Thyme

Botanical name: Thymus vulgaris

Parts used and where grown

This fragrant plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region of Europe and is extensively cultivated in the United States. The dried or partially dried leaves and flowering tops are used medicinally.

Thyme has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings

Health Concerns

Bronchitis

Chronic candidiasis

Cough

Halitosis (oil of thyme rinse)

Indigestion

Infection

Whooping cough

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star

For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Other than its use as a spice, thyme has a long history of use in Europe for the treatment of dry, spasmodic coughs as well as bronchitis.¹ Its antispasmodic actions have made it a common traditional recommendation for whooping cough. Thyme has also been used to ease an irritated gastrointestinal tract. The oil has been used to treat topical fungal infections and is also used in toothpastes to prevent gingivitis.

Active constituents

Many constituents in thyme team up to provide its antitussive (preventing and treating a cough), antispasmodic, and expectorant (thinning the mucus to allow for coughing out) actions. The primary constituents are the volatile oils, which include the phenols, thymol and carvacol.² These are complemented by the actions of flavonoids. Thyme, either alone or in combination with herbs such as sundew, continues to be one of the most commonly recommended herbs in Europe for the treatment of dry, spasmodic coughs as well as whooping cough.³ Due to the low toxicity of the herb, it has become a favourite for treating coughs in small children.

How much is usually taken?

The German Commission E monograph recommends a cup (250 ml) of tea made from 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (1–2 grams) of the herb taken several times daily as needed for a cough.⁴ A fluid extract, 1/4–3/4 teaspoon (1–4 ml) three times per day, can also be used. Another alternative is to use a tincture, 1/3–1 teaspoon (2–6 ml) three times per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Used as indicated above, thyme herbal preparations are generally safe. However, a spasmodic cough, particularly in a young child, may be dangerous and a healthcare professional should be consulted before deciding on the proper course of treatment. The use of thyme by pregnant or breast-feeding women is considered to be safe. Thyme oil should be reserved for topical use, as internally it may lead to dizziness, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.⁵ Some people may be sensitive to use of thyme oil topically on the skin or as a mouth rinse.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with thyme.

References
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1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 492–5.

2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, eds. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 1998, 1184–5.

3. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd., 1988, 208–9.

4. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 219–20.

5. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 256–7.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.