A delicate and fragrant herb with a long history of use in natural medicine has now been found to suppress inflammation claims the Japanese researchers, and this herb is thyme.

The oil of thyme is used in mouthwashes to treat inflammations of the mouth, and throat infections. It is a common component of cough drops. In addition, it benefits in curing topical fungal infections and convulsions

The main focus was to examine the anti-inflammatory properties of thyme oil, the researchers compared it with other commercially available oils like clove, rose, eucalyptus, and fennel and bergamot which are said to reduce the COX-2 expression in cells by at least 25 percent.

Some essential oils have inbuilt properties that inhibit Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the rate-limiting enzyme that performs a vital role in inflammation and pain, lead author of the study, Hiroyasu Inoue of Nara Women's University in Nara, Japan claimed.

According to the researchers, the results exhibited that thyme oil subdues the COX2 enzyme in a manner similar to the medications like ibuprofen known as NSAID (non-steroidal anti- inflammatory) which are effective in treating pain and swelling.

The findings are implied to be interesting and may assist in the process to finding safer methods for treating illnesses.