Lamiaceae
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Southern Europe, Mediterranean
Also known as: Garden Thyme, Common Thyme
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Bronchitis (clinically proven — German Commission E approved), cough, upper respiratory infections, oral infections (gingivitis, halitosis), GI infections, intestinal parasites.
Herbal Actions
Antimicrobial, expectorant, antispasmodic, bronchodilator, antifungal, carminative, antioxidant
Active Constituents
Thymol (40–60%), carvacrol, p-cymene, linalool, borneol, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin)
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture⚗️ Essential Oil🍯 Syrup
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp fresh or 1 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min covered, 3–5x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3–5x daily acutely |
| Notes | Syrup most effective for cough — simmer herb in honey. For bronchitis: Bronchipret (standardized thyme extract) equivalent to antibiotic in clinical trials. Fresh herb has higher thymol content. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid essential oil internally. High doses may interact with anticoagulants. Therapeutic doses contraindicated in pregnancy.
Side Effects: GI irritation at high doses. Essential oil — toxic if ingested undiluted. Contact sensitization possible with essential oil.