What is the difference between these herbs? Many supporters of alternative medicine know perfectly well that thyme and thyme are absolutely the same thing! So why are there so many questions around this topic? The science of the study of medicinal plants is as follows.
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Thyme description photo
Thyme (from the Latin Thymus) is a dwarf shrub belonging to the Yasnotkov family. Its attractive appearance has made it popular among landscape design enthusiasts. 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 a variety of climates, from steppes to woodlands.
The maximum height of the shrubs reaches forty centimeters. The stems of the plant are branched, can be either spread over the soil or ascending. Their base is woody, and the stem itself is covered with straight or bent hairs. Thyme has a woody taproot. This shrub is characterized by small flowers growing in inflorescences. They can be painted white, pink or purple.
Leaves are tough, can differ in shape, type of venation, size. The variety of shapes is represented by leaves that have an oblong, oval or round configuration. The flowering period of the shrub falls in the summer months. And the fruit ripens in August or September. The fruit is a box with dark-colored nuts inside.
Another brother
If everything becomes clear with thyme, then the word "savory" raises further questions. It is not uncommon for the unfortunate thyme to be called this word, and this is completely wrong. Plants, although they all belong to the same family, have a number of differences:
- Life Span. Unlike perennial thyme, savory lives only one year, therefore it ripens faster.
- Smell and taste. The aroma of savory is fundamentally different, and the plant tastes like black pepper.
- Care. Savory is whimsical and difficult to breed. Due to its rapid growth, it makes no sense to decorate flower beds with them in areas or make alpine slides.
- Application in dishes. While thyme is more suitable for protein foods of animal origin, savory is better revealed in vegetable proteins, such as beans or lentils.
Thyme description photo
Attention! It is customary to call thyme a creeping variety of thyme.
It grows in steppe and rocky areas. Sometimes it grows in open areas of the forest. 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 health benefits.In terms of 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.
Differences
Despite the fact that both names seem to belong to the same plant, there are some differences in appearance that will confuse the inexperienced gardener.
Thyme and thyme - what's the difference:
- Thyme differs in less splendor and brightness of inflorescences;
- Its stems are thicker and its root system wider;
- Unlike thyme, it grows on rocky soil and in the steppe, only occasionally in clearings in the forest.
We remind you that all properties and effects on humans remain identical - the differences between thyme and thyme lie only in appearance.
Plant history
For the first time thyme was 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 incense or incense. The ancient Greeks used it for ritual actions performed in temples dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite. Hence one of its names is incense. Received thyme and many other names, namely: thyme, Bogorodskaya herb, chebarka, hog pepper, lebushka, fly-chop, verest and others.
The ancient Romans did not ignore the shrub, who prepared a special drink of vigor from its foliage called kykeon. In addition, they widely used it for medical purposes. With the help of thyme, they treated asthma, got rid of worms, even helped women during childbirth.
Over time, thyme is gaining more and more popularity. The mention of this wonderful shrub can be seen even in the Bible. Indeed, in the place where Jesus was born, a flooring was made of the Bogorodskaya grass. Knights of the Middle Ages used thyme tea to enhance their courage. They considered heaving as a kind of symbol of courage, which was often embroidered on shirts intended for combat.
On the territory of Europe, there are many legends connecting this amazing plant with magic. They used it here for practical purposes as well. Fumigation with incense scared away poisonous reptiles and insects. The presence of grass in the pillows caused a good sleep. And the thyme-fumigated fishing tackle guaranteed a solid catch.
Know! The ancient Slavs also used thyme, both for medicinal and ritual purposes. The use of the plant to decorate temples in honor of the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, became the reason for the appearance of another name - Bogorodskaya grass.
Verest was used in many pagan rituals. He served as an important component in the preparation of various potions. Many folk traditions using thyme have survived to this day, for example - the fumigation of rooms, kitchen utensils. Today it is actively used:
- in medicine;
- cosmetology;
- perfumery;
- cooking;
- landscape design.
Application
The plant is used in many areas:
- Cooking. The herb is actively used in food as a spice - for meat and fish dishes, especially game, will complement soups, marinades and pickles, will be an excellent addition to salad;
- Medicine. The medicinal properties allow the plant to be used as a component of ointments for various purposes; tea with thyme is also very useful;
- Cosmetology. Essential oils help smooth the skin, get rid of wrinkles, improve the condition of nails and hair;
- Design. Elegant shrubs can ennoble any area.
How are thyme and thyme similar?
The same plant can be called 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 on the territories of the Ukrainian steppes, the most common form of the creeping shrub, which is commonly called thyme.
It should be noted that other popular names are inherent in certain regions.
What is the difference between them?
As mentioned above, thyme is a creeping form of thyme, and their external differences are associated with this. Thyme is characterized by a crown, a thick rhizome, and a wide stem.
Thyme, on the other hand, has a longer and thinner stem, and its root system is deeper. The inflorescences of the second are distinguished by brightness and splendor. Some growers argue that thyme is significantly ahead of its counterpart in terms of antiseptic properties.
Beneficial features
The widespread use of Bogorodskaya grass in different life areas is due to its rich composition including vitamins C and B, organic acids, useful resins, tannins, gums, fats.
Important! The essential oil of the plant contains thymol (fighting parasites) and carvacrol (antibacterial action). Incense contains useful minerals, flavonoids, terpenes.
Verest, used in various forms, can have a healing effect on the body, namely:
- Relief from rheumatic pains.
- Providing a diuretic, diaphoretic effect.
- Beneficial effect on the emotional state.
- Return of male strength, prostatitis treatment.
- Elimination of itching, edema, 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 effect in the treatment of respiratory diseases.
- Elimination of inflammatory processes.
- Treatment of infectious rashes.
- Return of consciousness in case of its loss.
In cosmetology, Bogorodskaya grass is used as a perfume or a component of products designed to eliminate inflammation on the skin, strengthen hair and nails.
Know! The unique aroma has provided veresta with a wide culinary use. Bogorodskaya grass can be used in everyday life, because its smell helps to get rid of moths.
Historical reference
Thyme began to be grown in ancient Egypt. There it was used to flavor resins used in embalming and as a medicine. In the second millennium BC, thyme herb poultices with pear and fig pulp were used to heal wounds.
In the writings of the ancient Roman historian Pliny the Elder, there are about thirty recipes, the main component of which is thyme. The healing properties of thyme are also discussed in the works of the ancient Greek pharmacologist Diascorides. The legendary physician and scientist Avicenna wrote about the anthelmintic properties of this herb and the fact that it helps to grind kidney stones.
In the eleventh century, the miraculous herb was learned in Europe. It is mentioned in the ancient treatise "On the properties of herbs", the author of which is considered the French physician Odo from Mena. Embroidery in the form of flowering branches of thyme adorned the clothes of the knights - it was believed that it gives them courage, and also protects them from harm. Scented herb was also used to decorate temples.
According to an old Irish legend, thyme is an herb associated with the faeries, or "good neighbors," the fairy people who live in the hills. The Irish believed that anyone who washed their eyes with dew, which was collected from the thyme bushes at dawn on May 1, will gain the opportunity to see the fairies and be able to ask them for a favor.
The effect of thyme on the body was first described in detail by P.A.Mattiolus in his herbalist, which dates back to 1563.It was noted that thyme is good for the respiratory tract, can help in the treatment of the digestive tract, and also cope with disorders that modern doctors would call depression.
Thyme-thyme creeping in landscape design
Attractive appearance and long flowering period 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, firmly tolerates cold, drought.
The most common use of a semi-shrub for landscape design is to use it to decorate rocky gardens for:
- marking the edge of group plantings;
- hedges in Mediterranean style;
- filling empty areas between tiles or beds.
Attention! Gardeners often use combinations of different varieties of shrubs in the form of a design solution. For example, variegated forms are combined with varieties of anthocyanin color. Such a composition looks impressive even after the end of the flowering period.
Quite often, gardeners plant a shrub instead of lawn grass. For summer residents, this is the best option, because the unpretentiousness of the plant ensures the attractiveness of lawns for a long period. The beautiful greens of creeping thyme varieties serve as a spectacular backdrop for fellows in the area. 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 pungent spicy taste. It is widely used not only in cooking, but also in the production of canned food, alcoholic beverages. You can brew tea from the leaves and stalks of the Bogorodskaya grass.
Interesting to know! Thyme is one of the ingredients in a popular condiment called Provencal herbs.
Fresh or dried herbs are used in cooking to add a special flavor to cooking:
- fish, meat dishes;
- side dishes of vegetables, salads;
- marinades, sauces;
- sweets.
Collection and preparation of herbs
Savory and thyme are harvested in approximately the same way:
- Savory is cut at the root after the first flowering. Tie the stems into a bunch and dry.
- For convenience, many gardeners grind and dry the shoots.
- At the end of summer, the "second harvest" is taken.
- Thyme in the middle of summer is harvested only by flowers, which are dried and crushed.
- At the end of the season, the plant is renewed by cutting the entire bush at the root. New shoots will grow in the spring.
- Chop the stems completely or collect only the leaves.
- The stems are often very tough. If the thyme is harvested for the preparation of decoctions and teas, then such shoots are also used.
- For cooking, only leaves are preferred, since it is not very pleasant to eat "logs".
How to Grow Plants Differences and Similarities
For the rapid growth of Bogorodskaya grass, the sun is necessary, this is important to consider when choosing a place for its cultivation. You can plant a shrub in spring or autumn. For a successful landing, you must consistently perform the following actions:
- 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 inter-row spacing (40 cm).
- Sprinkle a little sand on top (1 cm).
- Cover the planting with plastic wrap.
Know! If you did everything correctly, then after a couple of weeks the seeds will begin to germinate. Proper care of "babies" requires loosening, moderate watering, and weeding.
To speed up the growth process, you can prepare the seedlings in advance using the above recommendations. You can propagate the plant by dividing shrubs or by cuttings during active growing season. From the first days to a year, "babies" need to provide mulching, weeding.To avoid regular feeding, it is advisable to initially add a small amount of compost.
In the future, the shrubs are fertilized in late spring or in the first days of summer with any mineral dressing of a liquid consistency. In spring or autumn, shrubs are recommended to be shortened by cutting off the stems to the point of woodiness. This will provide them with a more attractive appearance.
Know! Bogorodskaya grass is resistant to diseases and pests. The features of planting, reproduction, caring for various varieties of shrubs are identical.
Growing tips
The benefits of shrubs can be greatly affected by poor soil or neglected care, so it is safer to grow the plant yourself.
In the process of gardening, be guided by the following points:
- Find a place with sufficient sunlight.
- Prepare the site by pulling out the remaining roots. Deal with weeds.
- Fertilize the soil thoroughly with quality manure or special products containing phosphorus and potassium.
- Dig up the soil and feed it with 20g of urea.
- Sow the seeds at the end of the day, leaving a space of 40 cm between the beds being formed.
- Cover with a centimeter of sand and use a cover film.
Dosage forms of the herb
Earlier we talked about the wonderful healing properties of heather. For healing, it can be applied in various forms. Powder from dried foliage is a folk analogue of ammonia, Effectively helps to bring to consciousness when fainting, regardless of age.
An infusion of dry leaves is often used. The recipe for its preparation is very simple. Pour the grass with a glass of boiling water - one tablespoon. The infusion helps in the fight against acute respiratory infections, pharyngitis, whooping cough.
Chebarka tea is used as a cough suppressant. Contributes to the overall improvement in the condition of women during pregnancy.
Bogorodskaya grass is one of the components of the well-known medicinal syrup called "Pertussin".
Important! Verest oil is actively used for health purposes. With its help, you can get rid of depression, PMS, skin defects. Oil is used in the treatment of colds, arthritis.
For general strengthening of the body, the crushed leaves of the plant can be added to food.
How to use thyme in traditional medicine - recipes
The most popular product from this plant is, of course, tea. Making thyme tea is quite simple.... Pour a teaspoon of dry or fresh flowers with a glass of boiling water, leave for five minutes, strain and drink like tea, you can add honey. Can be mixed with regular black tea dry or fresh thyme.
With neuroses, convulsions, insomnia: 15 g of dry crushed raw materials pour 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 30-40 minutes, drain. Drink 2 tbsp. spoons in the morning, at lunchtime and ¼ glass 2 hours before bedtime.
Soothing collection: take equal parts of thyme, hops, chernobyl, oregano, lamb, knotweed, drop cap, mix all components thoroughly. Pour 15 g of the mixture with 0.5 hot water, insist in the heat for 30 minutes, filter. Take 50 ml in the morning and evening and 2 hours before bedtime ½.
With hypertension of the initial stage: thyme - 3 parts, 2 parts each oregano, fireweed, chamomile - 1 part. 15 g (2 tablespoons) of the collection brew 0.5 liters of boiling water, stand for 40 minutes, Drink ¼ cup 3 times a day in the form of tea.
Thyme baths: help with muscular and articular rheumatism, useful for the nervous system. To prepare a bath, 200 grams of thyme should be poured with two liters of boiling water and left for a couple of hours. The bath is taken within 15 minutes every two days.
Interesting: Benefits, medicinal properties and contraindications to the use of ash
Neuralgia: 1 tbsp. Brew a spoonful of 200 ml of boiling water, insist. Drink 1/3 cup 3 times a day.
Low acid gastritis: Pour 10 g of herbs with 1 glass of boiling water, stand for 30 minutes, filter.Consume 1 tbsp. spoon 2-3 times a day.
With bronchitis, dry cough: 10 g of dry chopped raw thyme pour 200 ml of boiling water, insist for 30 minutes. Take 1-2 tbsp. spoon 3-4 times a day.
Sciatica, arthritis, paralysis: 10 g of raw material per 200 ml of hot water, hold for 15 minutes. Drink 18 ml 3 times a day.
With hair loss: traditional medicine recommends an effective recipe - take equal amounts of thyme, nettle, litte birch, hop cones. 20 g of collection per 1 liter of water, boil over low heat for 15 minutes, leave for 20 minutes. Use to rinse or rub into the scalp.
Periodontal disease: 2 tbsp. spoons of herbs brew 200 ml of boiling water, stand for 1 hour. Use as a rinse.
Hives: take 20 g each - Bogorodskaya grass, ordinary hops, lemon balm, rhizomes with valerian roots. 8 g of the mixture in 1 glass of hot water, soak for 30 minutes. Drink several times throughout the day.
Side effects and contraindications
Like any other plant, verest has properties that, in certain situations, can harm the body. It is strongly not recommended to use chebarka in the presence of:
- liver or kidney disease;
- peptic ulcer;
- disorders of the pancreas;
- arrhythmias, cardiosclerosis, heart attack;
- individual intolerance.
Important! Great care should be taken when using the herb throughout the entire period of pregnancy. To avoid unpleasant consequences, you should first consult a doctor.
If you use Bogorodskaya grass in excessive quantities, you can provoke nausea, vomiting, headaches, pressure drops.
