Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an aromatic herb from a garden plant that also serves as a spice; they are available fresh or dried.

In most cases, it’s often used as a spice in cooking, but aside from adding flavour, the herb is also believed to have medicinal properties.

In Rwanda, thyme is grown in the north-eastern part of the country, mainly by family growers. Nutritionists say one can grow thyme at home or buy it fresh from most grocery stores and local markets. Fresh thyme is perfect for making teas or adding to food dishes. Dried thyme is also found in any store and is an excellent way to keep the herb at home at all times.

According to Selina Wamucii, a mobile-driven business-to-business sourcing platform for fresh produce from smallholder farmers in Africa’s rural areas, the plant comes with 266 per cent value of vitamin C.

The vitamin A levels are 95 per cent per serving, good enough proportions for promoting eye health. The margin of calcium that keeps teeth enamel in good condition is 40 per cent of the daily need.

The platform also indicates that the recommended daily amount of chronic disease-fighting iron mineral is at 97 per cent.

Vitamin B6 for cell metabolism is at 15 per cent while digestion-enhancing dietary fibre is present at 56 per cent in each serving.

Thyme also contains vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that fights free radical damage in the body. Getting enough vitamin C boosts the immune system and reduces susceptibility to both acute and chronic diseases. 

Thyme is also a great source of antioxidants such as luteolin, saponins, and tannins. These antioxidant compounds help neutralise free radicals before they can cause harm and oxidative stress.

Rene Tabaro, a nutritionist at King Faisal Hospital, says thyme is believed to stimulate appetite, curb inflammation, boost immune function, and repel insects.

Also, he says, thyme oil mixed with water has long been used as a remedy for bad breath and the prevention of gingivitis and gum disease.

He says that there is also evidence that it may treat oral thrush, a common infection caused by the fungi candida albicans, so eating food cooked with thyme provides ready protection against this.

For the best results, Tabaro recommends that one should try consuming at least one thyme-infused meal or dish every day. He also says thyme may reduce the risk of high blood pressure. 

This, he says, can be achieved by either adding thyme leaf powder to your meals or drinking thyme tea on a daily basis.

Different studies also indicate that one can use thyme tea’s antibacterial properties to help combat intestinal parasites and promote a healthy digestive tract. This can be achieved by either drinking a cup or two every day for prevention, or sipping some if you feel abdominal muscles cramping up.

When it comes to mental wellness, it’s said that daily consumption of thyme can help boost one’s mood.