Thyme for the Respiration

Thymol kills viruses - including Covid. Thymol goes into the virus cell and it changes the molecular structure by thymol kills the pathogens disrupting the cell wall of the microorganism, preventing the viruto replicate. Thymol: interfers with the glycoprotein molecule lined envelope that surrounds many of the most virulent viruses. EPA Approves Thymol Cleaners to Kill Coronavirus—So What Is Thymol? https://bit.ly/2OIccFu Thymol Is the Latest Natural Cleaner Approved by the EPA to Kill Coronavirus Thyme https://bit.ly/3fOvh4R Thymus Vulgaris I might guess that many readers were introduced to the herb, Thyme, through the movie The Graduate – “Are you going to Scarborough Fair?” In my reading and research, I have found that Thyme is much more than the song would imply. Of among the 4 of the herbs mentioned in the song have medicinal properties. Thyme is the most medicinal of this group. Thyme is for the respiration and the lungs - and a whole lot more. I am an insatiable reader with a keen interest and I write articles about the Medicinal and Nutritional Properties of Plants. My herbal education started with a trip to the library, years ago, where I was introduced to words like Materia Medica and Pharmocopoeia and I was forever bitten by the curiosity bug. There is so much being written and so much has been written that it would be impossible for one person to read it all. Well, that was the challenge. I would highly recommend any of my sources (listed below) for ease of reading and understanding and for comprehensive information. I hope to give you information about Thyme which will encourage you to keep some in your backpack or household emergency kit (remembering to rotate stock on occasion). Thyme is native to the Mediterranean, and historical records attribute, in part, the naming of the thyme plant to Theophrastus, 3rd century B.C.E. Greek philosopher and naturalist. The Greeks used Thyme as a symbol of bravery and named it Thymos which is the Greek word for strength. Many a knight wore embroidery portraying the Thyme plant. Thyme has been used medicinally, for a long long time. Thyme is a member of the “Labiatae Family”. This family also includes the mints. The parts of the plant which are used are the berries, flowers, leaves and seeds. The organs affected by the use of Thyme are the lungs, the liver and the stomach. The systems affected by the use of Thyme are the digestive system, the structural system and the circulatory system. The properties of Thyme, which I will describe below are antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, antihelmintic, antioxidant, astringent, aromatic, carminative and expectorant. Thyme is an aromatic, an emmenogogue, a parasiticide and a vulnerary. Thyme can be used as a tonic, though the flavor is quite strong and Thyme may stain dentures.The species name “vulgaris” means common or ordinary. The flavor and aroma of Thyme come from the phenols Thymol and Carvacrol. Oil of Thymol, which is the medicinal beneficial which is found in Thyme. Thyme has been grown, imported, exported, processed and appreciated for its medicinal purposes. Thyme has been used since Roman times to fumigate rooms, to preserve meat and it was used in the embalming process. The chemical content of Thyme includes borneol, cavracrol, cymol, linalool (also found spelled linolol), flourine, gum, pinene, tannins, Thyme oil, thymol and triterpenic acids. Thyme contains Thiamine, Vitamins C, D and B-complex, a lot of iodine, some sodium, silicon and sulpher. Some history of Thyme: Virgil makes mention of Thyme in Georgies as its use as a fumigator. An “olde” herbalist, Pliney, states that when burnt, “it puts flight to all venoumous creatures” (sic). The Thymol in Thyme was discovered and identified by a German apothecary in 1725. By 1863, it was widely used as carbolic acid. Thymol is a stearoptene resembling carbolic acid chemically, which is obtained by evaporating the Oil of Thyme. Before WWI, the majority of the World’s Thyme was distilled in Germany. With the outbreak of war, finding an alternative antiseptic became a priority - and so, we’ve grown away from the extensive use of Thyme which we once enjoyed. The main ingredient in Listerine and in Vicks VapoRub is thymol. What does all of this mean? Well, let’s take a look. Having read this far, you should already see the value of Thyme as a medicinal herb. I’ll describe the properties now and I hope that I can do justice to both the herb and to the reader. Antibacterial: kills bacteria- a tea of Thyme is used to wash wounds. It is also an effective antibacterial internally. Thyme has been shown to kill e-coli.staph, strep and viruses while it is cleaning the air, on your surfaces and going through your HVAC system. Antifungal: kills fungi—such as athlete’s foot Antitseptic: applied to the skin to prevent the growth of bacteria. - It is an antiseptic in the blood stream. Antispasmodic:used to prevent muscle spasms or to relax muscles - applied externally or when used as a tea. Antitussive: a cough suppressant. Anthelmintic: expelling or destroying parasitic worms especially of the intestine Antimicrobial: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms Antioxidant: a substance that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen or peroxides Astringent: substances that bind or tighten. Aromatic: having a strong aroma or odor Carminative: used for the relief of gas or griping. (relief of spastic bowels), Diaphoretic: having the power to increase perspiration Emmenagogue: an agent that promotes the menstrual discharge Expectorant: an agent that promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract; broadly : an antitussive agent Parasiticide: kills parasites (lice, crabs) Vulnerary: Promotes healing of wounds by promoting healthy cell growth and repair. Thyme can be used as a tonic, though the flavor, again, is quite strong. Thyme is used to treat acute respiratory affections, including coughs, colds and asthma. Use it as a tea or simmer some on the stove for inhaling, Some folks use diffusers, some use vaporizors. Uses of Thyme: Thyme is used in treatment of asthma, bronchitis, colic, congestion, cold, flu, viral infections, for killing hookworms and other parasitic infections, antiseptic (on the skin, mucous membranes and in the digestive system), chronic gastritis, diarrhea, a disinfectant (internally and externally), lack of appetite, laryngitis, Thyme is used to reduce fever, sinusitis, whooping cough, Thymol is used as a remedy for Trichinosis. Thyme destroys fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and candida albicans and skin parasites such as lice and crabs. Thyme can be used as a wash throughout the “sick-room”. Many of our new disinfectants are made of thyme Thyme can be used as a wash for the hands. Thyme can also be used to medicate gauze for the dressing of wounds. Added to wash water, Thymol will kill mites. Growing Thyme: There are three varieties of Thyme which are grown for their medicinal qualities. These are broad leafed, narrow leafed and variegated. The narrow leafed is more aromatic than the broad leafed and is also known as Winter Thyme or German Thyme. Lemon Thyme is more fragrant and has a lemon flavor which makes it popular for culinary use. Thymus serpyllum has a lower growing profile with a more trailing habit. Thymus serpyllum is known to be less hardy than Thymus Vulgaris. The variety Silver Thyme is the hardiest of all. The variety Orange Thyme is sometimes referred to as Herbe Baronne in old recipes. All varieties of Thyme are beneficial additions to the herb garden. The seeds of Thyme are tiny and round.. There are about 170,000 seeds to the ounce, and they retain their ability to germinate for three years. Thyme likes dry, light soil. I planted mine in basic dust and it is growing surprisingly well. The herb likes room to spread - and being a member of the Labiatae Family, it will spread. Thyme is a bee attractant in the garden and would make excellent honey. I have added the fresh herb to many bottles of honey where it infuses - it makes an excellent cough syrup. Harvest Thyme throughout its growing season- hang it to dry for use during the winter. How to use Thyme: Never Boil an Herb. Fresh or dried. Dried is going to be a little more concentrated - less than fresh, though fresh may be used. Thyme may stain – don’t use Grannie’s antique white enamel pans. When Thyme is released with the Thymol, - the air will become infused with the Thymol and breathing will become easier. Breathe the steam, deeply. INHALE. I find that a crock pot on low is perfect. I keep one in my bedroom (with thyme) . An infuser works, a Vaporizer (which is basically what we’re trying to create). Try a sheet pan with sides and put it on your radiator. Do not remember that the pan is on the stove or the pan is.. wherever it is. I lost a pretty good soup pan when I tumbled onto this. We want to get the Thymol into the air and into our lungs. For the bath or the shower, I have been known to stuff a sock with Thyme and throw it into the tub with me. A little Thyme added to a bottle of shampoo helps keep my hair free of critters in the woods. Some tucked into my socks will help keep the chiggers from liking my ankles. This is a very useful herb - Experiment and Enjoy. Add a sprinkle of Thyme to tomato soup, I think you’ll like it and what it does for you. I grew Thyme around my camper, and I noticed that there was a lot of fewer ticks, fleas and flies. Plant Thyme where folks will step on it or brush up against it to release the aroma. It is a great herb to fill in gaps in concrete or stone walkways. I buy my dried Thyme by the pound online at Nuts.com.(see photo) Any of the books are easily to read and informative if you are more interested in reading about Medicinal and Nutritional Properties of herbs. EPA Approves Thymol Cleaners to Kill Coronavirus—So What Is Thymol? https://bit.ly/2OIccFu Sources: Today’s Herbal Health by Louise Tenney, M.H. The New Holistic Herbal by David Hoffman The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierrra, C.A., N.D. Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis, C.N.C. (this book should be on your shelf) Textbook of Materia Medica A.S. Blumgarten, M.D., F.A.C.P. A Modern Herbal by Maude Grieve https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/t/thygar16.html Simmer. NO BOIL. low heat to release the thymol. At the FIRST tickle in the back of your throat. Be well. those who want to learn more about how Thymol works. read this.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7571078/ in a nutshell, Thymol interferes with the viral cell- bonding to it- destroying the viral cell and making it unable to replicate.

Blueberries for your circulation. FOR your EYES

Blueberries (Vaccinium Myrtillus) thrive quickly in acid soil with plenty of sunshine. Many Blueberries grow in patches of an acre or more when so allowed. The bushes do not have thorns. Research shows that the American Indians would set fire to surrounding brush to clear the land for the Blueberry bushes to multiply, a practice that continues today. There are 200 species of the Vaccinium family, most of which are found in the Northern Hemisphere. More than 35 species are found on the North American continent. All members of the Vaccinium family are edible. The active ingredients in Blueberries are its flavonoids, specifically its anthocyanosides. Concentrated extracts of Blueberries contain 40% anthocyanosides. I am going to write more extensively of the medicinal qualities of the anthocyanosides, but first, I am going to lead in with something that I was taught in school back in the 60's. I don't want the reader to be put off or scared by the big word "anthocyanoside" so I will start with the grabber. The grabber for information about Blueberries will be the antiseptic properties of the berry and leaf. Take Blueberries camping with you... the dried Blueberries have been used primarily for their astringent qualities in the treatment of diarrhea...as few as five or six of the dried berries can cure diarrhea. Studies have shown that a decoction of Blueberries will sterilize cultures of colon bacillus and of Ebert's bacillus in a 24 hour period. The latter is the Typhoid bacillus. Dried blueberries don't weigh much and are certainly worth carrying in a backpack. Blueberries are a natural remedy for persistent diarrhea and acute enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine) caused by a virus or bacteria, radiation enteritis caused by Xrays and intestinal fermentation. Extract of Blueberry (available commercially under the name of Bilberry, the "Old English" name for Blueberry) has been found to be an antiviral in cell culture for herpes simplex virus II, influenza and vaccinia (cowpox) virus. Extracts of blueberries have also been found to kill or inhibit growth of funguses, yeasts and bacteria, including Trichomonas vaginalis (an inflammation of the vagina that can be transmitted to males-causing itching and discharge in both sexes). High levels of anthocyanosides (and you won't have to be a chemist or nutritionist to enjoy this) in the Blueberry are in no particular order of importance. I have tried to show many valuable properties of the Blueberry. Flavonoids - Anthocyanosides belong to a family called flavonoids. Although not true vitamins, flavonoids have been given the name of Vitamin "P". The P stands for permeability and is responsible for collagen stabilization in the body. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, consisting of veins, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Collagen is destroyed during the inflammation of arthritis, gout, periodontal disease as well as other conditions of inflammation involving the joints, connective tissues, bones and cartilage. Flavonoids not only aid in prevention of collagen destruction, but also add to the strength of such tissue. Blueberries, because of their high content of flavonoids, actually make the collagen stronger by adhesion and cross linking with the collagen. They improve circulation and feed the capillaries by altering the ability of fluids and nourishment to pass through, inhibiting free radical damage and improving the tone of the entire vascular system by strengthening all of the veins and the arteries. Blueberries benefit all capillaries, veins and the arteries and by doing so improve the circulation to the hands, feet, brain and heart. Blueberries are used to strengthen coronary arteries and varicose veins and help in reducing arteriosclerosis and plaque deposits. Studies show that Blueberry should be useful in most inflammatory or degenerative conditions involving connective tissue (e.g. osteoarthritis, bursitis, cataracts, tendonitis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal disease, glaucoma and diabetes retinal degeneration.) The flavonoids in Blueberries with their potential anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging action prevent free radical damage. A decoction of Blueberry leaves has a long history in folk medicine in the treatment of diabetes. Such usage has been supported by research in which oral administration reduced elevated blood sugar levels-even when glucose was administered simultaneously. Blueberries are widely used in Europe as an antihemorrhage agent in treatment of eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy. Blueberries prevent eye damage, preserve eyesight and are helpful in treating myopia (nearsightedness). Blueberry consumption may offer a great deal of protection against retinal degeneration (particularly diabetic retinopathy and diabetic cataracts). Blueberries may also offer significant protection against the development of glaucoma because of its collagen enhancing actions. Blueberry protects eyesight by accelerating the production of retinal purple, a substance that is critical for good vision. Blueberry jam was given to Royal Air Force pilots who flew night missions during World War II. They reported an increase in the ability to see at night, quicker adjustment to darkness, faster restoration of sight after being exposed to glare and improved ability to see in extremely bright daylight. In Earl Mindell's book THE HERB BIBLE, he states that "European medical journals are filled with studies confirming bilberry's positive effect on vision. Unfortunately this herb has not received the attention it deserves in the American medical community." In Europe hundreds of tons of Blueberries are processed annually for use as an antihemorrhagic agent in treatment of eye and vascular diseases. Blueberries inhibit blood platelets sticking together reducing blood clots. Platelet aggregation (sticking together) is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, phlebitis and stroke. Included in the effects of the flavonoids, including anthocyanosides, is their ability to increase the Vitamin C levels in the individual cells thus increasing the body's auto immune activities. Blueberries, because of their large percentage of anthocyanosides, decrease the permeability of the blood brain barrier, decreasing the ability of large molecules to pass into the brain. Increased blood brain permeability has been linked to auto immune diseases of the central nervous system, schizophrenia, cerebral hemorrhage, etc. The anthocyanosides inhibit destruction of the collagen of brain capillaries, thus helping to maintain and restore the brain's protection from pollutants and toxins. In many experiments and studies, anthocyanoside extracts have been shown to have beneficial results by their action of muscle relaxation. This wound be useful to people suffering from many forms of muscular cramping, including limbs and menstrual cramping. Blueberries have not only been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, but also to reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In animal studies, blueberries is known to to decrease greatly the development of atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis even in cholesterol loaded animals. Either of these diseases is considered a large factor in stroke or angina and a major cause of high blood pressure. A warm infusion of blueberries is a stimulating astringent for sore throats or sores in the mouth (including use after dental work.) Because of the astringent properties of blueberries, they have been used to stop hemorrhage and have been used to treat hemorrhoids. Current research indicates that blueberries may be useful in the future in treatment and prevention of ulcers. It is thought that this is due to the blueberry's empowering of the defensive barriers of the gastrointestinal mucous. Blueberries can be purchased in capsule form or extracts, teas, or natural states. Lucky are the people who can pick their own. The best method for preservation is drying. Place the blueberries in a food dehydrator, on a screen in a gas oven and use the pilot light only for drying, hang them with a needle and thread, or spread them on screens in the shade. To make an infusion (tea) of blueberries or blueberry leaves, place 3 t. fresh blueberries or 1 tsp. dried in a non aluminum pan and cover with 2 cups of boiling water. Do not boil the herb itself. Let steep 15-20 min. To make a decoction place 2 1/2 c. water in a non aluminum pan and add 1 tsp. dried or 3 tsp. fresh berries or leaves. Bring to just below boiling point and simmer for 10-20 min. To make a tincture, place leaves or berries in airtight non clear container. Cover with alcohol of at least 90 proof (vodka). Cover and place the bottle in a dark cool place. Shake 2-3 X a day. Amber bottles are preferred. Ready for use 2 wks. Keeps indefinitely. Add to warm or cold water or place on a sugar cube to administer. Dosage 10-30 drops per dose. Repeat 8-10 hrs later. I write about the medicinal and nutritional properties of plants. This was the first article that I wrote for American Survival Guide Magazine. I may - or may not have a copy of the magazine around here. I think this is from around 1997. I wrote this article for a friend whose eyesight was failing from macular degeneration.
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simmering Thyme

simmering Thyme