Thyme or common thyme is a perennial, evergreen shrub and is native to Spain and the Mediterranean region, although it is now found throughout the world. It originates from wild thyme (T. serpyllum), which is native to Britain and Europe, and has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians. The leaves and flowers are used in herbal medicine and aromatherapy, whilst the leaves are used in cooking as a preservative and to add flavour.
Medicinal Properties of Thyme
Thyme contains volatile oils, flavanoids, gums and labiatic and caffeic acids. The volatile oil consists mainly of thymol, the main active constituent. Other compounds include phenols (tannins) and carvacol. It is antibacterial, antiviral, antispasmodic, antitussive (cough preventative), expectorant, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, carminative (wind relieving), and antiseptic. Wild thyme is also sedative and diaphoretic (promotes perspiration).
Thyme Herbal Remedies
Historically Thyme has been used to treat a number of conditions including:
Bad breath (mouth wash / toothpaste)
Bed wetting in children
Bronchitis
Candidiasis – systemic
Colds – to induce perspiration (Wild thyme)
Coughs – dry spasmodic
Cystitis
Diarrhoea in children
Food poisoning
Fungal infections (topically)
Gastritis
Gingivitis (mouth wash / toothpaste)
Heartburn
Indigestion
Infections
Irritable bowel syndrome
Laryngitis
Minor wounds (topically)
Scabies (topically)
Sore throat (gargle)
Tonsillitis
Warts (topically)
Whooping cough
Worms
Other Thyme Information
Common thyme is the most commercially available form of this herb, and can be bought as dried leaf to make a herbal tea, tinctures, capsules, fluid extracts and oil. A qualified herbalist can prepare creams or ointment for topical use.
Thyme aromatherapy oil is available for external use, but it must be diluted in a suitable carrier oil. It has many uses in aromatherapy. As tincture – for children above 3 years of age (a simple guide for dosage is one drop per stone of weight). As Oil for internal use – it is sometimes used as a preservative in fatty acid supplements due to its antioxidant action.
Side Effects of Thyme
Some individuals may be sensitive to thyme and should take care when using it for the first time. This applies to internal and external preparations.
It should not be used for children under the age of three years.
The safety of thyme during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied and should therefore be avoided.
Aromatherapy oil of thyme is contra-indicated during pregnancy.
At the time of writing there are no well known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications.
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