See alsoThyme as a culinary herb
Botanical name
Botanical name
Thymus vulgaris
Parts used and where grown
This fragrant plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region of Europe and is extensively cultivated in the United States. The dried or partially dried leaves and flowering tops are used medicinally.
Thyme has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
* - Bronchitis
* - Chronic candidiasis
* - Cough
* - Halitosis (oil of thyme rinse)
* - Indigestion
* - Infection
* - Whooping cough
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Parts used and where grown
This fragrant plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region of Europe and is extensively cultivated in the United States. The dried or partially dried leaves and flowering tops are used medicinally.
Thyme has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
* - Bronchitis
* - Chronic candidiasis
* - Cough
* - Halitosis (oil of thyme rinse)
* - Indigestion
* - Infection
* - Whooping cough
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Other than its use as a spice, thyme has a long history of use in Europe for the treatment of dry, spasmodic coughs as well as bronchitis.1 Its antispasmodic actions have made it a common traditional recommendation for whooping cough. Thyme has also been used to ease an irritated gastrointestinal tract. The oil has been used to treat topical fungal infections and is also used in toothpastes to prevent gingivitis.
Active constituents
Many constituents in thyme team up to provide its antitussive (preventing and treating a cough), antispasmodic, and expectorant (thinning the mucus to allow for coughing out) actions. The primary constituents are the volatile oils, which include the phenols, thymol and carvacol.2 These are complemented by the actions of flavonoids. Thyme, either alone or in combination with herbs such as sundew, continues to be one of the most commonly recommended herbs in Europe for the treatment of dry, spasmodic coughs as well as whooping cough.3 Due to the low toxicity of the herb, it has become a favorite for treating coughs in small children.
How much is usually taken?
The German Commission E monograph recommends a cup (250 ml) of tea made from 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (1–2 grams) of the herb taken several times daily as needed for a cough.4 A fluid extract, 1/4–3/4 teaspoon (1–4 ml) three times per day, can also be used. Another alternative is to use a tincture, 1/3–1 teaspoon (2–6 ml) three times per day.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Used as indicated above, thyme herbal preparations are generally safe. However, a spasmodic cough, particularly in a young child, may be dangerous and a healthcare professional should be consulted before deciding on the proper course of treatment. The use of thyme by pregnant or breast-feeding women is considered to be safe. Thyme oil should be reserved for topical use, as internally it may lead to dizziness, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.5 Some people may be sensitive to use of thyme oil topically on the skin or as a mouth rinse.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with thyme.
Source: www.cncahealth.com
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Other than its use as a spice, thyme has a long history of use in Europe for the treatment of dry, spasmodic coughs as well as bronchitis.1 Its antispasmodic actions have made it a common traditional recommendation for whooping cough. Thyme has also been used to ease an irritated gastrointestinal tract. The oil has been used to treat topical fungal infections and is also used in toothpastes to prevent gingivitis.
Active constituents
Many constituents in thyme team up to provide its antitussive (preventing and treating a cough), antispasmodic, and expectorant (thinning the mucus to allow for coughing out) actions. The primary constituents are the volatile oils, which include the phenols, thymol and carvacol.2 These are complemented by the actions of flavonoids. Thyme, either alone or in combination with herbs such as sundew, continues to be one of the most commonly recommended herbs in Europe for the treatment of dry, spasmodic coughs as well as whooping cough.3 Due to the low toxicity of the herb, it has become a favorite for treating coughs in small children.
How much is usually taken?
The German Commission E monograph recommends a cup (250 ml) of tea made from 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (1–2 grams) of the herb taken several times daily as needed for a cough.4 A fluid extract, 1/4–3/4 teaspoon (1–4 ml) three times per day, can also be used. Another alternative is to use a tincture, 1/3–1 teaspoon (2–6 ml) three times per day.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Used as indicated above, thyme herbal preparations are generally safe. However, a spasmodic cough, particularly in a young child, may be dangerous and a healthcare professional should be consulted before deciding on the proper course of treatment. The use of thyme by pregnant or breast-feeding women is considered to be safe. Thyme oil should be reserved for topical use, as internally it may lead to dizziness, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.5 Some people may be sensitive to use of thyme oil topically on the skin or as a mouth rinse.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with thyme.
Source: www.cncahealth.com