The dried form of the 'Zahter' plant, also known as 'Zaatar', is widely used as herbal tea and a spice. It is frequently preferred in traditional medicine due to its many biological effects.The essential oils contained in the plant, known as the thyme derivative, are also important raw material sources in the food flavoring, sauces, liqueurs, and perfumery industries.
What is Zahter?
Zahter, commonly known as black thyme, is a medicinal plant belonging to the Tymbra spicata species of the Lamiaceae family. It is cultivated in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine and Algeria. Depending on the region, it is also called zatar, zater, zagter, guyegi ot, sahter, sagter, sa'ter, and karabas thyme. While there are 3,200 species worldwide, Türkiye has approximately 400. Endemic species are found in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, growing prolifically in tropical and temperate regions. However, it is suitable for growing in almost every region of Türkiye. The essential oils obtained from this plant can be used in nature-assisted therapies.
What is the Use of Zahter?
Zahter consists of volatile compounds such as carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene, and y-terpinene. The main volatile component is carvacrol. The plant's extract contains predominantly phenolic compounds, with rosmarinic acid being the most prominent active ingredient. Antioxidants and compounds such as rosmarinic acid and carvacrol contained in thyme have antibacterial, antifungal, insect repellent, analgesic, and anti-infectious effects..
What is thyme good for?
One of its most prominent benefits is increasing the human body's defenses against microorganisms. Microorganisms include many living forms, including gram (-) bacteria, gram ( ) bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses. Therefore, the essential volatile component carvacrol helps reduce the proliferation, infection, and disease-causing effects of these microorganisms.
On the other hand, it supports digestive system problems. Helicobacter pylori bacteria is at the center of stomach problems. With its antibacterial properties, it supports the fight against this bacteria, which causes inflammation of the stomach lining.
What are the Benefits of Zahter?
The benefits of zahter, which has antioxidant properties, can be listed as follows:
- Regulates the digestive system
- Helps lower cholesterol
- properties
- Relieves cough
- Increases the body's response capacity to microbes
- Supports the protection of liver and kidney health by facilitating the elimination of toxins.
- Helps protect the immune system.
- It helps prevent the formation of protein plaques in the brain that cause neurological disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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- It detoxifies the skin and helps prevent acne, skin problems, skin imperfections, and blemishes.
- When used externally, the oil form of the plant nourishes hair follicles and helps prevent hair loss.
How to Use Zahter?
The zahter plant can be used in the cosmetics industry as a pain-relieving cream by purifying its volatile components using distillation. Its aromatic richness can be used as a spice to flavor food. Zahter powder is frequently used in salads, as an appetizer, or as a cold appetizer. Its rich spice can be used to flavor drinks.
How is Zahter Consumed?
The zahter plant can be converted into a raw material product by converting its oil or extract into an extract. Based on this, the plant extract can be used in powder, tablet, capsule, liquid form, tea, and flavoring.
How is Zahter Tea Made?
A teaspoon of dried herb is added to the boiling pot. The boiling water is allowed to steep for 6-7 minutes. Before pouring it into a cup, it is strained, the first water is drained, and the next cup is poured into the cup. This way, excess waste products are removed from the plant. Its detoxifying properties help to achieve greater results when consuming one glass on an empty stomach in the morning.
Does Zahter Have Any Side Effects? What Are the Harms?
While the spice and enriched extract of the plant can be used frequently, some side effects can occur if the daily dosage is exceeded. Due to its strong spice properties, it is recommended to be careful with daily consumption. Some negative effects, which may vary from person to person, may be as follows:
- It is recommended that patients consult a doctor before use.
- It is not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
- It is recommended that people with allergic reactions, seriousand those taking regular medications consult their doctor.
- Excessive consumption may cause fever,and digestive problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zahter
How is Zahter eaten?
With its aromatic and sweetening properties, it can be consumed in its dried form as a spice in meals and breakfasts.
How much Zahter should be consumed?
An average daily dose of 1 teaspoon is recommended.
Who should not consume Zahter tea?
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