Medicinal Plants : Thymus vulgaris

Name

Biological Name

Thymus vulgaris
Labiatae

Other Names

Parts Used

Leaves and flowering tops

Active Compounds

Volatile oil, of highly variable composition; the major constituent is thymol, with lesser amounts of carvacrol, with l,8-cineole, borneol, geraniol, linalool, bornyl and linalyl acetate, thymol methyl ether and a-pinene.

Flavonoids; apigenin, luteolin, thymonin, naringenin and others

Miscellaneous; labiatic acid, caffeic acid, tannins etc.

Remedies For

Carminative, anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, astringent, anthelmintic, tonic, emmenagogue, resolvent, antiseptic.

With its high content of volatile oil, Thyme makes a good carminative for use in dyspepsia and sluggish digestion. This oil is also a strong antiseptic. Used externally as a lotion for infected wounds, and internally for respiratory and digestive infections. It may be of use as a gargle in laryngitis and tonsillitis, easing sore throats and soothing irritable coughs. An excellent cough remedy, producing expectoration and reducing unnecessary spasm. It may be used in bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma. As a gentle astringent it has found use in childhood diarrhea and bed wetting.

Combinations : For asthmatic problems it will combine well with Lobelia and Ephedra, adding its anti-microbial effect. For whooping cough use it with Wild Cherry and Sundew.

Dosage

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and let infuse for l0 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 2-4ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.