SO DYK
BREATHING & LUNGS

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

also known as Common thyme, Garden thyme

Thyme — Köhler 1887 botanical illustration

A small Mediterranean herb that punches well above its kitchen role. Thyme has a long traditional use for coughs, sore throats, and digestive complaints — and modern research backs the respiratory side most clearly. The thyme essential oil compound thymol is in many commercial mouthwashes and cough syrups for good reason.

  • Traditional and modern use for cough, bronchitis, and respiratory complaints — particularly productive coughs
  • Mild expectorant and antispasmodic action on the airways
  • Antimicrobial action against many bacteria and fungi — thymol is the active compound, also the main ingredient in some commercial mouthwashes (Listerine)
  • Eases sore throat as a tea or gargle
  • Mild digestive support — eases gas and bloating
  • Topical thyme oil eases minor skin infections and fungal conditions
  • Approved by Germany's Commission E for cough and bronchitis

Active in Thymol, Carvacrol, Flavonoids, Tannins.

Possible allergic cross-reactivity with other Lamiaceae (mint family) plants — oregano, rosemary, basil, sage
Use caution with blood thinners — thyme has mild anticoagulant action
Thyme essential oil is a potent skin irritant — always dilute before topical use
Skip medicinal doses during pregnancy — culinary amounts are completely safe
Use caution with thyroid medication — high doses may affect thyroid hormone activity
Thymol can be irritating to mucous membranes at concentrated doses