Herbs and spices are an integral part of the human diet because not only do they add flavor and aroma to your favorite dishes, but they also provide a multitude of benefits that can impact your well-being. general. The good news is that many herbs that are safe for you can also be good for your pets.
An example is thyme. Highly valued for the fragrance and flavor it adds to soups, sauces and pastas, this Mediterranean herb is also highly valued for its antibacterial, insecticidal and antifungal properties – a wonderful boon for your cats and dogs. Keep reading to learn more about the potential benefits of thyme for pets.
Thyme Facts: Can It Be Good For Pets?
A pungent herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), thyme (Thymus vulgaris) comes from a low shrub native to the Mediterranean region. Known for their medicinal, ornamental, and dietary uses, the flowers, leaves, and essential oil of this plant have been used to treat a variety of symptoms and ailments.1,2
Due to its ability to hybridize quickly, there are over 350 species of thyme, although the most common is Thymus vulgaris. The leaves grow on slender stalks in clusters and come in various shades of green, from pale green to dark green, olive, bronze and silver.
Thyme can be used fresh or dried, and both are suitable for pets. You can add a small amount to their food before serving it to them. This plant is rich in nutrients, including flavonoids and phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, apigenin and naringenin. The leaves also contain potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium and manganese. However, these are not the primary compounds that give thyme its powerful benefits.3
Did you know?
![thyme](https://media.mercola.com/assets/images/petfoodfacts/did-you-know/did-you-know-thyme.jpg)
The earliest known example of thyme cultivation dates back to 3000 BC in Persia. The Greeks believed it helped protect against curses and evil entities, while the Egyptians considered thyme a symbol of luck and happiness.4
Thymol: the beneficial component of thyme
“The main beneficial constituent of thyme is called thymol, a natural monoterpene phenol with potential therapeutic properties. »