Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris                                 Common name: Thyme
Family: Lamiaceae

Part used: Aerial

Constituents:  Volatile oil up to 3% inc. terpines such as thymol, carvacrol, borneol, and cineol; Tannins; Bitters; Resin; Flavonoids; Gums.

Medicinal Actions:  Anti-septic, anti-helmintic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, astringent, expectorant, secretolitic (decreases over-secretions), spasmolytic.

Medicinal use:  The uses for thyme fall into the main categories of pulmonary, urinary, G.I., and external uses.  The pulmonary uses of Thymus are based on its antiseptic and anti-bacterial actions combined with the expectorant and spasmolytic actions.For the urinary system, Thymus is a diuretic, antiseptic, and spasmolytic, used for cystitis, urethritis and as a general urinary antiseptic. For the gastrointestinal system, Thymus is indicated in gastritis, flatulence, and for worms, especially thread and pinworms.

Pharmacy: Infusion:  1-2 tsp/cup water, 3-4 cups/day. Tincture: (1:5, 45%),  2-5 ml TID.

Toxicity: Especially of the essential oil –  headache, vomiting, painful diarrhea, tinnitus, kidney failure.