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Thyme is commonly found in kitchen spice racks, but without realizing it, millions of Americans stock the herb’s oil in their medicine chests as well. Its inclusion in mouthwashes and decongestants is no coincidence. Thyme has a long history of use as an antiseptic, cough remedy, and digestive aid. Over the last several centuries, thyme has been used as an antiseptic during plagues. Although thyme and thymol has since been replaced by more potent germ fighters, it remains an ingredient in several antiseptic mouthwashes including Listerine. Those with depression were advised to sleep on thyme-stuffed pillows. Herbalists today recommend thyme for treating wounds, indigestion, sore throats, laryngitis, coughs, whooping cough, and nervousness. Thyme Uses Thyme’s aromatic oil contains two compounds, thymol and caravacol, that account for its medicinal value. Both chemicals have preservative, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. They also have expectorant properties and may be useful as digestive aids. It was introduced into cooking for its meat-preserving properties and is found in most kitchens in the world. In laboratory studies, thyme fights several disease-causing bacteria. Infusions of the dried herb are nowhere near as powerful as the oil or distilled thymol, but you can use fresh leaves as first-aid for minor wounds. German researchers have lent credibility to thyme’s role as a phlegm loosener. In Germany, thyme preparations are frequently prescribed to relax the respiratory tract and treat coughs, whooping cough, and emphysema. The compounds in thyme relax the smooth muscle tissue of the gastrointestinal tract, making thyme an excellent digestive aid. These antispasmodics relax not only the digestive tract but also other smooth muscles, such as the uterus. Small amounts may relieve menstrual cramps. In large amounts, thyme oil is considered uterine stimulants and can cause the onset of menstruation. In recent lab studies in Israel have found that thyme infusion inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause most gastrointestinal ulcers. It’s too early to call thyme an ulcer treatment, but if you have ulcers, you may want to drink thyme tea. Thyme Dosage Recommendations Add a few drops of thyme oil to minor cuts or wounds as an antiseptic. For a thyme tea to settle the stomach, soothe a cough, or possibly help relieve menstrual symptoms, use 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. You can drink up to 3 cups a day of this pleasant smelling tea. Thyme Safety Precautions Use the herb, not its oil. Even a few teaspoons of thyme oil can be toxic, causing headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, thyroid impairment, and heart and respiratory problems. One animal study showed that thyme suppresses thyroid activity. People with thyroid conditions should talk to their doctors about using thyme medicinally.
Thyme and thyme oil can cause a rash in people who are sensitive to them. Pregnant women should stay away from large doses of thyme and thyme oil, but can eat thyme as an ingredient in a meal.
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