Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant
Application
tea, syrup, essential oil
Thyme
(Thymus vulgaris)
Botanical Information
A low-growing, aromatic mint family member with short spikes of small white-to ruby red flowers that forms dense mats.
Working with Thyme
Part(s) Used
Herb
Herb Forms
Essential oil, bulk herb
Thyme tea is a classic healing drink in European culture known as the medicine of choice for upper respiratory tract infections including colds, flu, bronchitis, and strep throat. Try drinking 1 or 2 cups of the tea to ward off an infection. Thyme is also recommended for improving digestion, coughs, and mucus congestion, and it is used externally as an antimicrobial wash. It is also commonly used in cough syrups. Because of its antiseptic effect, thyme is sometimes used for sore throats from a cold or flu and urinary infections. Thymol, a powerful antibacterial constituent found in thyme, is often used in mouthwashes, liniments, and lozenges.
Thyme has a taste of BITTER, AROMATIC and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
There are no concerns for thyme tea or preparations, except for the volatile oil, which is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. When using the oil, always dilute it in an equal amount of olive or almond oil. The tea is safe to drink during pregnancy.
Conditions treated with Thyme
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
antiseptic
Application
tea
Condition
Treatment Support
antibacterial
Application
tea, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
antispasmodic
Application
tea, tincture
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
