Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
Family: Labiatae
Habitat/Botanical Description: It is a wild and cultivated herb native to the Mediterranean. It is a shrub with many branched, square, woody stems growing to a height of 10 – 16 inches. The leaves are opposite, small, linear, with an enrolled margin and whitish underside. The flowers are lipped, small, white-pink and arranged in dense terminal spikes.
Part Used: Aerial parts
Active Constituents:
Bitters, flavonoids, gums, resin, volatile oil (borneol, carvacrol, cineol, thymol)
Medicinal Actions:
Anti-bacterial, anti-helminthic, antiseptic, anti-viral, astringent, expectorant, secretolitic, spasmolytic
Medicinal Use:
1)       Thymus is antiseptic and anti-bacterial combined with expectorant and spasmolytic actions useful in treatment of catarrhal or dry, spastic coughs. The variety of application is due to the combination of constituents.
2)       Good for croup cough using a steam inhalation or in a tea form and it calms then through the night until could be seen by the doctor
3)       Turning bacteria sputum cough
4)       Rub in chest and back
5)       Spasmodic cough
6)       Combines well with other herb
7)       Antispasmidic and antimicrobial
8)       Pharyngitis
9)       Safe , no toxicity
10)    Smooth muscle relaxer but do not give it at high dose
11)    Ear infection, soar through , lung congestion and cold
12)    Treat pin worms
13)    Gas bloating and constipation and decrease appetite
14)    In herb still has smell then it is good since the volatile oil is still there for the smooth muscle
15)    Due to the smooth muscle relaxing action, it has systemic effects that enhance relaxation which makes it useful in treatment of any cough accompanied by anxiety. It also has mucolytic action, reducing the tenacity of mucus and enhancing expectoration. It reduces inflammation in dry coughs, calming the cough and soothing the mucus membranes. It works well for sinusitis and allergies when combined with Sambucus, Urtica or Euphrasia. It can be effective in treatment of asthma combined with Tussilago, Hyssopus, Lobelia or Grindelia. Consider Thymus for treatment of bronchitis, croup, Pertussis and pneumonia.
16)    In the urinary system, it has acitons as an antiseptic, spasmolytic and diuretic. Its action as an infusion is especially beneficial for the urinary system. Dispense up to 2 quarts of tea a day or 1 teaspoon tincture every three hours until symptoms improve. Follow with a quart of tea each day for 5 – 7 days after symptoms dissapear. The tea can also reduce symptoms of dysmenorrhea and abdominal colic.
17)    In the gastrointestinal system, Thymus reduces symptoms of gastritis and flatulence. It also is a vermifuge against threadworms and pinworms. To treat worms, combine 1 part Thymus to 2 parts Castor Oil and give 1 tsp. per day for a child.
18)    External wash or gargle and swallow will treat sore throats, mouth ulcers, leukoplakia or thrush. As a skin wash it is anti-bacterial and anti-microbial. It can also be used as a douche in the treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis.
Contraindications: None
Toxicity: None
Drug Interactions: None
Pharmacy:
Infusion: 1 – 2 tsp/cup water TID – QID
Tincture (1:5): 5 ml TID
Fluid Extract (1:1): 1 –2 ml TID
Syrup
Oil
Creams, lotions, salves, douche
Steam Inhalation: 2 –3 drops essential oil/2 cups water inhaled PRN
1 Tbl. Dried herb/3 cups water
1 Tbl.fresh herb/3 cups water