Thyme

Thyme

Latin Name: Thymus vulgaris
Family: Lamiaceae

Part used: Whole herb. Dried leaves and flowering tops.
Energetics: Pungent, bitter, astringent, warm, dry.
Iris: Lymphatic.
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

  • Avoid in pregnancy
  • Interestingly Thymol volatile oil is bactericidal, but this action is greatly reduced in the presence of protein , so Thymol oil should not be used near meals.
  • People who are allergic to oregano or other Lamiaceae species might also be allergic to thyme.
  • Bleeding disorders: Taking thyme might increase risk of bleeding, especially if used in large amounts.
  • Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Thyme is mildly oestrogenic.

ACTIONS

  • Antiseptic
  • Bronchodilator
  • Digestive
  • Anti-tussive
  • Antispasmodic
  • Immune stimulant
  • Diuretic
  • Anti-parasitic
  • Anti-fungal
  • Carminative
  • Expectorant
  • Antibacterial
  • Anti-viral
  • Antioxidant
  • Anthelmintic
  • Tonic
  • Diaphoretic
  • Rubefacient
  • Insecticide

Main Constituents

  • Dried leaves and flowering tops
  • Contains a valuable essential oil Thymol (up to 74% - effective against E-coli and fungi)
  • Tannins
  • Bitters
  • Gums
  • Flavonoids
  • Terpenes
  • Flavonoids
  • Saponins
  • Salicylate
  • Caffeic acid.

Main Uses

Antiseptic. Anti-pathogenic
Urinary System: Infections of the urinary tract, bed-wetting in children.
Respiratory System: Infections of the respiratory organs (throat, bronchi), Spasmodic dry cough, Sinusitis, Asthma, Sore throat (gargle), Thyme essential oil – inhalant for respiratory issues.
Endocrine: Menorrhagia, Vaginal leucorrhoea, Adrenal support.
Oral System: Mouth ulcers (mouth wash), Halitosis.
Integumentary System: As a compress for cuts, abrasions, warts, mastitis.
Digestive System: IBS, Flatulence, Heartburn, Gastritis, Colic, Diarrhoea.

Infections:
Bacteria: Bacillus, Corynebacteria, Enterococcus, E. coli, Haemophilus influenza, H. pylori, Klebsiella, Listeria, MRSA, Mycobacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus / epidermis, Streptococcus.
Viruses: Herpes simplex 1 and 2, Influenza.
Fungi: Aspergillus flavus, Candida, Cryptococcus neoformans, Fusarium solani, Penicillium, Trichophyton.
Protozoa: Leishmania, Trichomonas, Trypanosoma.
Nematode: Ascaris, Ancylostoma, Worms.

More About Thyme

Like rosemary, sage, marjoram and several others, thyme is another remedy from the mint family.
When distilled or tinctured, it is transformed into an energy tonic, adrenal stimulant with immune - enhancing properties.
Thyme’s warm, dry, bitter and pungent energetic qualities help to dry excess mucus and calm any spasm in the respiratory tract.
It is anti-infective and antiseptic, which is ideal for treating bacterial, viral and fungal infections, especially when used as an essential oil.
It has a wide variety of uses which can make it the ideal Kitchen herb, helping with adrenal insufficiency, coughs, colds, intestinal disorders, UTI’s, thrush, water retention and muscular aches and pains.
It is a good brain tonic and can be useful in physical and mental exhaustion, as well as learning problems such as ADHD and ADD.

Recipes:


Thyme Tea

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 teaspoons of dried thyme leaves (or fresh thyme)
  • 1 cup of boiling water
  • Honey (optional, for flavor)

Instructions:

  • Boil water and allow it to cool slightly, so it's hot but not boiling.
  • Place the dried thyme leaves (or fresh thyme) in a cup.
  • Pour the hot water over the thyme.
  • Cover and steep for about 5-10 minutes.
  • If desired, you can sweeten the tea with honey for flavor.
  • Drink the tea while it's still warm.

Notes: Thyme tea is known for its potential benefits in supporting respiratory health, as it may help soothe coughs and sore throats. It also has digestive benefits.

Thyme Cough Syrup

Ingredients:

  • 169g of fresh thyme sprigs (or 1/2 cup of dried thyme)
  • 236ml of water
  • 335g of honey

Instructions:

  • If using fresh thyme, wash and thoroughly dry the thyme sprigs. If using dried thyme, proceed to the next step.
  • In a saucepan, combine the thyme and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat.
  • Allow the thyme to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain out the thyme leaves, leaving you with thyme-infused water.
  • While the thyme-infused water is still warm, mix it with the honey. Stir until well combined.
  • Pour the syrup into a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle.
  • Allow the syrup to cool and store it in the refrigerator.

To use the thyme cough syrup:

  • Take 1-2 teaspoons of the syrup as needed to soothe a cough or sore throat.

Notes: The combination of thyme and honey can help to alleviate irritation and promote relaxation. This homemade thyme cough syrup is a natural alternative to over-the-counter cough remedies. 

Lemon-Thyme Roasted Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1-2 tablespoons dried thyme)
  • 2 lemons
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Rinse the chicken thoroughly, both inside and out, and pat it dry with paper towels.
  • In a small bowl, mix the thyme leaves (or dried thyme) with the minced garlic.
  • Zest the lemons and add the zest to the thyme and garlic mixture. Reserve the lemons.
  • Cut one of the zested lemons in half and squeeze its juice into the thyme-garlic mixture. Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper to the mixture, then stir well to create a paste.
  • Carefully lift the skin of the chicken (over the breast and thighs) and rub the thyme and lemon mixture under the skin. Be gentle to avoid tearing the skin.
  • Cut the remaining lemon into slices and place them inside the chicken's cavity.
  • Place the chicken in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet, breast side up.
  • Tie the chicken's legs together with kitchen twine, tuck the wings under the body, and secure them.
  • Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  • Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven, cover it with foil, and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Carve the chicken and serve it with any juices that accumulate during the resting period.

References


Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic.

A Focused Insight into Thyme: Biological, Chemical, and Therapeutic Properties of an Indigenous Mediterranean Herb
Previous studies have illustrated the therapeutic effects of thyme and its essential oils, especially thymol and carvacrol, against various diseases. This is attributed to its multi-pharmacological properties that include, but are not limited to, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic actions. Moreover, thyme has long been known for its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic activities.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35631245/

Antimicrobial, food bacteria

Thymus vulgaris essential oil: chemical composition and antimicrobial activity.
Its antimicrobial activity was evaluated on 7 common food-related bacteria and fungus by using the disk diffusion method. The results demonstrate that the Thymus vulgaris essential oil tested possesses strong antimicrobial properties.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25870697/

Breast carcinoma

Anticancer Activities of Thymus vulgaris L. in Experimental Breast Carcinoma in Vivo and in Vitro.
T. vulgaris L. demonstrated significant chemopreventive and therapeutic activities against experimental breast carcinoma.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30970626/

Skin anti-aging

A new phytocosmetic preparation from Thymus vulgaris stimulates adipogenesis and controls skin aging process: In vitro studies and topical effects in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.
The phytocosmetic preparation containing Thymus vulgaris and lecithin is an innovative and safe topical anti-aging product promoting fat tissue augmentation by adipogenesis stimulation via the upregulation of PPAR-γ expression and adiponectin production.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33169920/

Cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagic, ferroptosis

Induction of Apoptosis, Autophagy and Ferroptosis by Thymus vulgaris and Arctium lappa Extract in Leukemia and Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines
T. vulgaris and A. lappa could be considered as potential herbal drug candidates, which arrest cancer cell proliferation by induction of apoptosis, autophagic, and ferroptosis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33138135/

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