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Finding the difference between oregano and thyme is immediately difficult: plants are often confused with each other because of the similarity in appearance. Each of the herbs belongs to the Lamiaceae family, has a number of properties and its own scope.
Oregano and thyme: are they the same 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 spice or spice. Oregano can be found in culinary guides under a different “name” – oregano. Use it to make pizza and soups.
What is the difference between thyme and oregano
If you collect grass as a spice, you can use both types. The difference between thyme and oregano is fundamentally important for those people who need plants with a healing purpose.
What does thyme and oregano look like
The stem of oregano is practically not branched, pubescent, with medium-sized leaf plates. They are located in pairs, opposite each other, have pointed tips.
The inflorescences of oregano are in the form of a panicle with tubular buds, pink and purple.
The height of the oregano bush does not exceed 0,5-0,8 m
Thyme has a creeping stem, making it difficult to harvest. Plant height up to 35 cm. The stem is covered with numerous small leaves attached in a checkerboard pattern. To the touch they are hard, pointed. Their petioles are short, almost indistinguishable when viewed.
In thyme, the buds are collected in brushes, whose color can vary from white to light purple and pinkish shades.
Flavour and Fragrance
In dried form, thyme and oregano are difficult to distinguish. Both have a sweetish, rich aroma with a touch of woody bitterness. The plants are similar in taste, so cooks use them in their dishes as interchangeable products. But it should be borne in mind that thyme has a camphor hue, while oregano has a more tart one.
Chemical composition
And if thyme and oregano are similar in the photo, then their chemical composition has big differences.
Little was known about the beneficial properties until the 20th century, but later scientists were able to study the plant and its components:
- vitamins of group B;
- ascorbic acid;
- tocopherol;
- manganese;
- potassium;
- iron;
- zinc;
- calcium;
- selenium;
- phosphorus;
- sodium.
Contained in thyme and essential oil, rich in thymol and carvacrol. The first of them is a strong antiseptic with a bactericidal effect. The second substance is able to effectively destroy microorganisms that disrupt the functioning of the intestines, 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. It has thyme and a tonic effect to support muscle mass, improve the functioning of the endocrine system. This property is provided by ursolic acid, which is part of thyme.
Thyme is unpretentious when grown, it 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.
Among the people, oregano is known as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic and urinary remedy.
Places of growth
Oregano is considered to be native to Southwest Asia and North Africa. But the culture is successfully growing from Central Asia to the Mediterranean. Herbs are cultivated in France and the USA.
Oregano is found everywhere: on the edges, slopes and glades and in forests, it is unpretentious, but does not like clay and acidic soils
Thyme can be found in southern Europe, the Mediterranean and Central Asia. The plant prefers forests and rocky slopes.
What is more useful: oregano or thyme
The value of herbs must be judged by the purpose of their use. The healing properties of thyme are:
- The expansion of the bronchi and the destruction of microbes, which allows you to fight diseases of the respiratory system. A feature of the herb is that it has a bactericidal effect even in cases where resistance to antibiotics has appeared.
- Expectorant action due to increased secretion of bronchial glands and liquefaction of sputum. Thyme is also used by dentists 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.
- With gastritis and other intestinal pathologies, the decoction improves digestion and increases appetite.
- Analgesic effect for neuralgia, migraine and sciatica.
- Calming effect for nervous tension. For insomnia and stress, it is recommended to purchase a pillow with thyme.
The most common and easiest way to use thyme is to brew tea in small concentrations for general strengthening of the body.
Despite the abundance of useful substances, thyme can harm a person. Since the plant has a high biological activity, it is recommended to refuse its use in the following cases:
- inflammatory processes in the liver and gallbladder;
- 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 thyme, it can be used in the following cases:
- as an aid in the treatment of bronchitis and pneumonia;
- with epilepsy, neuroses;
- to reduce stomach cramps;
- as an antihistamine;
- to get rid of cellulite, eczema, boils;
- with pathologies of the intestines, gums.
A decoction of oregano has a beneficial effect on women’s health: it reduces pain during menstruation and during menopause, and normalizes the cycle.
The herb is of considerable importance for women in the postpartum period, the decoction contributes to the normalization of lactation, the rapid contraction of the uterus.
Oregano should be avoided by people with a tendency to allergic diseases, stomach ulcers, during pregnancy.
Long-term use of oregano is dangerous for men’s health, so it is recommended to drink the infusion as directed by a doctor.
There is a difference between thyme and oregano, not only in composition, but also in the purpose of use. Oregano is considered to be a female herb, thyme is a male. In minimal doses, as a spice, they can be eaten 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 of 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 customary to add it to fatty dishes with pork and lamb to improve digestion. The spice pairs 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 dishes in the process, and to salads before serving.
As a spice in oregano, leaves and inflorescences are used in Europe and Asia. In France, oregano is added to pizza and dishes with mushrooms. It is oregano and an indispensable component in mixtures for sausages, pate. The spice is successfully used in sauces.
Oregano leaves slightly “burn”, have a bitter spicy aroma, so they can be added when pickling vegetables, beer and kvass. Oregano pairs well with black pepper, basil and marjoram.
Dishes that have added oregano have a longer shelf life.
In folk medicine
The most common way to use herbs is as a tea or decoction. 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 in folk medicine is more often used as a female drink. It is possible to make a decoction.
In home cosmetology
It is oregano that 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, 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 rubbing your face.
Thyme is added to soothing baths, 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, vasoconstrictive and antibacterial properties. This allows you to reduce pores, stabilize the work of the sebaceous glands.
Conclusion
The main difference between oregano and thyme is the chemical composition of herbs. Thyme is a more biologically active plant than oregano. With a therapeutic purpose, it is necessary to choose a certain herb. But both oregano and thyme can be used as spices.
