| Gingko Biloba |
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Written by Bernell Baldwin, MD
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|  An Herb for the Mind, Body, and Heart
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| Medicine For Your Kitchen: Rosemary |
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Written by Elizabeth J. Hall
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|  If you are suffered from seasonal allergies, have hypertension, or an increased risk on cancer, you will want to read about this herb in Medicine from Your Kitchen Cabinet, Part 3.
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| Medicine In Your Kitchen Cabinet, Part 1: Turmeric |
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Written by Elizabeth J. Hall
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|  There has been increasing evidence this phytochemical present in turmeric has a wide spectrum of therapeutic properties and a remarkable range of protective effects in various diseases.
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| Milk Thistle |
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Written by Elizabeth J. Hall
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|  Because it spreads so easily, many farmers might be tempted to treat milk thistle as a noxious weed. But this plant's virtues actually deem it most beneficial and valuable.
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| Should Marijuana Be Legal? |
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Written by Bernell E. Baldwin, Ph.D.
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|  As California will soon vote on whether to permit the use of recreational marijuana in order to boost the revenue from sale tax, we wish that every California voter would carefully read and consider neurophysiologist Dr. Bernell Baldwin article on the subject.
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| Thyme as Medicine in Your Kitchen |
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Written by Elizabeth Hall
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 Sweet smelling thyme is rich in antioxidants and strong antibacterial properties. One of its phytochemicals, thymol, improves the liver’s ability to detoxify toxins and exert anti-inflammatory action.
THYME AND THE RESPIRATORY TRACT
Because of its antitussive and expectorant effects, thyme is a natural cough medicine. It is known for its general antispasmodic activity, especially reducing spasm in the bronchial tubes. It also improves clearance excess mucus in the respiratory tract. One study of horses with recurrent airway obstruction suggests that thymol from thyme improves some parameters of lung function.
Used as a mouth wash, thyme exerts an antifungal activity in the mouth—even on Candida ablicans. According to medical botanist, James Duke, thyme contains more than a dozen antiseptic compounds. Just simmer 2 teaspoons of thyme in 2 cups of water for 20 minutes to make a tea or a gargle. Let cool.
ANTI-AGING BENEFITS
Researchers in the U.K. discovered that regular use of thyme improves the antioxidant status in the aging brains and helps to protect from free radical damage. Unfortunately, as we age, the ratio of saturated to polyunsaturated fats in our cell membrane decreases. This is especially evident in the brain, heart, and kidneys—bad news, because saturated fat makes the cell membrane stiff. Stiff cell membranes compromise the flow of nutrients into the cells, but polyunsaturated fat keep our cell membrane flexible.
That is not all; aging decreases the ratio of omega-3 fats to omega-6 fats in the cell membrane. Although we need both of these fats, the typical Western diet is deficient in omega-3 fats. This growing imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 fats can leave us more susceptible to inflammatory diseases. Here is where thyme can help: aged rats treated with thyme oil and thymol displayed significantly higher levels of omega-3 fat than the respective age-matched controls. Thyme also helps to preserve the omega-6 fats in cell membranes. In other words, thyme helps preserve the right fats for optimal functioning in in the brain, heart, and kidneys. Of course, it is essential we eat some omega-3 fats. Flaxseed, walnuts, spinach, and whole soybeans are excellent vegetarian sources.
THIME'S CARDIOVASCULAR BENEFIT
Thyme is regularly used in the Mediterranean diet and, as such, could contribute to the many benefits of this diet. Thyme improves the production of nitric oxide from the innermost lining of arteries. Nitric oxide relaxes the arteries, protects from atherosclerosis, and reduces the risk of undesirable clot formation. Smokers, obese persons, and diabetic individuals make significant less amounts of the value molecule. So thyme, with appropriate weight loss and frequent consumption of legumes could prove useful in individuals with these problems. When regularly used, thyme also can inhibit undesirable clotting that often precedes strokes.
USAGE
Thyme is tasty in pastas, in pintos, kidney or black beans, or in a soup.
Use thyme as a tea by adding one to two teaspoon of thyme to one cup of boiling water.
For a vaporizer effect, breathe vapors from hot pot of thyme and sage tea.
Pregnant women should not use medicinal amounts of thyme. Persistent coughing should always be evaluated by a health care professional who has access to diagnostic testing. Individuals who are on blood thinners should avoid medicinal amounts of rosemary and thyme. As with any herbs, check with your pharmacist, about any possible drug-herb interactions before using any herb medicinally.
REFERENCES
Park JB, Identification and quantification of a major anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory phenolic compound found in basil, lemon thyme, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2011 Sep;62(6):577-84
Keskin D, Toroglu S, Studies on antimicrobial activities of solvent extracts of different spices. J Environ Biol. 2011 Mar;32(2):251-6.
Youdim, K.A., et al, Biochim Biophys Acta, 1438 (1):140-44, 1999
Youdin KA, Deans SG, . Effect of thyme oil and thymol dietary supplementation on the antioxidant status and fatty acid composition of the ageing rat brain. Br J Nutr. 2000 Jan;83(1):87-93. |
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