Za'atar (wild thyme)
Thymbra spicata
Spices. Middle Eastern & Unani.
Also called Zaatar, Za'tar
Spanish: Tomillo silvestre
Wild herbs from the Middle East, sold mostly as a seasoning blend with thyme, sumac and sesame.
Did you know? In Arabic, za'atar can mean both the wild herb and the spice blend made from it.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Infections. Wild thyme oil kills some germs in lab tests. Human proof is lacking.Traditional proof
- Digestion & gut health. Traditional use for stomach comfort. Human studies are few.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Middle Eastern families use za'atar on bread, in olive oil and in tea. Folk healers have used the herb for coughs and stomach comfort.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Carminative. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Mix into olive oil for bread dipping, sprinkle on eggs or yogurt, or steep the dried herb in hot water. Medicine doses are not set.
Food and tea.
Where to get it
The wild herb grows in parts of Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Jordan. Several related plants, including Origanum syriacum, are sold as za'atar. Buy blends in Middle Eastern markets, and check labels, since blends vary in herb, sumac and salt.
Be careful
Safe as food. Essential oil of wild thyme is strong and should not be swallowed. Blends with sesame can trigger a sesame allergy.
Avoid if: sesame allergy.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Sumac is a key tangy ingredient in za'atar.
- Works well together
Toasted sesame is blended into za'atar.
Found in these formulas
Za'atar (Middle East)
The honest take
Za'atar is a delicious food, but its health claims are mostly tradition and lab work. Blends vary widely, so the herb can be a small part of the jar. Use it for flavor rather than as a medicine.