What is the Spanish thyme?

Spanish thyme or plectranthus ambooinicus is a small gentle permanent shrub that is used as a spice and also has healing applications. Although the country of origin of this plant is widely questioned, it seems that it may actually come from India or Africa. Many different names are known, including the Cuban Oregano, the Spanish Oregano and the Indian boring, and is often confused with other types of thymes. This fragrant herb is easily grown for culinary purposes and for its ornamental attraction.

This bush of thyme is cultivated for its small, fuzzy rounded gray-green and white leaves that grow against each other and resemble the leaves of Coleus plants. In mid -summer, small, insignificant purple flowers produce, which should be immediately removed to support the new leaves. This plant usually reaches a height of no more than 20 inches (50 cm), but the upper part should be kept cut back to support fullness.

When planting Spanish thyme should care be to give him cAbout the most sunlight. This causes the plant to produce the maximum amount of essential oil, making it more fragrant and tasty. The Spanish thyme thrives in hot weather and will tolerate poor dry soil. It survives in damp or shady areas and is prone to cold. Even the smallest frost kills this plant, so it can be best to grow it in a pot and bring it in during cold weather.

In general, all tumbers are easy to start from the seed, but small seedlings are fragile, slowly growing and tending to get warmly. New plants can also be initiated by control or root division, and they tend to be harder and more robust than those that started from the seeds. When the soil warms up and all the risk of frost has passed, young plants may be planted outside.

Spanish leaves of thyme has a slightly pepper taste and can be used fresh or dried, even if more convenient čErvé. This variant of thyme is often used in combination with other herbs in friction for fish, seafood, meat or poultry. The taste mixes well with beans, rice, stuffing and salad dressing and can be used as a substitute for the sage.

This herb has a fragrance similar to coffee and contains forskolin that has been examined for its ability to improve chronic lung, glaucoma and congestive heart failure. It is said that Spanish thyme tea has a laxative effect and can reduce inflammation and improve digestive problems. Crushed fresh leaves are applied directly to the skin to treat insects, sting and burns.