Thyme

Thyme Facial Mask For Acne and Blemishes

Rich in minerals, vitamins and containing anti-bacterial properties, thyme has become to play a vital role in natural skin care. Thyme has been suggested to be more effective at treating acne than the commonly prescribed benzoyle peroxide, it is also a rich source of vitamin A, an effective anti ageing nutrient and contains some essential fatty acids that help keep skin moisturised.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme (leaves only)
• 1 Tbsp sour cream
• 1/2 Tsp lemon juice
• 1 Tsp honey

Method

1. In a blender combine all ingredients and blend until the thyme is in very small pieces.
2. Apply to a clean face and leave on for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse well

For sensitive skin replace the lemon juice with orange juice or apple cider.

Carrot and Lemon Thyme Risotto

No kitchen should be without the heady, aromatic flavour of thyme. With so many different varieties available, from lemon to mint there is a recipe for all occasions.

Ingredients

• 4ltr hot vegetable stock
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 450g carrots, washed and grated
• 350g arborio rice
• zest and juice 1 lemon
• few sprigs of lemon thyme
• salt and pepper
• 50g grated parmesan

Method

1. Place the stock in a small pan and keep on a low heat. Heat the oil in large heavy-based pan, add the onions and saute for 2-3mins to soften without colouring. Add the garlic and carrots and cook for a further 2 mins.
2. Add the rice and stir until the grains are coated. Add a ladleful or two of the stock to the pan, stir well then gently cook until the stock has been absorbed. Repeat until all the stock has been used and the rice is nearly tender - about 20 mins
3. Remove from the heat, stir in the cheese and finally adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve sprinkled with a few more sprigs of thyme if liked.

Thyme has a long history of use as a medicinal healer and protector. In the Roman era, it was used to prevent poisoning and prior to modern antibiotics coming on the scene, thyme oil was used to medicate bandages! Read on to learn about the amazing health benefits thyme can provide!

Fights Sore Throats

Thyme is one of the strongest, natural antimicrobials, making it a serious weapon against sore throats.

Next time you have a sore throat, make sure to add this herb to your soup and have some soothing and germ-killing thyme tea!

Lowers Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels

Having a thyme herbal tea has been shown to help reduce high blood pressure. Thyme extract has also been found to reduce cholesterol.

Boosts Your Mood

Regular ingestion of this herb in low concentrations has been suggested to improve feelings of well-being.

Boosts Immunity

Thyme contains high levels of vitamin C, making it a natural immune system booster. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are the first line of defence in the body’s immune system. Vitamin C also plays a crucial part in the production of collagen, which is essential for the creation and repair of cells, muscles, tissues, and blood vessels