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It is difficult to immediately find the difference between oregano and thyme: the plants are often confused with each other due to the similarity in appearance. Each of the herbs belongs to the Lamiaceae family and has a number of properties and its own area of application.
Oregano and thyme: are they the same thing or not?
In dried form, they are very difficult to distinguish without certain skills and knowledge. In cooking, herbs are interchangeable, since their taste and aroma are almost the same.
The synonymous name for thyme is thyme. It is known as a herb or spice. Oregano can be found in culinary reference books under a different “name” – oregano. It is used to make pizza and soups.
What is the difference between thyme and oregano
If you collect the herb as a spice, you can use both types. The difference between thyme and oregano is fundamentally important for those people who need plants for healing purposes.
What does thyme and oregano look like?
The stem of oregano is practically unbranched, pubescent, with medium-sized leaf blades.They are located in pairs, opposite each other, and have pointed tips.
Oregano inflorescences are in the form of a panicle with tube-shaped buds, pink and purple in color.
The height of the oregano bush does not exceed 0.5-0.8 m
Thyme has a creeping stem, which makes it difficult to harvest. The height of the plant is up to 35 cm. The stem is covered with numerous small leaves attached in a checkerboard pattern. They are hard and pointed to the touch. Their petioles are short and practically indistinguishable when examined.
Thyme has buds collected in clusters, whose color can vary from white to light purple and pinkish shades.
Taste and aroma
In dried form, thyme and oregano are difficult to distinguish. Both have a sweetish, rich aroma with a hint of woody bitterness. The plants taste similar, so cooks use them in their dishes as interchangeable products. But it should be borne in mind that thyme has a camphor-like hue, while oregano has a more tart color.
Chemical composition
And if thyme and oregano look similar in the photo, then their chemical composition has big differences.
Little was known about the beneficial properties before the 20th century, but later scientists were able to study the plant and its components:
- B vitamins;
- ascorbic acid;
- tocopherol;
- manganese;
- potassium;
- iron;
- zinc;
- calcium;
- selenium;
- phosphorus;
- sodium.
Thyme also contains essential oil rich in thymol and carvacrol. The first of them is a strong antiseptic with a bactericidal effect. The second substance can effectively destroy microorganisms that disrupt intestinal function, as well as fight inflammatory processes.
The flavonoids and tannins present in thyme are an excellent hemostatic agent. The presence of oleanolic acid provides the body with protection against viruses.Thyme also has a tonic effect to support muscle mass and improve the functioning of the endocrine system. This property is provided by ursolic acid, which is part of thyme.
Thyme is easy to grow and can be harvested from June to August.
Oregano is rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids. Herbal oil has a pleasant aroma and bactericidal properties. Oregano contains the following minerals and vitamins:
- ascorbic acid;
- beta-carotene;
- iodine;
- phosphorus;
- thiamine;
- sodium;
- niacin;
- potassium;
- iron.
Oregano is popularly known as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic and urinary agent.
Places of growth
The homeland of oregano is considered to be Southwest Asia and North Africa. But the culture grows safely from Central Asia all the way to the Mediterranean. Herbs are cultivated in France and the USA.
Oregano is found everywhere: on the edges, slopes and clearings and in forests, it is unpretentious, but does not like clayey and acidic soils
Thyme can be found in southern Europe, the Mediterranean and Central Asia. The plant prefers forests and rocky slopes.
Which is healthier: oregano or thyme?
The value of herbs must be judged based on the purpose for which they are used. The healing properties of thyme are:
- Dilation of the bronchi and destruction of microbes, which helps fight diseases of the respiratory system. The peculiarity of the herb is that it has a bactericidal effect even in cases where resistance to antibiotics has appeared.
- Expectorant effect due to increased secretion of bronchial glands and liquefaction of sputum. Thyme is used by dentists and for inhalation as an enveloping agent.
- Dermatological diseases: helps in the treatment of furunculosis, acne. Thyme infusions can be used to wash purulent wounds and ulcers.
- For gastritis and other intestinal pathologies, the decoction improves digestion and increases appetite.
- Analgesic effect for neuralgia, migraines and radiculitis.
- Calming effect in cases of nervous tension. For insomnia and stress, it is recommended to purchase a pillow with thyme.
The most common and simplest way to use thyme is to brew tea in small concentrations for overall strengthening of the body.
Despite the abundance of useful substances, thyme can cause harm to humans. Since the plant has high biological activity, it is recommended to avoid its use in the following cases:
- inflammatory processes in the liver and gall bladder;
- stomach ulcer;
- tendency to diarrhea or intestinal obstruction;
- atrial fibrillation;
- hypothyroidism;
- bronchial asthma.
It is not recommended to give tea with thyme to children under two years of age, as well as to pregnant women without a doctor's prescription.
Despite the fact that the composition of oregano is less biologically active than that of thyme, it can be used in the following cases:
- as an adjuvant in the treatment of bronchitis and pneumonia;
- for epilepsy, neuroses;
- to reduce stomach cramps;
- as an antihistamine;
- to get rid of cellulite, eczema, boils;
- for pathologies of the intestines and gums.
A decoction of oregano has a beneficial effect on women's health: it reduces pain during menstruation and menopause, and normalizes the cycle.
The herb is of considerable importance for women during the postpartum period; the decoction helps normalize lactation and rapid contraction of the uterus.
People with a tendency to allergic diseases, stomach ulcers, and during pregnancy should avoid oregano.
Long-term use of oregano is dangerous for men's health, so it is recommended to drink the infusion as prescribed by a doctor.
There is a difference between thyme and oregano not only in composition, but also in purpose of use. Oregano is considered to be a female herb, while thyme is a male herb. In minimal doses, they can be eaten as a spice without restrictions, but plants should not be confused as a treatment.
Differences in the use of herbs
The area of use of oregano and thyme is very wide. And, despite the similarity in taste and appearance, there are distinctive features in the use of herbs.
In cooking
It is generally accepted that thyme is, first of all, a medicinal plant. But it is also successfully used in cooking. It is usually added to fatty dishes with pork and lamb to improve digestion. The spice goes well with black pepper. In the Mediterranean, chopped thyme is sprinkled on vegetable and fish dishes.
Thyme should be added to soups 30 minutes before readiness, to main courses during the process, and to salads before serving.
Oregano leaves and inflorescences are used as a spice in Europe and Asia. In France, oregano is added to pizza and dishes with mushrooms. Oregano is an essential component in mixtures for sausages and pate. The spice is successfully used in sauces.
Oregano leaves slightly “burn” and have a bitterly spicy aroma, so they can be added when pickling vegetables, in beer and kvass. Oregano combines well with black pepper, basil and marjoram.
Dishes to which oregano is added have a longer shelf life
In folk medicine
The most common way to use herbs is as a tea or infusion. Both plants are included in the soothing collection, otherwise their scope depends on the specific disease.
It is possible to prepare ointments, alcohol tinctures and healing oils from thyme. Oregano is often used in folk medicine as a women's drink. It is possible to make a decoction.
In home cosmetology
Oregano is known as a cosmetic product due to its high content of antioxidants. These substances strengthen the walls of blood vessels, have a regenerative effect, restore blood circulation, and eliminate signs of irritation.
You can use oregano in various ways: add it as one of the components to masks, prepare decoctions and make ice cubes for wiping your face.
Thyme is added to soothing baths and used as a prophylactic for acne. It is recommended to wipe combination and oily skin with decoctions. Thyme is valued in cosmetology for its anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictor and antibacterial properties. This allows you to reduce pores and stabilize the sebaceous glands.
Conclusion
The main difference between oregano and thyme is the chemical composition of the herbs. Thyme is a more biologically active plant than oregano. For medicinal purposes, it is necessary to choose a specific herb. But both oregano and thyme can be used as spices.
