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Benefits and uses of thyme
  • Natural Remedies

Uses & Benefits of Thyme Herb

Katie WellsApr 28, 2011Updated: Jan 3, 2020
Reading Time: 3 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » Uses & Benefits of Thyme Herb
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  • Thyme Uses+−
    • Precautions
  • Thyme Facial Steam for Cough
  • Thyme Facial Steam

Thyme is an amazing herb that originated in the Mediterranean and that has been used for thousands of years. From Mountain Rose Herbs:

An aromatic herb in the mint family, thyme grows to a height of fifteen inches (about 40 cm), with small rounded leaves and pink flowers on woody stems. Today the plant is common throughout North America, but it originated in the southern Mediterranean. Experts in language tell us that its name was derived form the Greek word thumus, or courage. In Medieval times, knights wore sprigs of thyme on their armor as a sign of courage. The scent was thought to give them strength in the midst of battle.

Thyme Uses

Thyme is most often used as a spice in culinary uses and its aromatic and rich flavor is perfect for soups, stews and marinades. I use it in my homemade herbs de provence and other homemade spice blends.

It is also often used as a natural remedy, though it should be used carefully since it is extremely potent and can be dangerous in high amounts. Since Thyme is in the mint family, I use it most often aromatically for respiratory problems.

From the book, Practical Herbalism:

Though better known in modern times as a culinary herb, the ancients recognized it for its medicinal powers. According to Culpeper, thyme is, “a noble strengthener of the lungs, as notable a one as grows, nor is there a better remedy growing for whooping cough. It purgeth the body of phlegm and is an excellent remedy for shortness of breath. It is so harmless you need not fear the use of it. An ointment made of it takes away hot swellings and warts, helps the sciatica and dullness of sight, and takes away any pains and hardness of the spleen. It is excellent for those that are troubled with the gout, and the herb taken anyway inwardly is of great comfort to the stomach.”

Modern herbalists value thyme for its expectorant and antibacterial properties, and it is frequently used in preparations to support and protect the respiratory system. The essential oil is an effective disinfectant and natural preservative that is used in many skin preparations, not only for its therapeutic effect, but to protect the product itself from microbial contamination and spoilage. Recent studies have validated many of thyme’s broad range of actions, and have even recognized potent antioxidant properties that have anti-aging implications.

Precautions

Check with a doctor or practitioner before using this or any other remedy in medicinal doses.

Many sources warn that thyme oil should not be taken internally and even thyme leaf should not be used internally in large amounts. Pregnant women should avoid it (except normal culinary uses) and it should not be used on babies or small children.

Those with thyroid disease should be especially cautious about using thyme as it can stimulate the thyroid gland and cause changes in heart rate and breathing patterns.

It can, in rare cases, cause an allergic reaction, especially to those also allergic to rosemary.

Thyme essential oil or infused oil should never be used undiluted on the skin as it can cause irritation or allergic reaction.

Thyme Facial Steam for Cough

Thyme is used as an expectorant, which makes it especially helpful for respiratory problems. I don’t take it internally, but use it with a combination of other herbs as a facial steam to help relieve coughing and congestion.

Thyme Uses and Benefits

Thyme Facial Steam

Katie Wells
Thyme is a culinary herb that can also be used as a natural remedy in some cases. It is very potent and should be used with caution but it is especially helpful for coughs and congestion when used in this facial steam.
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Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Course Remedy

Ingredients
  

  • 1 qt water
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp mint
  • 1 tsp eucalyptus leaf (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Boil water in a large pot or tea kettle.
  • Place herbs in a large stock pot and pour boiling water over herbs.
  • Lean head over pot with herbs and water (it should be steaming).
  • Cover head with a towel to seal in the steam from the pot.
  • Carefully breathe in the steam in slow deep breaths.
  • Do this for 5-8 minutes.
  • This should help loosen congestion and reduce coughing.
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Ever used thyme? How do you use it?

Thyme Uses and Benefits

Category: Natural Remedies

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (7 Comments)

  1. Tamea linda

    August 6, 2020 at 9:03 AM

    Is anise and thyme the same

    Reply
    • Katie Wells

      August 6, 2020 at 3:16 PM

      No, they are two completely different herbs…

      Reply
  2. Eva

    January 1, 2020 at 1:33 PM

    What type of thyme oil is best for coughs, white or red? Thanks.

    Reply
  3. susan

    January 31, 2016 at 7:48 PM

    I have copd….so breathing is hard…..how would I use it.and how much….oil or fresh

    Reply
  4. Marlene Sosa

    May 6, 2015 at 10:40 AM

    I am interested in learning about thyme and gout.

    Reply
  5. Lisa

    December 15, 2014 at 10:35 PM

    Hi. How would it be used for gout? By ointment?

    Reply
    • Marlene

      May 6, 2015 at 4:11 PM

      That’s what I was thinking but I am not sure. My thought would be coconut oil, thyme essential oil, maybe castor oil.

      Reply

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