Thyme: medicinal properties, contraindications and how to use it

What is thyme and what is it for?

Thyme is a low bushbetween 10 and 30 cm high; and dense, with very small leaves and covered with hair. Their flowers They are small, they group together in bunches. They vary between violet and white and leave a powerful smell to the touch. The flowering, in Spring is the best time for harvest.

The thyme plant is part of the Mediterranean landscape, thanks to its resistance to droughts and storms. There are some 40 different types of thymewith its vulgar form (Thymus vulgaris) being the most common. It is also Related to sage, lavender and rosemary.

Already in Egypt and Greece It was considered a «miraculous» plantwhich allowed them to regain strength and, according to Galen, cure respiratory and intestinal diseases.

It is also a versatile plant, which Adds to its medicinal possibilities its uses as an insecticide and as a flavoring agent.both to season recipes and to make perfumes. He thyme essential oil It has been valued for centuries by cosmetic industry.

Properties and contraindications of thyme

Thyme essential oil has different compositions depending on the type of plant, but it is always based on the thymol and the carvacrolwhich provide the particular smell. In addition, it contains tannins, saponosides, flavonoids and phenolic acids (caffeic and rosmarinic).

Therefore, it contributes health benefits: antiseptics, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antifungal, expectorant and tonicand has the ability to open your appetitesince it helps produce gastric juices.

The main medicinal properties of thyme are:

Relieves symptoms of cold and fluand other respiratory and allergic conditions, both in infusion and in thyme vapors.
Facilitates digestionso it can be used in gastroenteritis or irritable bowel syndrome, both in infusion and syrup. Also relieves abdominal bloating and avoid gases. In case of food poisoning it can restore gallbladder and liver function. Furthermore, it favors the elimination of intestinal parasites such as worms.
Due to its tonic properties, it is very suitable in all its forms (infusion, decoction, syrup or liquid extract) as stimulant in states of asthenia, weakness or convalescence; This is what the «miraculous properties» of which they spoke in Antiquity.
Relieves painso it can be used in case of rheumatic pain, contractures and minor injuries in the form of massage or scrubbingas well as to alleviate menstrual pain or migraine (in infusion).
As mouthwashrelieves toothache and bleeding gums.
It is used in eye baths for inflammations and infections such as conjunctivitis wave blepharitis.
In lotion or decoction, it is used against skin fungi and to strengthen the scalpstopping hair loss.
About minor wounds and burnsin washes and poultices.
Along with rosemary, this medicinal plant can prevent osteoporosis.

Although it is a safe plant, one of the elements of thyme essential oil, thujonemay have toxic effects on the liver and kidneys. The abuse of doses, especially in the form of mouthwashcan excessively increase the thyroid hormone level.

For all this, thyme It is not recommended orally during pregnancy and lactation.in children under 12 years of age or in the elderly; or in cases of gastritis, ulcers, neurological diseases or previous liver and kidney conditions. Topically, use is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

How do you use thyme?

He fresh thyme is enough for flavoringr a stay or as an insecticide. It is also found as a dried plant, for infusion and decoction; in essential oil (in drops or capsules)liquid extract and tincture, and is a common ingredient in cosmetic products.

for your topical use in case of irritation, a concentrated decoction is preparedwhich can be applied to the scalp or in case of hives.
It is also used in decoction to make thyme vapors in case of nasal congestion and mucus.
As mouthwash or eye drops Thyme decoctions are also used, but purified.
He Oleato is an infusion of thyme in olive oilwhich is used in burns and minor wounds.
To apply in scrubs on painful muscles and joints (rheumatism, contractures, low back pain…) the ideal presentation is thyme alcohol, 96º alcohol where the bouquets of the plant are allowed to macerate.

Natural remedies with thyme

Thyme infusion for cough

Mix equal parts of thyme, poppy, marshmallow and green anise. Using a tablespoon for each cup of water, boil for 2 minutes, let it rest covered for 10 more minutes. After filtering it, you can drink 2-3 glasses daily. To enhance the effect and improve the flavor, Lemon and honey thyme can be added to this tea.

Thyme herbal tea to soothe the stomach

We mix thyme, chamomile, yarrow and bitter orangein equal parts. First, boil the water, and then pour a tablespoon of the mixture for each cup of water. Let it rest covered for 10 minutes before filtering. The herbal tea can be taken up to three times a day, after meals.

Thyme tea for irritable bowel syndrome

They mix 4 parts loosestrife to one part thyme, marshmallow, wild rose and green anise. Boil one tablespoon for each cup of water for 3 minutes, and let it rest for 10 more minutes. To soften the flavor, orange blossom honey or stevia can be added. A cup should be taken after each meal until the symptoms subside.

Thyme rinse

A is made decoction of fresh thyme sprigs. It is added salt and a tablespoon of vinegar and strain before using it to gargle.

Recipes with thyme

Thyme, in powder and branch, is a very aromatic seasoningideal for stews cooked fish and meat over low heat.

Its flavor is closely associated with the Mediterranean essence; It is used, in addition to isolated, mixed with other Provençal herbs in the bouquet garni.

Due to its energetic properties, it is also prepared thyme soup, with fresh sprigs. To the soup, well concentrated, you can add bread, cheese or egg.

Thyme: Mediterranean origin

Smelling a flowering bush of thyme is entering the most intimate part of the Mediterranean essence.

Few plants better represent the wild and tormented landscape of the western Mediterranean, with its persistent droughts and sudden and destructive storms, which this modest plant from the labiatae family.

And few plants have been so closely linked to the history and customs of the people of this part of the Mare Nostrum. Thyme branches have been included in magic and witchcraft rites and Beliefs abound about its almost miraculous powerslike the one that proclaims that maintaining A few bouquets of this plant under the pillow ward off nightmares and bad omens.

There are about 14 species of thyme in Europemost restricted to the western Mediterranean. The best known, common thyme (Thymus vulgaris L), extends across the entire eastern half of the Iberian Peninsula, southeastern France, and the western coast of Italy.

There are other species with a peninsular distribution but The best known and most widespread are: graceful thyme, with a penetrating aroma, and masticina..

In the rest of Europe the most common thyme is serpol (Thymus serpyllum L)whose virtues are similar to those of common thyme.

He Thymus vulgaris is characterized by being a Low, woody and aromatic bush, with tiny, linear leaves and pinkish-white flowers, grouped in glomeruli. terminals. It grows until it forms dense tapestries. (tomillares or timonedas) in bushy areas, garrigues and rocky areas.

From the thyme they are harvested the flowering topsthey look splendid starting in march. When collecting them, the plant should not be uprooted but only cut the amount you want to use. Then it will be left dry in the shade and in a well-ventilated space to take advantage of all its active ingredients.

Advisor: J. Mª. Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”