Thyme Vs Oregano: Know the Difference & Health Benefits

Thyme and oregano are two herbs that have been in use for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes. They not only enhance the flavor of your food but also exhibit antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can prevent chronic diseases and treat inflammation of the skin.

What is thyme?

Thyme is a Mediterranean herb that is a staple in cuisines around the world. It has a distinct, flavorful, and refreshing herb that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. Its name is derived from the Latin word “thymus” which means smoke to its stimulating fragrance. Thyme is also grown in Asia and grows best in hot and sunny regions with well-drained soil. In India, it is known as Marizha, Masho, and Rangsbur in Punjabi, Hasha in Urdu, and Banajwain in Hindi.

Benefits of thyme:

Better vision- Thyme is rich in vitamin A and improves eyesight by lowering the risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.

Treats cough and cold- Thyme has antiseptic and antibiotic priorities that is a great remedy for colds and coughs. It is a strong natural antimicrobial used to relieve sore throat.

Stimulates hair growth- By applying thyme oil to your scalp improves blood circulation and facilitates the delivery of essential nutrients to the scalp. Thyme treats dandruff and prevents hair fall and thinning hair.

Uses of thyme:

Cooking- Thyme is a staple in many cuisines, such as French, Caribbean, and Italian cuisines. It is used to enhance the flavor of stews, meats, gravies, and soups. When used properly while cooking it melds well with other herbs and spices.

Insect repellent- Thyme repels insects and is used to protect from insect bites by placing them between layers of linen.

Medicinal purposes- Thyme is used to prevent and treat diseases such as sore throat, colic, stomach ache, diarrhea, whooping cough, and arthritis.

What is oregano?

Oregano is a herb that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae and has been used in cooking for thousands of years. Originally, it was native to the Mediterranean region but it has since naturalized everywhere and can grow in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. The name oregano is derived from the Greek words “oros,” which means mountain, and “ganos,” which means joy.

Benefits of oregano:

Antibacterial properties- Oregano has antibacterial properties that can play a role in treating diseases that no longer respond to antibiotics. Oregano hair oil is used to treat several scalp infections because of its antibacterial properties. Plus, it also stimulates hair growth.

Diabetes- Several compounds found in Oregano help manage type 2 diabetes by improving a person’s insulin resistance, restoring damaged kidney and liver tissues, and regulating the metabolizing of carbohydrates.

High blood sugar- Fresh oregano and oregano oil help manage high blood sugar. Oregano is rich in antioxidants that help fight damage from harmful free radicals that have been linked to diseases such as cancer and heart disease.  

Uses of oregano:

Medicinal purposes- Oregano has several medicinal purposes. For instance, carvacrol present in oregano helps reduce inflammation of the skin when taken internally and applied externally.

Anti-acne purposes- Oregano exhibits strong microbial properties which cause the decrease of acne-causing bacteria. And unlike antibiotics prescribed for acne, oregano doesn’t cause side effects.

Antiurolithic purposes- The saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids present in oregano prevent the formation of urinary stones. Oregano is also used to treat stomach aches.

The difference in nutritional value:

Dried Oregano and Thyme

1 gram of dried oregano and thyme each contains 0.1 grams of protein, 0 grams of vitamin D, and 0 grams of fat. Dried oregano contains 13 mg of potassium, 0.368 mg of iron, 0.3 mg of sodium, and 15.97 mg of calcium. On the other hand, dried thyme contains 8.1 mg of potassium, 1.24 mg of iron, 0.5 grams of sodium, and 18.9 mg of calcium.  

Fresh Oregano and Thyme

1 gram of fresh oregano and thyme each contains 0.1 g of protein, 0 g of Vitamin D, and 0 g of fat. Fresh oregano contains 0.25 mg of sodium, 0.37 mg of iron, 12.6 mg of potassium, and 15.97 mg of calcium. And fresh thyme contains 0.1 mg of sodium, 0.1745 mg of iron, 6.1 mg of potassium, and 4.05 mg of calcium.

Difference in taste

It is very easy to distinguish between thyme and oregano based on their smell and taste alone. Thyme has an aromatic and woody aroma whereas oregano has a peppery and smelly smell. Even though there are several different varieties of thyme, they all have some degree of sweet, lemony, minty, peppery, and subtle taste.

Oregano, on the other hand, is extremely pungent and has a strong flavor similar to marjoram. People often compare the mouthfeel of oregano to that of an astringent because it causes a tingly and drying sensation that suddenly leaves the mouth very clean and dry. Both oregano and thyme are popular spices and herbs in Mediterranean and Western cuisines. They even pair well together in certain recipes.

Thyme and oregano both deserve to be the mainstay of your kitchen cabinet for their culinary and medicinal benefits. Both of these herbs have a unique and distinct taste that complements chicken and other types of meats and adds an extra kick to the dish. Other than cooking, there are also several other uses for thyme and oregano. For instance, thyme is an effective insect repellent that is also used to treat sore throats and colds. On the other hand, oregano is antibacterial and can be used to treat acne and the inflammation of the skin.