Medicinal Uses for Thyme

March 26, 2017

Medicinal Uses for Thyme

The information that follows is excerpted from a longer post: The Ultimate Guide to Thyme. For additional information about thyme such as its cultivation, culinary uses, or its uses through history, please click HERE to access the complete original post. Other individual sections are listed below:

Description

Culinary Uses

Cultivation

History, Lore and Magic

Thyme Oil and Bath Salts

Do not try any of these uses for thyme, or take any kind of herbal supplement, without consulting a doctor or health care provider. Nothing in this blog is designed to replace traditional medical care. The information provided in this blog is only meant to be a source of information and inspiration--not a substitute for licensed, individualized medical care provided by a physician.

Thyme has been utilized for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Thyme pillows were thought to relieve both epilepsy and melancholia. In the Middle Ages, it was used to combat the Plague, and as recently as World War I, the essential oil of thyme was used as an antiseptic on the battlefield. Thyme was even thought to have a psychological effect on people. It was used to treat nervous disorders, including nightmares. People who were very shy were often given a soup of beer and thyme to rid them of their shyness. One has to wonder, though, if it was the thyme that dispelled the shyness, or if it was the beer that lowered the person's inhibitions!

Beer for Beer and Thyme Soup

The Greeks used thyme as a treatment for nervous conditions, an antiseptic and a fumigator. It has been used in cough medicines, as a carminative (relief of flatulence), a vermifuge (eliminator of parasites), a rubefacient (causing redness to the skin), to quiet gastrointestinal complaints, to cure shortness of breath, and to clear congested lungs. Thyme has antispasmodic qualities that make it effective in treating asthma, whooping cough and stomach cramps.

Thyme Infusion

A cold infusion of the entire plant was used for dyspepsia (upset stomach), while a warm infusion could be used to treat hysteria, flatulence, colic, headache and dysmenorrhea (painful periods or menstrual cramps). Inflammation and sores were treated by a poultice of a paste made from the mashed leaves.

Paste of Thyme for Poultice

Creeping thyme and common thyme each have specific uses, due to their respective concentrations of thymol (the active ingredient in thyme essential oil). Creeping thyme actually contains serpolet oil, which has similar effects as thymol, but can cause allergic reactions. Common thyme contains thymol, which is more effective than serpolet oil, but can also cause some allergic reactions, as well as skin irritation and irritation of the mucous membranes.

There are a few other toxicity issues to be aware of if using thyme oil. If taken in its pure form, thymol can cause such adverse symptoms as diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, headache, vomiting and muscular weakness. It may have a depressing effect on the respiratory system and on the heart. It can effect body temperature and can overstimulate the thyroid gland. It was once used to rid the body of parasites, especially hookworms, however, the strong dose needed to expel the worms was often fatal.

Hookworm--Nasty Little Critters!

Both creeping thyme and common thyme have some similar uses and properties, but they have some distinct differences as well. Both can be used as and expectorant to expel excess mucus from the body and lungs. They each improve digestion and reduce muscle spasms. Each one is strongly antiseptic. Internally, both can be taken for whooping cough, bronchitis, laryngitis, and flatulent indigestion. Externally, each one is regarded as a treatment for rheumatism.

Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme is thought of as a sedative herb that is diuretic (eliminates excess water from the body), and promotes healing. In contrast to common thyme, it can be taken internally for painful menstruation, colic and hangovers. It has even been touted as a treatment for alcoholism. It should not be taken by pregnant women. Applied externally, creeping thyme is used to treat minor injuries, mastitis (inflammation of the breast), sciatica, and mouth, gum and throat infections.

Common Thyme

Common thyme is more of a warming herb than creeping thyme. It is strongly antiseptic, as well as being an effective antifungal. Dried leaves of common thyme are used in moth-repellent sachets. It can be used internally for dry coughs, asthma, gastritis, diarrhea and enuresis (bedwetting) in children. Common thyme should also not be given to pregnant women. It can be applied externally for tonsillitis, gum disease, arthritis, and fungal infections. The oil of common thyme is used in aromatherapy to treat aches and pains, exhaustion, depression, upper respiratory tract infections, and skin and scalp complaints, although, as mentioned earlier, lemon thyme may be better suited for this purpose.

Unlike many herbs, many of the claims made about thyme over the years have actually been proven to be true and effective over the years by the scientific and medical communities. Much of that has to do with research into the efficacy of thymol. Thymol belongs to a naturally-occurring class of compounds known as "biocides" (substances that destroy harmful organisms). It has strong antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, and antimicrobial attributes.

Thymol

Thymol has been shown effective in killing the Tiger Mosquito. The Tiger Mosquito is the principal carrier of many of our most deadly and vicious diseases of the last 30 years. It is a carrier of West Nile Virus, Yellow Fever Virus, St. Louis Encephalitis, Dengue Fever, and Chikungunya Fever. Thymol kills the mosquito and it may be effective in killing the viruses and bacteria that cause the illnesses, too.

Tiger Mosquito

Studies have shown that thyme preparations may be more effective against acne than prescription creams designed to eliminate this skin disorder. Thymol actually has a greater antibacterial effect than the standard concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, which is the active ingredient found in the majority of creams and washes aimed at people suffering from acne. This has been proven in the lab, but it has yet to be tested on human skin. There is a potential for thymol to be irritating to the skin, so further testing is necessary to ensure its safety.

Acne

Thymol has been shown to reduce blood pressure in laboratory rats. Rats have similar responses to humans in hypertensive situations, so the testing team is hopeful that human trials will confirm their findings. Thyme oil has showed potential as a natural food preservative against several common foodborne bacteria that cause human illness. It has also been proven effective against candida albicans, a common cause of mouth and vaginal yeast infections. Laboratory test showed significantly enhanced intracellular killing of this fungus.

Mastic Thyme

A separate species of thyme, called Mastic Thyme, may be effective in protecting against colon cancer, whereas another species, known simply as Wild Thyme, may be effective against breast cancer. Wild Thyme Oil induced widespread cell death of breast cancer cells in the lab. Other species of thyme may also be effective against other forms of cancer.

Wild Thyme

Wild thyme generally has a higher concentration of volatile oil than cultivated thyme, which makes it more effective at virtually everything than common thyme. Unfortunately, there is a distinct danger of wild thyme being wiped out completely to extinction, due to over-harvesting in some areas of Europe. Efforts are being made by farmers and seed collectors to preserve the heritage of wild thyme and to conserve it through careful cultivation.

Mortar and Pestle and Thyme

There are several other health benefits of thyme. Most of these have been proven to be effective. Thyme is a powerful detoxifying agent which can cleanse your entire system. It is also a great immune system booster that encourages white blood cell formation, while increasing resistance to foreign organisms. It can be taken for infections of the vagina, including thrush, and for infections of the fallopian tubes. Thyme enhances the appetite, while stimulating and detoxifying the liver.

Thyme with Old Garden Scissors

Thyme can be used to combat tooth decay, and it has antifungal properties that treat athlete's foot. Its antiparasitic properties are useful against lice, scabies, and crabs. You can use a dilution of thyme oil externally as a deodorant, or as an antiseptic that will prevent mildew. Warts can be treated with an ointment made from thyme. And it may be helpful in expelling the afterbirth for new mothers.

Thyme Oil on Towel

A government commission in Germany has approved both common and wild thyme for some medicinal uses. For external use, both have been approved as a bath additive as a supporting cure of diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Both have been approved for internal use to combat catarrhal infections of the upper respiratory tract, as well. In addition, common thyme is also approved in Germany for external use against the itching associated with various skin disorders and for internal use against symptoms of bronchitis and whooping cough.

Facial Cream with Thyme

Below are some links for some Herbal Spa/Cosmetics items that are made using thyme. Click on the links to access the recipes.

Herbal Love Bath

Rosemary and Oatmeal Herbal Soap Balls

Please leave any questions or comments you may have below! I look forward to hearing from you!

Peace and Love Always,

Ready to Make Thyme Oil

Sources:

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Brown, Deni. The Herb Society of America Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1995. Print.

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Cunnningham, Scott. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 1992. Print.

Gips, Kathleen. Flora's Dictionary: The Victorian Language of Herbs and Flowers . Chagrin Falls: TM Publications, 1995. Print.

"Health Benefits Of Thyme: Medicinal Uses Of A Favorite Herb". Natural Society. N. p., 2012. Web. 20 Nov. 2016.

Kowalchik, Claire, and William H. Hylton, eds. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs . Emmaus: Rodale, 1987. Print.

Kruger, Anna. An Illustrated Guide to Herbs. Stamford: Longmeadow, 1993. Print.

"Medicinal Thyme - History And Modern Uses". NaturalNews Blogs. N. p., 2016. Web. 20 Nov. 2016.

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Shaudys, Phyllis. The Pleasure of Herbs. Pownal: Storey Communications, 1986. Print.

Shaudys, Phyllis V. Herbal Treasures. Pownal: Storey Communications, 1990. Print.

"Thyme Leaf Benefits ". Anniesremedy.com. N. p., 2016. Web. 20 Nov. 2016.

"THYME: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions And Warnings - Webmd". Webmd.com. N. p., 2016. Web. 20 Nov. 2016.

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Photo Credits:

Medicinal Uses for Thyme Background: Photo Credit: Mortar with thyme sprigs. Olive wood kitchen tools. Herbs and s by LiliGraphie

Thyme Oil and Bath Salts: Photo Credits: Green jar of sea salt, essential oil, fresh thyme sprig. Herb infused bath blend. Botanical skincare cosmetic and aromatherapy. Facial scrub. by Anna_ok

Beer for Beer and Thyme Soup: Photo Credit: http://www.dishmaps.com/10-add-the-beer-and-bring-the-pan-to-a-simmer-add-the-worcestershire&page=6

Thyme Infusion: Photo Credit: http://steptohealth.com/10-infusions-to-cleanse-the-body/

Thyme Poultice: Photo Credit: https://whisperingearth.co.uk/2011/08/23/how-to-make-poultices-and-compresses/

Hookworm: Photo Credit: http://www.cwu.edu/cwu-professors-awarded-360000-fight-scourge-hookworms

Creeping Thyme: Photo Credit: http://plants.gertens.com/12070009/Plant/1729/Purple_Carpet_Creeping_Thyme

Common Thyme: Photo Credit: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/432/

Thymol: Photo Credit: http://www.hometrainingtools.com/thymol-blue-15-ml

Tiger Mosquito: Photo Credit: http://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/mosquitoes/asian-tiger-mosquitoes/

Acne: Photo Credit: https://www.dermcheckapp.com/cystic-acne-and-cystic-acne-treatment/

Mastic Thyme 2: Photo Credit: "Thymus mastichina" by Manuel M. Ramos on Flickr (used this one)

Wild Thyme: Photo Credit: http://www.hotel-r.net/nz/wild-thyme

Mortar and Pestle and Thyme: Photo Credit: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/thyme.html