Thyme is a perennial, many-branched
plant with dense, purplish flowers in small terminal clusters. It can grow
to a height of one foot. Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and garden thyme
(Thymus vulgaris), well known for their aromatic and culinary qualities, are
also esteemed herbal medicine used interchangeably.
Thyme is particularly noted for its essential oil, thymol,
known to have antibacterial properties. Thymol taken in pure form can
cause adverse symptoms such as dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and
headache. The side effects have not been connected with the use of thyme
itself as an herbal tea. Thyme tea is used for the relief of gastrointestinal
complaints, lung congestion, shortness of breath, headaches, colic, hysteria,
whooping cough, and menstrual cramps.
Thyme has antiseptic, antispasmodic and stimulant properties.
It is safely used in an oleaginous preparation (fresh thyme steeped in olive oil
for 2 - 6 weeks) as a rubefacient for muscular atrophy, rheumatism and sprains,
and even in cases of stroke and paralysis.
Thyme is considered to be an immune system tonic by
contemporary herbalists. Ancient herbalists particularly favored thyme tea
as a simple, effective remedy for nervousness and depression. Herbalists
also recommend thyme syrup as a remedy for colds and coughs, and thymol is an
ingredient in some modern cough medicines.
purplish flowers in small terminal clusters. It can grow
to a height of one foot. Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and garden thyme
(Thymus vulgaris), well known for their aromatic and culinary qualities, are
also esteemed herbal medicine used interchangeably.
Thyme has antiseptic, antispasmodic and stimulant properties.
It is safely used in an oleaginous preparation (fresh thyme steeped in olive oil
for 2 - 6 weeks) as a rubefacient for muscular atrophy, rheumatism and sprains,
and even in cases of stroke and paralysis.