gauze in an infusion of thyme and apply it to the area.
Another form of topical application is thyme honey, which will also help heal.
How to prepare an infusion of thyme, honey, and lemon for a cold
The best way to prepare thyme for a cold is through an infusion. However, even if it is thyme, it contains two other ingredients that will help fight a cold.
You will need to:
- Two tablespoons of dried thyme.
- 1 tablespoon of honey.
- A few drops of squeezed lemon. You can use the amount you consider, but two tablespoons will be enough.
preparation:
- Put a pot of water to heat. You do not need a lot of water, since it is better to drink it fresh. Prepare the amount you are going to take at the right time.
- Add the thyme leaves and leave them for a few minutes when it boils.
- Then add the tablespoon of honey and the squeezed lemon and lower the temperature.
- Leave it another 5 minutes to mix everything and then remove it from the heat and let it warm.
- It would help if you drank it hot but without burning yourself. It is perfect for drinking before going to sleep. In this way, it will prevent you from having a cough at night and relax you before going to bed.
Honey is also an expectorant, and lemon helps fight bacteria. Therefore, this infusion of thyme, honey, and lemon is perfect for the cold.
You can also prepare the thyme to inhale it, as we have commented before. You have to prepare an infusion like this, but without adding honey and lemon. When it is still warm, put it in a basin, and with a towel, take inhalations. This same infusion of thyme alone is what you can use to wet gauze and use it topically.
Contraindications of thyme infusion
It is not recommended to consume thyme in the following cases:
- Pregnant women.
- Breastfeeding women
- Patients with constipation.
- Those who suffer from stomach ulcers, irritable bowel, or gastritis.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Thyme infusion for colds: properties and recipe , we recommend that you enter our Ear, nose and throat category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.