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.