|
 |
|
Common Name:
|
Thyme
|
|
Scientific Name:
|
Thymus serpyllum
|
|
Description:
|
Thyme
is a small perennial herb that can grow
to a height of 40 cm (15 inches). It
is a garden herb in the mint family
and has small leaves with pink flowers
on woody stems. |
|
Properties:
|
Thyme is
antiseptic, anti-fungal, expectorant,
and anti-bacterial. |
|
Healing Properties:
|
Thyme
contains astringent tannins that bind
proteins in skin tissue, thus making
a barrier against infection. Also, substances
in the leaves help relax internal respiratory
and intestinal muscles. |
|
Ailment Treated:
|
Thyme can
be used internally to treat respiratory
and digestive infections. Applied externally,
thyme can be used to treat infected
wounds. The herb also helps reduce headaches
and can be found in commercial mouthwashes.
Thyme is also used for rheumatic problems,
bruises, sprains, swellings, fatigue,
mental stress, premenstrual tension,
allergies, asthma, coughs, athlete’s
foot, and yeast infections. |
|
Side Effects:
|
Used
as a mouthwash, thyme can cause cracks
in the mouth and swelling in the tongue.
In large quantities, thyme oil can cause
vomiting, dizziness, convulsions, coma,
and cardiac and respiratory arrest. |
|
Contraindications:
|
Thyme can
cause abdominal contractions. You should
not take thyme if you have any kind
of thyroid condition because the herb
suppresses normal thyroid activity. |
|
Do NOT use if:
|
Do
not use thyme if you are pregnant or
if you have ulcers. Do not take thyme
oil internally. Do not use this herb
if you have high blood pressure. |
|
History:
|
Its name
is derived from the word thumus, meaning
courage. During medieval times, knights
used thyme as a sign of courage. The
herb was also used to preserve meat.
Thyme was one of the first plants to
be used for its medicinal benefits.
It is one of the most useful herbs in
natural healthcare. |
|
Growth Habitat:
|
Thyme
thrives in rock gardens and in sunny
areas with well-drained soil. |
|
Organs Used:
|
Leaves. |
|
Type of Use:
|
Tea
and tincture. |
|
|
|
 |
