Thyme Leaf and Herb Profile

Also known as

Thymus vulgaris, Creeping Thyme, French Thyme, Garden Thyme, Common Thyme, Mountain Thyme. Botanists refer to the species of the herb used in cooking as garden thyme and to another plant as "thyme."

Introduction

An aromatic herb in the mint family, thyme grows to a height of fifteen inches (about 40 cm), with small rounded leaves and pink flowers on woody stems. This herb is not the same species as mother of thyme of wild thyme. Experts in language tell us that thyme?s name was derived form the Greek word thumus, or courage. In Medieval times, knights wore sprigs of thyme on their armor as a sign of courage. The scent of thyme was thought to give them strength in the midst of battle, as well as relief form pain.

Constituents

Alpha-linolenic acid, anethole, apigenin, borneol, caffeic acid, calcium, chromium, eugenol, ferulic acid, geraniol, kaempferol, limonene, lithium, luteolin, magnesium, manganese, methionine, p-coumaric acid, potassium, rosmarinic acid, selenium, thymol, tryptophan, ursolic acid.

Parts Used

The dried leaf.

Typical Preparations

Teas, tinctures, baths, gargles, toothpaste.

Summary

Oil of thyme is the main ingredient in the mouthwash Listerine. Thyme is a strong antiseptic used externally for infected cuts and scrapes and infernally for oral and respiratory infections. Bath washes made from teas of thyme allowed to cool treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot and also vaginal yeast infections. Thyme contains tannins that cause proteins in skin to cross-link, forming a barrier to infection. Teas of thyme can be taken orally to treat allergies, asthma, colds, and coughs. The essential oil in the herb encourages coughing up of phlegm It stops spasms of the bronchial passages. Inhaling essential oil of thyme placed in hot water as aromatherapy has the same benefits.

Precautions

No one should take thyme oil internally. Women who are pregnant should not drink thyme tea, although small amounts of thyme used in cooking do not cause side effects. Do not take thyme as a medicine if you have a duodenal ulcer or if you have thyroid disease.

Disclaimer

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.