Thymus vulgaris

Common name: Thyme

Family: Lamiaceae

Part used: Soft aerial parts

Habitat: Thyme is a creeping perennial aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean but found wild on many dry slopes across Europe and cultivated worldwide. Drought and frost resistant, thyme needs a soil PH of at least 6 to thrive.

Constituents: Volatile oils (1-2.5%) including thymol, carvacol, and at least 95 others, flavonoids including apigenin and luteolin, tannins (up to 10%), phenolic acids.

Actions: Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, astringent, anthelmintic, antitussive, carminative, expectorant, spasmolytic, rubefacient (topically)

Traditional and current uses:

• Productive cough, whooping cough, upper respiratory catarrh, pleurisy, aspergillosis, dry coughs, nervous coughs, emphysema (inhalant)
• Asthma (to try to prevent an asthma attack developing fully or as a regular preventative under supervision)
• Tonsilitis (gargle), laryngitis, sore throat
• Mild fever
• Dyspepsia, colic, flatulence, diarrhea, gastritis (though see cautions) worms (larger doses), oral thrush (mouthwash)
• Bedwetting in children, cystitis
• Topical use: fungal infections, skin infections,

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Max Drake Medical Herbalist disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.