Thymus vulgaris

Thyme is my most favourite herb I pull from the garden when I am cooking and one of the main herbs we use in our Cough & Cold Syrup, which is a favourite family remedy. It has many medicinal properties: antibacterial, antiviral, strongly antifungal, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, expectorant, decongestant, tonic and antibiotic. It is used for breathing difficulties and for any kind of imbalance in the respiratory system.   It acts as a bronchodilator and as an anti-inflammatory agent and is used to support in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, pneumonia, and the common cold. In addition it has been shown to open the sinuses, where its warming and drying properties help to clear the congestion.

Information on the traditional uses and properties of herbs are provided on this site for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs.

I spent some time a couple of years ago having a daily cup of Thyme tea as part of a course I was doing where I spent some time thinking about time - what it means to me, and my relationship with it.   It gave me time to stop and reflect on my life, what I spend my time on, what I create, and observing what I may be manifesting unconsciously in my day. I was also able to look at when time felt spacious or when it felt constricting.  I realised there were many things I could let go of that were taking up precious time that I would prefer to spend elsewhere and was able to let them go creating more space in my day.   I encourage you to try it. It's not only enlightening but quite relaxing and as an added bonus drinking Thyme daily might just keep that cold or flu away.

For the respiratory system:  Drink as a tea, or when cooled as a gargle.  Add some honey to help expel mucus.   As it is drying, it's often better used with a productive cough rather than a dry one.

Because of its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties it makes a useful wash for a wound.  You can do this by either making a tincture or a tea (and wait to cool) before dabbing on.  There is also some research being undertaken to show how well Thyme tincture works as an anti-acne agent.

As it is an antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial it is great at preventing bacteria from growing.  So try using in a footbath to treat fungal infections of the feet.