The pleasant aroma of the thyme plant already drew the attention of ancient Egyptians, who used it to make ointments for embalming. We know that its ability to prevent putrefaction and bacteria reproduction is due to its content of thymol and carvacrol, two powerful antiseptic substances. Embalmers and taxidermists still use it as proof of its anti-microbial powers.
Environment: Native to Mediterranean countries and commonplace in western Mediterranean ones, it grows in calcareous or argillous soils of mountain regions, sunny and dry. It has also been naturalized to some parts of the American Continent.
Description: This is a small shrub of the Labiatae family, growing up to 30 cm high. It has winding woody stems that are very branched. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, with edges turned down and lighter on their undersides. The flowers are small, terminal, pink, or white, with the upper lip divided into three superficial teeth and the lower one into two deep teeth.
Parts of the plant used medicinally: The flower clusters (leaves and flowers).
Healing Properties and Indications
The thyme plant contains 1%-2% of essence rich in two isomers, thymol and carvacrol, and other monoterpenes such as p-cymene, borneol, and geraniol. Thyme owes most of its properties to this essence. It also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help enhance the properties of this essence.
The use of thyme is adequate in the following cases:
The thyme plant is an excellent medicinal herb with many proven virtues. As hot poultices, it alleviates cystitis, aches, and renal colic.
Antiseptic: The essence has an antiseptic power superior to phenol and peroxide. In the 19th century, when antibiotics were still unknown, the thyme plant was regarded as the “disinfectant of the poor.” The bactericidal action of thyme essence on typhoid, diphtheria, and tuberculosis-causative microorganisms, especially on meningococcus (which causes meningitis), pneumococcus, and streptococcus, is well documented.
Its antiseptic action is mainly centered in the digestive, respiratory, genital, and urinary systems, especially in the pharyngeal and oral mucosa and those of the genitalia. Its antimicrobial action is enhanced by the capabilities of thyme to stimulate leukocytosis (an increase of leukocytes in the blood), as it has been experimentally proven. Unlike antibiotics, which depress the immune system, thyme stimulates it, promoting the activity of leukocytes.
The use of the thyme plant is thus recommended for all infectious diseases, especially those with a bacterial cause affecting the digestive, respiratory, genital, and urinary systems.
Nervous system: Generally, stimulating the body enables intellectual faculties and mental agility. However, it lacks side effects like coffee or tea, a good substitute. It is recommended for physical exhaustion (asthenia, weakness, hypotension) and psychological fatigue (loss of memory, anxiety, insomnia, depression, nervous irritability).
Digestive system: Antispasmodic, eupeptic (digestion stimulating), and carminative (prevents flatulence and gas formation). It increases appetite, promotes digestion, and combats intestinal putrefactions caused by imbalances in the colon flora. It is recommended for gastroenteritis and colitis caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella, which is responsible for many infections caused by food in bad condition, especially in summer.
Oral and pharyngeal afflictions: Gargles effectively treat pharyngitis and tonsilitis. They can be used as rinsings to combat sores, pyorrhea, and stomatitis (inflammation or irritation of the oral mucosa).
Respiratory system: The thyme plant’s expectorant, antitussive, and balsam antiseptic powers make it very helpful for sinusitis, laryngitis, bronchial catarrh and bronchitis, asthma, spasmodic cough, and whooping cough. In these cases, we recommend taking its infusion or essence and inhaling it. We also recommend its consumption during influenza epidemics, whether as an infusion or in the more traditional thyme soup or salad dressing.
Genital and urinary system: Its diuretic and antiseptic properties are recommended for urinary infections. When externally applied as cleansing, it acts favorably on infection of the external genitalia caused by lack of hygiene, diabetes, or other reasons, both in females (vaginitis, vulvitis with or without leukorrhea) and in males (balanitis, posthitis, infection of the glans and the foreskin). When applied as a hot poultice, it alleviates renal colic pain and cystitis.
Antirheumatic: Thyme calms rheumatic aches caused by arthritis and gout when externally applied as a massage, bath, and poultice. It also has diuretic and sudorific properties when orally taken, eliminating excess acid metabolic waste from the blood that causes arthritis and gout. In external applications, thyme also alleviates pain caused by a stiff neck, lumbalgia, sciatica, arthrosis, etc.
Skin infections: It is applied as baths and compresses infected or torpid wounds, sores, varicose ulcerations, chilblains, furuncles, abscesses, dermatitis, etc. Due to its antiparasite properties, it is beneficial for scabies, lice, and flea infestations.
When thyme is used internally, it is especially beneficial for bronchial and throat problems, including whooping cough, croup, bronchitis, and laryngitis. The herb can eliminate gas and reduce mucus, fever, and headache. A warm infusion of the herb relieves flatulence and promotes perspiration. It can be used for all intestinal and stomach problems, such as colic, lack of appetite, chronic gastritis, and diarrhea. It is also an excellent remedy for asthma and fevers.
A leaf infusion of thyme can relieve headaches. Use the fresh plant to treat coughs and spasms. It is a robust antiseptic plant that lowers cholesterol. It helps treat scalp flaking caused by candidiasis and itching in external applications. Myrrh, goldenseal, and thyme ointment are used for skin conditions and herpes. It can be utilized as an antiseptic wash for all types of wounds.
The oil or tincture, diluted with vegetable oil (10 parts oil to 1 part thyme), makes an excellent antiseptic for lice, crabs, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and scabies. Add fifteen drops of tansy oil to treat itchy skin to a hot bath and soak for forty-five minutes.
The thyme plant should be present in all family first-aid kits and pantries as a condiment to prepare delicious thyme soups.
Thyme Essence
When taken orally, do not exceed the dose of 2-3 drops three times a day. Overdose can provoke nervous irritability and motor incoordination. These phenomena only occur when using the essence and seldom when using natural parts of the plant.
In local application, it is used in steam inhalations (2-3 drops in half a liter of hot water), massaging the aching area, or in baths of the affected skin area. It is slightly irritant on the skin, and dissolving it is required. Remember that its antiseptic powers manifest themselves even with solutions weaker than 1:3000 (six drops in a liter of water).
Steam inhalations are done with 3-4 drops of thyme essence in half a liter of boiling water. Breathe the vapors for five minutes three or four times a day.
Inhalations consist of breathing the essence after putting 2-3 drops on a handkerchief or hand.
Mouth rinse and gargle with a decoction of 100-120 g of flower clusters per liter of water, boiling until the liquid reduces to half.
Steam inhalations with the essence.
Compresses and baths with this decoction.
Lotions and massage with the decoction or the essence.
Baths: Infuse 300-500 g of thyme in 2-3 liters of water, which can be added to the bathwater.
Poultices: Wrap flowers and leaves of thyme, without branches, in a cotton cloth. Heat the fabric on an iron or over a heater and apply to the aching area.
Infusion: Steep for thirty minutes and take one ounce frequently up to two cups daily. Tincture: Take thirty to sixty drops ½ to one teaspoon two to three times daily. Fluid Extract: Take one teaspoon two to three times daily. Powder: Take five to ten #0 capsules (30 to 60 grains) two to three times daily.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 769,770,771. Print. [Thyme plant]
Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 183.