Modern scientific analyses reveal the exceptional therapeutic qualities of Bulgarian thymes, demonstrating their significant potential as natural healing remedies. A study published in Applied Sciences journal thoroughly investigated the essential oils of garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris), extracted from three different Bulgarian regions.
Researchers documented impressive levels of biologically active components – thymol, variants between 43 and 54 percent, as well as significant quantities of p-cymene and carvacrol. Laboratory tests using the DPPH method confirmed exceptional antioxidant activity, reaching up to 165 mM TE/mL, which definitively positions thyme among the most powerful natural antioxidants.
Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum), widespread in the mountain ranges of the Rhodope Mountains and the Balkan Mountains, demonstrates remarkable anti-inflammatory characteristics. Preclinical studies reveal its potential for therapeutic impact on gastrointestinal inflammation, liver support, and metabolic regulation.
In the Bulgarian industry, thyme essential oils find wide application – from culinary uses to the production of nutritional supplements and oral hygiene products. The antiseptic properties of thymol and carvacrol are a key factor in their popularity.
The traditional culinary use of thyme in Bulgarian recipes such as soups, stews, and marinades not only enriches flavor qualities but also provides natural support for the digestive system, immunity, and microbial balance.