What is Jamaican Thyme?
Jamaican thyme is the Jamaican strain of the thyme herb used for its culinary and medicinal properties. Jamaican thyme is a perennial evergreen shrub that is native to South Asia and the arid Mediterranean region. In Jamaica the herb can be found in almost every household and is almost always bundled and sold along with another herb, escallion. The low growing, woody shrub grows in general from anywhere between 6-10 inches and is a member of the mint family. Mature Jamaican thyme can be harvested all year round and the herb features a very distinctive fragrance. The plant also features purple, pink or white flowers that particularly attractive for bees.
Jamaican thyme is a very versatile herb and is used in a wide range of culinary applications. Jamaican thyme is used to add flavor to popular Jamaican dishes such as Rice and Peas; thyme is also used to season meats, poultry soups, stews and vegetables. The leaves of the Jamaican Thyme may be removed from the stem or used on a whole when adding to certain dishes. The Jamaican thyme also contains useful oils which may be extracted from the plant’s leaves by the distillation process and sold commercially.
Health Benefits of Jamaican Thyme
The herbal tea made from Jamaican thyme brings relief from bronchial spasms giving it the ability to effectively treat coughs, the common cold and bronchitis. The tea is also used to treat respiratory problems and allergies; the tea has the ability to dry mucous membrane and thus clearing mucus blockages. The herb also has soothing properties and is used to calm the nerves and treat insomnia. Thyme is also a great, natural blood purifier as it helps to stimulate blood flow to the surface of the skin. Jamaican thyme is also used to bring relief from arthritis pains, headaches, muscle pain and stomach aches.
Jamaican thyme’s antiseptic properties make it useful to treat yeast infections and combat parasites such as tapeworms and hookworms. The harvested thyme oil is also useful in treating the aforementioned illnesses while also being very useful for fighting cystitis and urethritis.
NOTE: We highly recommend that before using any herbal medications you should consult your health care provider or medical doctor for professional advice.
Disclaimer: All herbs and spices listed on http://islandherbsandspices.com/ or sold for medical and household use only, again we advice that before using any HERBS for medical purposes, please consult your physician.
