Thyme – properties, uses, and contraindications

Thyme – properties, uses, and contraindications
Natalia Goździak

Natalia Goździak

Publication: 2024-10-30

Thyme is an herb commonly used as a flavorful spice, known for its rich content of valuable compounds. This makes it a versatile plant that may have a wide range of effects on the human body. Thyme has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, may support digestive processes, and exhibit expectorant effects. What does thyme look like? What are its benefits? How should thyme be used? Is thyme safe, and are there any side effects?

Thyme - characteristics

Common thyme, also known as Thymus vulgaris or simply thyme, is a plant from the mint family native to the western Mediterranean region. It can be found in Spain, southern France, and parts of southern Italy. Wild thyme is also present in Greece, Turkey, and Morocco, while cultivation takes place in Europe, Asia Minor, and the United States.

History of thyme

Thyme has been known and widely used for thousands of years. The name of the herb comes from the Greek word thymon, meaning "courage," which also translates to "to disinfect," reflecting thyme's antibacterial properties.

In ancient Egypt, thyme oil was used during mummification, and the herb was also burned as incense. Roman soldiers bathed in thyme infusions to gain strength and improve physical performance. During the Middle Ages, thyme flowers, along with lavender, were scattered in churches to neutralize unpleasant odors.

Hundreds of years ago, thyme was also used to treat symptoms associated with lung diseases. Saint Hildegard of Bingen recommended thyme as a warming and drying agent.

What does thyme look like?

Thyme is an evergreen shrub that can reach about 30 cm in height. It has sprawling, branched stems with a thin taproot and small, opposite leaves that are oval in shape. Thyme has tiny, pink flowers arranged in cluster-like inflorescences. The plant blooms from June to July and bears fruit in late summer, with small, round, capsule-like seeds covered by a persistent calyx.

Thyme - nutrients and chemical composition

Thyme’s wide array of uses is linked to its rich chemical composition. The plant is packed with essential nutrients and beneficial compounds.

Thyme contains vitamins A and C, B vitamins, and important minerals such as magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. Additionally, about 2.5% of thyme consists of essential oils, which contain compounds like thymol, carvacrol, cineole, linalool, and borneol. Thyme is also a source of tannins, phenolic acids such as rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and triterpene compounds.

Thyme - properties. What does thyme do?

The compounds found in thyme influence its effects on the human body. With over 200 active substances, thyme has a wide-ranging impact on human health.

The essential oils in thyme contain antiseptic and antibacterial compounds that can also have antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties. As a result, thyme can support the elimination of harmful microorganisms. Some studies suggest that thyme extracts may inhibit the activity of Helicobacter pylori and help combat the common cold and herpes simplex. Furthermore, thyme may act on antibiotic-resistant strains of staphylococci and enterococci. This makes thyme useful for treating colds and flu, as well as inflammatory conditions of the mouth, skin, and throat.

Thyme is commonly used as an expectorant and cough suppressant. Its drying properties make it effective for treating productive coughs with excess mucus. The compounds in thyme can stimulate mucus secretion in the bronchi, liquefy mucus in the airways, and facilitate the movement of ciliary epithelium, aiding in expectoration. This makes thyme infusions helpful for bronchitis, both acute and chronic upper respiratory infections, as well as whooping cough and rhinitis.

Thyme also stimulates gastric juice production and can have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. It is known for its choleretic properties, which help improve digestion and nutrient absorption. Infusions made from thyme can be beneficial for indigestion, gastritis, and food poisoning.

Due to its warming effects, compresses with thyme can be helpful for muscle and joint pain. Its antibacterial properties also make thyme a popular remedy for acne, as it can prevent the formation of pustules and positively affect seborrheic dermatitis.

Thyme’s rich vitamin and mineral content supports the immune system, boosting the body’s natural defenses. Additionally, some studies suggest that carvacrol in thyme may affect neuronal activity, promoting relaxation and reducing tension, which makes thyme useful for calming the nervous system.

Thyme - uses

Due to its beneficial properties and rich content of desired compounds, thyme has a wide range of uses.

It is commonly used as a remedy for various health conditions, which is why thyme extract can be found in lozenges, syrups, and expectorant drops. Thyme infusions are used for mouth rinses, and its essential oils are applied externally for nerve and muscle pain relief. The plant can also be used for skin treatments, especially for acne, and in aromatherapy and inhalations, particularly for sinus infections, to ease breathing.

In the kitchen, thyme is widely used as a flavorful herb in dishes. Historical records show that the ancient Romans used thyme to enhance the taste of alcoholic drinks and cheeses. Today, thyme is added to meat dishes, broths, sauces, and fish, but it also pairs well with vegetables and pasta. In Mediterranean countries, it is commonly used as an addition to salads. Thyme is often included in spice blends, such as those with rosemary, bay leaves, or marjoram. Its culinary use not only enhances flavor but can also help preserve food, support digestion, and improve the bioavailability of nutrients.

Additionally, thyme is used in the cosmetic industry as an ingredient in deodorants, perfumes, soaps, toothpaste, and mouthwashes. It can also be found in creams and ointments with antiseptic properties. The thyme compound thymol is used as a repellent to ward off insects and pests.

Thyme - contraindications and side effects

Thyme is generally considered a safe herb when used in moderate amounts and should not cause adverse effects. However, side effects may occur in individuals who are allergic to any of the compounds in thyme. In such cases, allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, rashes, or swelling of the face or mouth may be observed. Occasionally, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain may also occur.

While thyme is a safe dietary ingredient, excessive amounts of its essential oils can be toxic. For example, an overload of thymol in the body can disrupt the respiratory, circulatory, or nervous systems. Therefore, it's essential to use thyme in moderation.

Bibliography:

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27994215/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32917001/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29785774/
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35631245/
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29771598/
Natalia Goździak

Natalia Goździak

Master of dietetics, specialist in dietoprophylaxis and dietotherapy

Copywriter and nutritionist Graduated from the University of Physical Education in Poznan with a bachelor's degree in sports dietetics, and from UP in Poznan with a master's degree in dietoprophylaxis and dietotherapy. She treats principles of healthy eating, however, first and foremost as valuable tips, and not as strict rules to be strictly followed Privately a photography enthusiast who cannot imagine life without books

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