Thyme

Overview

Thyme is an herb. The flowers, leaves, and oil are used as medicine. Thyme is sometimes used in combination with other herbs.

Thyme is taken by mouth for bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat, colic, arthritis, upset stomach, stomach pain (gastritis), diarrhea, bedwetting, a movement disorder in children (dyspraxia), intestinal gas (flatulence), parasitic worm infections, and skin disorders. It is also used to increase urine flow (as a diuretic), to disinfect the urine, and as an appetite stimulant.

Some people apply thyme directly to the skin to act as a counterirritant, for hoarseness (laryngitis), swollen tonsils (tonsillitis), sore mouth, and bad breath.

Thyme oil is used as a germ-killer in mouthwashes and liniments. It is also applied to the scalp to treat baldness and to the ears to fight bacterial and fungal infections.

Thymol, one of the chemicals in thyme, is used with another chemical, chlorhexidine, as a dental varnish to prevent tooth decay.

In foods, thyme is used as a flavoring agent.

In manufacturing, red thyme oil is used in perfumes. It is also used in soaps, cosmetics, and toothpastes.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Herb

Primary Functions:

Bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat

Also Known As:

Common Thyme, Farigoule, Farigoulette, French Thyme, Frigoule, Garden Thyme

How Does It Work?

Thyme contains chemicals that might help bacterial and fungal infections, and minor irritations. It also might relieve smooth muscle spasms, such as coughing, and have antioxidant effects.

Uses

  • Agitation. Early research suggests that attaching a pad containing thyme oil to the collar area of shirts does not reduce agitation in people with advanced dementia.
  • Hair loss (alopecia areata). Early research shows that applying lavender oil along with the essential oils from thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood to the scalp improves hair growth after 7 months of treatment.
  • Bronchitis. Some research shows that taking thyme by mouth, in combination with other herbs, improves symptoms of bronchitis such as coughing, fever, and decreases production of sputum in adults, children, and teenagers.
  • Cough. Some research shows that taking thyme by mouth, alone or in combination with other herbs, reduces coughing in people with bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, or common colds.
  • Movement disorders (dyspraxia). Taking thyme oil, in combination with evening primrose oil, fish oils, and vitamin E, seems to improve movement disorders in children with dyspraxia.
  • Bad breath.
  • Colic.
  • Ear infections.
  • Preventing bedwetting.
  • Sore throat.
  • Swelling (inflammation) of the lungs and mouth.
  • Swelling (inflammation) of the tonsils.
  • Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of thyme depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for thyme. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Thyme Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is thyme is good for?

Thyme is an herb. Thyme is taken by mouth for bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat, colic, arthritis, upset stomach, stomach pain (gastritis), diarrhea, bedwetting, a movement disorder in children (dyspraxia), intestinal gas (flatulence), parasitic worm infections, and skin disorders.

Is Thyme good for your stomach?

Modern science has confirmed that thyme kills fungus and bacteria that can cause infections. The herb can also be found in stomach tonics thanks to its soothing antispasmodic effect, which helps muscles — including stomach muscles — relax.

Is Thyme anti inflammatory?

Thyme oil can inhibit COX2 and suppress inflammation. Summary: Researchers have found that six essential oils -- from thyme, clove, rose, eucalyptus, fennel and bergamot -- can suppress the inflammatory COX-2 enzyme, in a manner similar to resveratrol, the chemical linked with the health benefits of red wine.

Can thyme kill viruses?

Thyme. Thyme has a powerful ability to kill off bacteria and viruses and should be taken at first signs of a cold or illness. Thyme contains antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, carminative, diaphoretic, and expectorant properties which supports healing throughout the entire body.

Can you drink thyme tea everyday?

Thyme Tea & Water 101

If taken on a regular basis it can significantly help to reduce the viral load in the body which makes it highly beneficial for those suffering with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Vertigo, Tinnitus, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Does thyme raise blood pressure?

Because the oil is concentrated, it may further amplify the known side effects. Hypotension, an abnormal drop in blood pressure, can occur if thyme oil is used in excess. Allergy to thyme oil is also common, especially in people sensitive to plants in the mint family (including oregano, lavender, and sage).

Can thyme make you sick?

Side Effects & Safety

Thyme is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in normal food amounts. Thyme is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as medicine for short periods of time. In some people, it can cause digestive system upset, headache, or dizziness. Thyme oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin.

Does thyme tea help you lose weight?

Oregano is a perennial herb that belongs to the same plant family as mint, basil, thyme, rosemary and sage. It contains carvacrol, a powerful compound that may help boost weight loss. One animal study showed that carvacrol may help decrease weight and fat gain by altering fat synthesis in the body.

Can you drink too much thyme tea?

Side Effects & Safety

Thyme is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in normal food amounts. Thyme is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as medicine for short periods of time. In some people, it can cause digestive system upset, headache, or dizziness.

Is Thyme good for your lungs?

Thyme helps fight respiratory infections and is a natural expectorant that serves as an antiseptic and helps expulse mucus. It's also good for soothing coughs and fighting nasal congestion. Prepare it as a tea. Put a teaspoon of thyme in boiling water, let it stand for 10 minutes and then strain.

Can you eat thyme raw?

If the leaves are very young then, yes, you could put them into a very rustic salad. They would be particularly appropriate with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes or a potato salad.

Does thyme kill bacteria?

Option 4: Thyme essential oil

Both oils were tested in a pool of over 120 strains of bacteria. The researchers found thyme essential oil to be more effective at killing bacteria than lavender essential oil. Thyme essential oil is for external use only.

Is Thyme good for diabetes?

Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties make it an excellent spice for boosting immunity and skin health. In fact, researchers have investigated its role in managing diabetes and results have suggested that it may help manage blood sugar levels.

Is Thyme good for skin?

Acne. There's some evidence that thyme oil is effective at reducing acne-causing bacteria on the skin. An animal study that compared thyme oil to oregano oil found that both were able to eliminate bacteria, but that oregano oil was more effective.

Can you ingest thyme essential oil?

Thyme oil shouldn't be swallowed or used undiluted on your skin. Talk to your doctor before using thyme oil, especially if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Children shouldn't be given thyme oil. When diffusing essential oils, consider children and pets who may react to the oil.

Is thyme a blood thinner?

Some herbs and spices that contain salicylates (a natural blood thinner) include cayenne pepper, cinnamon, curry powder, dill, ginger, licorice, oregano, paprika, peppermint, thyme and turmeric. Meanwhile there are fruits that can aid in blood thinning.

Does thyme oil disinfectant?

Thymol, a component of the botanical thyme oil, when used as a disinfectant active ingredient on Seventh Generation disinfection products, kills 99.99% of household germs.

Is thyme tea good for asthma?

the herbs in VelociTea are cure treatment for bacterial infection pneumonia, wheezing asthma, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory disorders. ... Other herbal teas that benefit the respiratory system: Thyme Tea, Aniseed Tea for asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Can you smoke thyme?

Thyme. Another cleansing herb for your lungs, thyme can help heal respiratory infections such as the flu, whooping cough, or bronchitis. It's a strong antiseptic that also helps rid the body of parasites and improves overall digestive health. Vape thyme at around 212 – 302°F.

Can you be allergic to thyme?

Although extremely rare, anaphylaxis has been reported with some spices. These reactions are consistent with true allergy. Case reports have described these types of reactions with oregano, thyme, coriander, caraway seed, cumin and cayenne pepper.

Clinical Studies

 

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