Thyme
Thyme (thymus vulgaris) is an herb used historically as an antimicrobial to help to fight off infections, and soothe coughs and sore throats. It is also most commonly used as a spice in modern-day cooking and can be grown at home in a garden. Beyond its fragrant and aromatic flavour, it also has medicinal properties and has been used for generations to help the body fight off infections as well as soothe the respiratory system. Thyme is good for almost anything cough and respiratory-related.
This herb has antimicrobial activity helping to fight against pathogens that can cause respiratory infections such as bronchitis. It also is an antispasmodic relaxing the respiratory system to subdue a spasmodic cough and soothe the throat. In addition, this plant is an expectorant helping to break up phlegm so that it can be expelled and decrease respiratory congestion.
Thyme is part of the Lamiaceae family which is also referred to as the mint family. Thyme can survive in many different climates and is found all across Canada and the United States, Europe as well as North Africa. This means that it can be found year-round. There are many different species of thymus within this mint family including T. serpyllum (wild thyme), T. citriodorus (lemon thyme), T. Herba-Barona (caraway thyme) Thymus vulgaris is the most common thyme that is used as a culinary ingredient, essential oil and in herbal medicine. It is also referred to as English Thyme and is most commonly found growing in well-drained soil in the Mediterranean.
What does the plant look like?
It is an evergreen flowering perennial plant that will grow for at least 2 years once planted in a garden. The leaves are green and there are small bunches of white, purple or pink flowers that bloom in the spring. Both the leaf and flower are used in medicine.
Where the name comes from?
Thyme is a plant that has been used for generations. The name is thought to be derived from the Greek word meaning "to fumigate". As English thyme originates in the Mediterranean it has been. a staple of medical treatment and ceremonies over the years. The idea is that its name came from the strong and distinct smell that comes from burning the plant. This strong smell is why it was used as incense at this time as well as using thyme oil as an embalming agent.
Thymus Vulgaris as a medicinal plant
The European Medicinal Herb Committee (HMPC) has classified thyme herb as a proven traditional herbal drug.
Properties of Thymus Vulgaris
- Soothes coughs
- Antitussive
- Expectorant
- Antispasmodic
- Antimicrobial – antibacterial, antifungal
- Antiseptic
- Astringent
- Antiparasitic
- Antibiotic
- Diuretic
- Heals wounds
- Increases blood flow to an area (topically)
- Uterine stimulant
The leaf and flower of this plant are the most important in herbal medicine. They contain the constituent's thymol and carvacrol. These are also found in related plants such as rosemary and oregano. They are absorbed through our GI tracts where they then enter the bloodstream and have various actions.
Thymol and carvacrol are the major constitutions in thyme essential oil and is thought to provide the main antimicrobial effect that this essential oil is good for. These two have also been studied for their use as an antioxidant to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and preserve the integrity of our tissues. In addition, studies have shown their ability to influence inflammatory cytokines in the body modulating them and having an anti-inflammatory action. This pathway contributes to its ability to reduce pain. irritation and inflammation in respiratory conditions.
Benefits for cough and sore throats
- works as an antispasmodic to relax the bronchial muscles of the respiratory system and decrease a spasmodic cough, chest tightness or pain associated with a cough or respiratory infection
- works as an expectorant in a wet cough to break up mucus and supports the body in expelling this from the lungs
- works as an antimicrobial to kill off the invading pathogen that is causing the cough or infection in the first place
- helps to calm the body down and promote healing
- soothes a sore throat
How to prepare Thyme?
This herb can be used in many different ways wither using the fresh or dry plant. For topical use, it can be prepared as an essential oil. This can be diffused into the air or used in steam inhalation for its antimicrobial properties as well as its sinus cleaning abilities. Topically it can also be used on fungal infections or warts on the skin.
For bad breath and mouth infections, it can be prepared as a mouthwash to help rinse the mouth out. Thymus can also be prepared in capsules or syrups to support respiratory health and fight off internal infections.
For cooking, thyme can be used fresh, as a sprig, or dry. It is often used in combination with other antimicrobials herbs such as rosemary, oregano, parsley etc. Fresh thyme can be grown in a garden and used directly from there.
Cautions and Side Effects
Thyme, when used in foods in small amounts, is very safe and nourishing for the body, however, the constituents which are much more potent in thyme oil can be very dangerous when ingested in certain quantities. Undiluted essential oils of any kind should never be ingested without consulting a health care practitioner.
Wen prepared appropriately thyme can be safe for ingestion and can have many health benefits. It can have side effects including skin irritation when used topically, and headaches and digestive upset when used internally. If someone is allergic to other plants in the mint family it could cause an allergic reaction.
Disclaimer
Pascoe Canada does not offer health or medical advice as we are not a healthcare practitioner. Please speak with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any program related to nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical, and/or wellness. All content published by Pascoe Canada is developed through collaborating with licensed medical professionals and contributors. This includes text, graphics, images, and other material on the website, newsletter, and products (“Content”). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always do your own research on whether this is for you along with your healthcare practitioner advice. Always consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use specific herbs because you might have underlined conditions needs professional care. The content is general in nature and are subject to change. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.
What can Thyme Help with
- Coughs & Sore throat
- Colds and flu
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Sinus conditions and lung congestion
- Gum infections and toothaches
- Digestive problems (indigestion, gas, diarrhea)
- Gastrointestinal parasites
- Bad breath due to oral microbes
- Antioxidant support
- Nail fungus
- Chronic fatigue
- Nightmares
What can Thyme Help with
- Coughs & Sore throat
- Colds and flu
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Sinus conditions and lung congestion
- Gum infections and toothaches
- Digestive problems (indigestion, gas, diarrhea)
- Gastrointestinal parasites
- Bad breath due to oral microbes
- Antioxidant support
- Nail fungus
- Chronic fatigue
- Nightmares
What can Thyme Help with
- Coughs & Sore throat
- Colds and flu
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Sinus conditions and lung congestion
- Gum infections and toothaches
- Digestive problems (indigestion, gas, diarrhea)
- Gastrointestinal parasites
- Bad breath due to oral microbes
- Antioxidant support
- Nail fungus
- Chronic fatigue
- Nightmares
What can Thyme Help with
- Coughs & Sore throat
- Colds and flu
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Sinus conditions and lung congestion
- Gum infections and toothaches
- Digestive problems (indigestion, gas, diarrhea)
- Gastrointestinal parasites
- Bad breath due to oral microbes
- Antioxidant support
- Nail fungus
- Chronic fatigue
- Nightmares