We are what we eat. Everyone knows how useful fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts are, that they contain many vitamins and minerals, as well as anti-cancer substances, but few people think about the medicinal properties of herbs.
IMPROVED DIGESTION
A seductive aroma often appears in the kitchen only when a handful of aromatic herbs is added to the dish. This aroma promotes the secretion of saliva, which prepares the stomach for eating. The enzymes found in saliva start the digestive process by helping the body break down fats and starches. If this is not done before the food reaches the stomach, it will not be properly digested and the result will be digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, flatulence.
What to use: thyme, rosemary, oregano, mint
ANTI-CANCER
Many plants contain flavonoids, nutrients known for their anti-cancer and heart attack properties. Studies by American scientists have shown that flavonoids help vitamin C work more successfully as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that contribute to cancer.
What to use: onion, rosemary, sage, thyme, chamomile, dandelion, ginkgo, green tea.
Some plants contain terpenoids, potent antioxidants known to delay the development of tumors.
What to use: cumin, spearmint, dill, coriander, lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemongrass, chamomile, basil, rosemary, mint, cardamom, celery seeds, fennel, and peppermint.
NATURAL ANTISEPTICS
There is evidence that many herbs have antiseptic properties. Historians claim that before refrigerators were invented, large farms stored cold meat in cellars wrapped in fresh sage leaves to preserve it. After the hunt, fresh game was hung out with bunches of thyme to make the meat more tender. Thyme was used not only to add flavor to meat, but also for its antiseptic properties, which prevented stomach upset when eating this game.
What to use: thyme, sage, rosemary and bay leaf
STRENGTHENING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Herbs rich in flavonoids also have anti-inflammatory properties: onion, rosemary, sage, thyme, chamomile, dandelion, ginkgo, green tea. Garlic is very beneficial for the immune system as it stimulates the cells that attack the infection.
HEALTHY HEART
Garlic, like onions, is not usually considered an herb, but according to Jackie McVicar, they are. Studies have shown that garlic helps against heart attacks by lowering blood cholesterol levels.
What to use: garlic
A substance known as catechin is also famous for its cholesterol-lowering qualities.
What to use: green tea
Some herbs contain anthocyanin, a pigment responsible for the red, pink, purple, or blue color of certain flowers and fruits. Anthocyanin also lowers bad cholesterol and thus provides protection against heart disease.
What to use: rosehip tea
Using herbs with a strong flavor reduces the need for salt, and reducing salt intake reduces the risk of heart disease.
What to use: cumin seeds, coriander, cumin, rosemary, oregano, sage and thyme.
HEALING PROPERTIES
Many herbs are known for their medicinal properties. For example, in the kitchen it is very useful to keep a pot of aloe in case of a burn. You just need to break off a piece of the leaf and grease the wound with sticky juice so that a blister does not appear.
Homemade teas made from one teaspoon of dried or two teaspoons of fresh herbs to one cup of boiling water also help.
What to use:
chamomile for insomnia;
dill and peppermint for indigestion
elderberry flowers for colds;
lemon balm for tension and headaches;
rosemary to improve concentration and bad breath
BE CAREFUL
Some herbs are contraindicated for pregnant women, if you are trying to conceive or suffer from any medical conditions. Excessive use of certain herbs, such as rosemary, sage, sorrel, and thyme, can be harmful to health. Before using a large number of herbs, you should consult with a specialist.
They say that the air of the province of Provence is so generously filled with bright aromas of herbs that even those who were indifferent to gastronomy are ready to start cooking! The cuisine of Provence is the most spicy of all the regional culinary trends that have developed in the country, a trendsetter in culinary fashion. Thyme, savory, basil, rosemary, tarragon, sage, oregano, marjoram. Each of these herbs has its own character, and together they merge into a single unique bouquet, known throughout the world as Provence herbs.
Rosemary
The shrub with the poetic name "sea dew" is the most "presumptuous" of the herbs included in the Provencal bouquet: dense, almost needle-shaped leaves carry a very rich resinous-coniferous aroma. When dry, they retain their flavor just as well. Therefore, rosemary is added very carefully to ready-made dishes and spice mixtures so as not to kill other smells. But for lamb and game, especially in the company of garlic, it becomes a great addition. The aroma of the plant is also interesting in combination with cheeses and grapes. And the stiff shoots turn into wonderful "skewers" for grilling fish or seafood. Rosemary feels great not only in its native Mediterranean: a bush brought from the Crimea will take root well in the garden, and it can be moved to a pot for the winter.
Basil
Without spicy herb, still called “royal” by the Greeks, today it is difficult to imagine Greek, Italian, French or caucasian cuisine. In the Mediterranean, basil is often grown with green leaves, in the Caucasus with purple. Continuing the journey to the East, it is worth mentioning the "Japanese basil", perilla: its smell is similar to basil, but it is distinguished by a slightly sharper camphor hue. For drying, you need to choose green basil: it retains aroma much better than purple.
Thyme
The Latin name for the plant thymus comes from the Greek thymiama (incense), as the ancient Hellenes used it as an incense incense in temples dedicated to Aphrodite. The creeping semi-shrub with small leaves has many more names: thyme, Bogorodskaya grass, incense, pineapple, lemon flavor ... The thing is that the thyme family is quite branched. Creeping thyme is used as a seasoning for meat, fish or the basis for fragrant medicinal tea. Cumin thyme goes great with garlic and wine. A more delicate lemony fine seasoning for fish, seafood and sweet dishes. Thyme is harvested by cutting off the shoots with a knife or scissors. The dried bouquet is stored in a linen bag or in a glass jar.
Savory
Savory and thyme are not synonyms, although the plants are related members of the Lamiaceae family. Savory is distinguished by a stronger peppery aroma, which is especially pronounced in combination with marjoram. The spicy-aromatic bouquet of savory is complemented by a noticeable bitterness, therefore, when independent use herbs do not grind it, but put whole leaves. Marjoram
A spice without which Provencal cuisine would be incomplete! It is used in meat and fish dishes, vegetable stews and soups. And besides this, it is loved by sausage manufacturers (it gives an appetizing smell and helps to cope with fatty foods), as well as winemakers and brewers. The strong but subtle aroma of marjoram is unstable, so when using the spice on its own, it is added to the dish before cooking.
oregano
The Slavic name of this plant, oregano, clearly indicates a strong aroma. But the Greek name oregano is still more romantic: it translates as “the joy of the mountains.” The smell of the spice is similar to marjoram, only fuller and stronger. In addition to traditional meat and fish, oregano is good as a seasoning for mushrooms, which do not have their own pronounced taste. It is best to eat only oregano leaves, without stems and flowers.
Tarragon
The herb, also known as tarragon, is a relative of wormwood. However, the successful alliance of tarragon aromatic substances practically does not carry bitterness, which makes it possible to prepare excellent infusions and lemonades from the plant. But as a seasoning for meat, tarragon must be used carefully, otherwise the bright taste of the spice will kill the rest of the ingredients of the dish. The taste of fresh and dried tarragon leaves is different. Part of the "green supply" can be dried, part put in the freezer: the same plant will give seasonings with different aromatic shades.
Sage
The popular Mediterranean spice is practically not used in Ukrainian cuisine, so the plant with fluffy and fragrant leaves is familiar to us mainly as a medicinal one. But sage is so good on a plate! It pairs deliciously with garlic and lemon zest, and this mixture, in turn, with fish and poultry. In cooking, it is better to use fresh sage shoots to take out after cooking. Crushed dry sage in the finished dish can be too bitter.
Chicken in Provence herbs
- Chicken 1.5 kg
- Onion 2 pcs.
- Garlic 3-4 cloves
- Tomatoes 2 pcs.
- Olives 200 g
- White wine 100 g
- Provence herbs 2 tsp
- Olive oil and butter
- Salt pepper
Divide the chicken into portions, season with salt and pepper, fry for olive oil until golden brown. For flavor, add a little butter and fry the meat for a few more minutes. Then pour white table wine into the pan and let it evaporate.
In another frying pan, fry the onion cut into half rings until translucent, add the chopped garlic (pre-remove the core of the clove), olives and Provence herbs. When the onion and garlic are lightly browned, put the chopped tomatoes without skins and seeds, simmer the vegetables for 5 minutes.
Mix chicken with vegetables, simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs when serving.
The similarity of plants in terms of names and useful properties has created confusion between the two plants: savory and thyme. Small plants with a fragrant smell and small flowers have been known for a very long time, but are used for different purposes. It is quite easy to distinguish them externally. The issue of differences and similarities between these plants will be described in our article.
Thyme and savory: difference and similarity
Many gardeners are sure that savory is one of the varieties of thyme and is its relative. The similarity in the name created such a situation. In fact, these are dissimilar plants in appearance.
The common features of savory and thyme are as follows:
- both belong to the family Lamiaceae;
- are melliferous, spicy medicinal plants;
- similar composition of nutrients: vitamins, essential oils, trace elements, tannins, antioxidants;
- used for medicinal purposes: antiseptic, expectorant, source of vitamins, choleretic and diuretic, heal wounds and soothe;
- added to cooking as a condiment.
That's all the similarities between savory and thyme. There are many more differences.
Outwardly, savory and thyme are easy to distinguish:
thyme bush
savory bush
thyme flowers
savory flower
The use of these plants in cooking is different. Savory is used as a spicy seasoning, replacing, added at the end of cooking. Thyme is placed at the beginning or middle of cooking and used as a fragrant remedy. The seeds are used for pungency. Dried leaves and flowers are brewed into tea.
In Russia, thyme was called Bogorodskaya grass and used as a sedative. In ancient Egypt, it was used for embalming.
Savory: description
Savory refers to dicotyledonous flowering plants. Savory is native to the Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor. Garden savory is grown in gardens. It is more odorous than other types of savory. Mountain savory grows in mountainous areas: it is more frost-resistant, blooms much later garden species and only in open areas. It has a strong smell of balsam.
In Georgia, savory is used as a seasoning for meat dishes. He is called kondari. The seasoning is prepared from savory species that grow in these areas.
What does savory look like?
It is a herbaceous plant up to half a meter tall. It has small flowers at the top of the branch. blooms different colors at the end of July-August. Seeds ripen in autumn.
Dried savory is made from the whole plant: the twigs, along with the leaves, are crushed and dried dark-colored greens are obtained. Seeds are used as a separate seasoning in various dishes. Great for meat dishes rabbit and beef.
Where does savory grow?
Savory spread to the entire continent of Eurasia. It also occurs in middle lane Russia. Often found in the Moscow region, Leningrad and Nizhny Novgorod regions. There are many in the south and in Europe. Very coldy does not tolerate. Grows on any soil and mountain slopes. Likes lots of sun. Therefore, it is found in Asia and the steppe zones.
Savory is rich useful substances, vitamins and microelements. Used to treat various diseases and use the concentrate for medical purposes.
Medicinal properties savory:
- Antiseptic, disinfectant.
- Helps with digestion: improves appetite, copes with bloating, indigestion and vomiting.
- Helps with cough and respiratory diseases.
- Improves the functioning of the gallbladder, kidneys and lymph.
- It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
- Soothes and helps fight cancer.
Savory is consumed in the form of tea or decoction. A small amount of herbs is brewed with hot water.
At the same time, do not forget about contraindications:
- allergies;
- acute diseases of the digestive system;
- complex heart disease;
- atherosclerosis;
- pregnancy.
How to grow more crops?
Any gardener and summer resident is pleased to receive big harvest with large fruits. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to get the desired result.
Often plants lack nutrition and useful minerals
It has the following properties:
- Allows increase yield by 50% in just a few weeks of use.
- You can get good harvest even on low-fertility soils and in adverse climatic conditions
- Absolutely safe
Thyme: description
Thyme is a perennial plant. In one place grows up to 5 years. Garden thyme is more often grown in gardens. There are also other types of thyme. One property unites them is that they are all medicinal. Thyme is used in medicine and cooking as a seasoning.
Thyme is a type of thyme. In fact, they are one and the same.
What does thyme look like?
Depending on the species, thyme grows in height from 5 cm to 30 cm. Small leaves are located on the petiolate stems, flowers of white, pink or purple bloom on the crown. blooms almost all summer.
One bush forms a large cap of spicy aroma grass with honey flowers. The stem with flowers is cut and dried for winter use and storage. The stems are crushed and dried. Dry thyme is a light beige color, common for dried herbs. Exudes a delicate fragrance.
Where does thyme grow?
Thyme is found in sunny glades, in the steppes. In Russia, it is often found in the southern steppe zones, mountain slopes in Altai.
Grows in the middle lane:
- Moscow region;
- Leningrad region;
- Nizhny Novgorod Region;
- and other temperate regions.
Medicinal properties and contraindications
The healing properties of thyme have been known to man for a long time. Thanks to the presence essential oils The plant has been used in medicine.
Decoctions and teas from thyme help with diseases:
And also thyme is used for nervous disorders, stress and depression. Copes with heavy and fatty foods, aiding digestion. Ointments and compresses are used for wound healing and as an antiseptic. Thyme flowers help with alcohol addiction.
The use of thyme or thyme is contraindicated in diseases:
- cardiosclerosis;
- atherosclerosis;
- atrial fibrillation;
- pregnancy.
Types of thyme
Some popular types of thyme:
Growing and caring for herbs in the garden
Savory and thyme are not whimsical in growing in the garden. They do not require much care and excessive attention. To grow a good crop of these fragrant and healing herbs, follow simple rules.
Savory cultivation
Savory cultivation technology includes the following:
Stories from our readers!
“So that I don’t waste my energy on watering, my daughter bought me this system. You don’t need to do anything on your own. My husband installed and set it up.
The system itself waters the garden, which of course has a good effect on the crop. I have never had such tomatoes and cucumbers! Now I want to spend another one in the greenhouse. Recommend."
There are situations when the preparation of an interesting dish or the preparation of a drug for medicinal purposes is complicated due to the selection of ingredients. Quite a part of people get confused in the names and definitions. For example, thyme and thyme are the same plant?! Let's try to figure it out...
Thyme photo description
Thyme (from the Latin Thymus) is a shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Attractive appearance made him popular with fans landscape design. Due to the pleasant aroma of foliage, it is widely used in cooking. And the unique composition of the plant made it indispensable for use in medicine and cosmetology.
Know! Experts distinguish about four hundred varieties of thyme. The main place of growth is the temperate zone of Europe, North Africa, Asia. It can grow in various climatic conditions, from steppes to forests.
The maximum height of shrubs reaches forty centimeters. The stems of the plant are branched, can be either flattened on the soil or ascending. Their base is woody, and the stem itself is covered with straight or recurved hairs. Thyme has a woody tap root. This shrub is characterized by small flowers growing in inflorescences. They can be dyed white, pink or purple.
The leaves are rigid, may differ in shape, type of venation, size. A variety of forms is represented by leaves that have an oblong, oval or round configuration. The flowering period of the shrub falls on the summer months. Fruit ripening occurs in August or September. The fruit is a box, inside of which there are dark-colored nuts.
Thyme photo description
Attention! It is customary to call thyme a variety of thyme, which has a creeping shape.
The place of its growth is the steppe and rocky regions. It sometimes grows in open wooded areas. You can meet thyme in the countries of Europe, America, North Africa, belonging to the temperate zone.
Thyme and thyme are the same shrub with identical characteristics and beneficial features. As for the appearance, the difference can be seen in the shape of the stem and rhizome. So in thyme, these parts are thickened. Thyme, on the other hand, has a thin tall stalk, and its root dives deep into the ground. Do not confuse thyme and savory, these are completely different plants, although they belong to the same family.
plant history
Thyme was first mentioned in writing in the third century BC. It was used by the Sumerians as an antiseptic, and by the ancient Egyptians as an important component of the embalming composition.
Interesting to know! The name of the plant is translated from Greek as fragrant smoking or incense. The ancient Greeks used it for ritual actions held in temples dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite. Hence one of its names - incense. Received thyme and many other names, namely: thyme, Bogorodskaya grass, chebarka, hog pepper, swan, fly fly, verest and others.
The ancient Romans did not ignore the shrub, who prepared a special vigor drink called kykeon from its foliage. In addition, they widely used it for medical purposes. With the help of thyme, they treated asthma, got rid of worms, and even helped women during childbirth.
Over time, thyme has become increasingly popular. The mention of this wonderful shrub can be seen even in the Bible. After all, at the place where Jesus was born, the flooring was made of Bogorodsk grass. Knights of the Middle Ages used thyme tea to enhance their courage. They considered the verest to be a kind of symbol of courage, which was often embroidered on shirts intended for combat.
In Europe, there are many legends that connect this amazing plant with magic. It has also been used for practical purposes. Fumigation with incense repelled poisonous reptiles and insects. The presence of grass in the pillows caused good dream. And thyme-fumigated fishing gear guaranteed a solid catch.
Know! The ancient Slavs also used thyme for both medicinal and ritual purposes. The use of the plant to decorate temples in honor of the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin, was the reason for the appearance of another name - Bogorodskaya grass.
Verest was used in many pagan rites. It served as an important component in the preparation of various potions. Many folk traditions with the use of thyme have survived to this day, for example, fumigation of premises, kitchen utensils. Today it is actively used:
- in medicine;
- cosmetology;
- perfumery;
- cooking;
- landscape design.
The same plant can be called both thyme and thyme. Different names were formed depending on the place of growth.
Interesting to know! There is an opinion that thyme is the Ukrainian name for thyme. The explanation lies in the fact that in the territories of the Ukrainian steppes the creeping form of the semi-shrub, which is commonly called thyme, is most common.
It is worth noting that other folk names are inherent in certain regions.
What is their difference?
As mentioned above, thyme is a creeping form of thyme, and their external differences are related to this. Thyme is characterized by a supple crown, a thick rhizome, and a wide stem.
Thyme, on the other hand, has a longer and thinner stem, and its root system deeper. The inflorescences of the second are distinguished by brightness and splendor. Some flower growers claim that thyme significantly outperforms its counterpart in antiseptic properties.
Beneficial features
The widespread use of Bogorodsk grass in various areas of life is due to its rich composition, including vitamins C and B, organic acids, useful resins, tannins, gum, and fats.
Verest, used in various forms, is able to have a healing effect on the body, namely:
- Relief from rheumatic pains.
- Providing a diuretic, diaphoretic effect.
- Favorable effect on the emotional state.
- Return male power, treatment of prostatitis.
- Elimination of itching, swelling, provoked by insect bites.
- Getting rid of fermentation processes, flatulence, diarrhea, similar ailments of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Elimination of unpleasant odor from the oral cavity.
- Expectorant action in the treatment of respiratory diseases.
- Elimination of inflammatory processes.
- Treatment of rashes of an infectious nature.
- The return of consciousness when it is lost.
In cosmetology, Bogorodskaya grass is used as a fragrance or component of products designed to eliminate inflammation on the skin, strengthen hair and nails.
Know! The unique aroma provided Verest with wide culinary use. Bogorodskaya grass can be used in everyday life, because its smell helps to get rid of moths.
Creeping thyme in landscape design
Attractive appearance and a long flowering period have made the shrub a frequent participant in beautiful landscape compositions. Creeping thyme, popularly called thyme, can grow in the same place for up to five years. This plant is unpretentious in care, endures cold, drought.
The most common use of shrubs for landscape design is to use it when decorating rocky gardens for:
- designation of the edge of group plantings;
- hedges in the Mediterranean style;
- filling empty areas between tiles or beds.
Attention! Gardeners often use in the form design solution combinations of different varieties of shrubs. For example, they combine variegated forms with varieties of anthocyanin color. Such a composition looks spectacular even after the end of the flowering period.
Quite often, gardeners plant a shrub instead of lawn grass. For gardeners this best option, because the unpretentiousness of the plant ensures the attractiveness of lawns for a long period. The beautiful greenery of creeping thyme varieties serves as a spectacular backdrop for fellow gardeners. She will emphasize the beauty of peonies, roses, chrysanthemums, daffodils, tulips, lilies.
Thyme and thyme in cooking
For culinary purposes, the leaves of the plant are used fresh or dried. Verest has a strong pleasant aroma and a sharp spicy taste. It is widely used not only in cooking, but also in the production of canned food, alcoholic beverages. From the leaves and stems of Bogorodsk grass, you can make tea.
Interesting to know! Thyme is one of the components of the popular seasoning called "Provencal herbs".
Fresh or dried herbs are used in cooking to give a special taste when cooking:
- fish, meat dishes;
- vegetable side dishes, salads;
- marinades, sauces;
- sweets.
How to grow plants differences and similarities
For rapid growth Bogorodsk grass needs the sun, it is important to consider this when choosing a place for its cultivation. You can plant a shrub in spring or autumn. For successful landing you need to follow these steps in sequence:
- Prepare the site in advance, freeing it from weeds, enriching it with fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus.
- Dig up the prepared area, add a little urea (20 g).
- At the end of the day, sow the seeds, observing the row spacing (40 cm).
- Sprinkle some sand on top (1 cm).
- Cover the landing with a film.
Know! If you did everything right, then in a couple of weeks the seeds will begin to germinate. Proper Care for "kids" requires loosening, moderate watering, as well as weeding.
To speed up the growth process, you can prepare seedlings in advance using the recommendations above. You can propagate the plant by dividing shrubs or cuttings during the active growing season. From the first days to a year, "kids" need to be provided with mulching and weeding. To avoid regular top dressing, it is advisable to initially add a small amount of compost.
In the future, shrubs are fertilized in late spring or in the first days of summer with any mineral top dressing of a liquid consistency. In spring or autumn, shrubs are recommended to be shortened by cutting the stems to the place of lignification. This will make them look more attractive.
Know! Bogorodskaya grass is resistant to diseases and pests. Features of planting, reproduction, care for various varieties of shrubs are identical.
Dosage forms of the herb
Earlier we talked about wonderful healing properties verest. For healing, it can be used in various forms.
Dried leaf powder is a folk analogue of ammonia, Effectively helps to bring consciousness to fainting, regardless of age.
Quite often, an infusion of dry leaves is used. Its recipe is very simple. Pour a glass of boiling water over the grass - one tablespoon. The infusion helps in the fight against acute respiratory infections, pharyngitis, whooping cough.
Chebarka tea is used as a cough remedy. Contributes to the overall improvement of the condition of women during pregnancy.
Bogorodskaya grass is one of the components of the well-known medicinal syrup under the name "Pertussin".
Important! Verest oil is actively used for health purposes. With it, you can get rid of depression, PMS, skin defects. Apply oil in the treatment of colds, arthritis.
For general strengthening of the body, crushed leaves of the plant can be added to food.
Side effects and contraindications
Like any other plant, verest has properties that, under certain situations, can harm the body. It is strongly not recommended to use chebarka in the presence of:
- liver or kidney disease;
- peptic ulcer;
- violations of the pancreas;
- arrhythmia, cardiosclerosis, heart attack;
- individual intolerance.
Important! With great care should be taken to the use of herbs throughout the entire period of pregnancy. In order to avoid unpleasant consequences, you should first consult a doctor.
If Bogorodsk grass is used in excessive amounts, then nausea, vomiting, headaches, and pressure drops can be provoked.
Conclusion
We hope that the material of the article has become useful for those who asked the question, are thyme and thyme the same plant? Listen to the advice of experts, and this wonderful shrub in one form or another will undoubtedly come in handy.
Liked the article? Share with your friends:
