Thyme is one of the most powerful plants for ailments of the respiratory and digestive systems.
It can be used medicinally in the form of tea, tincture, capsules, essential oil, or even as an ointment for pain.
Thyme: A Hot Remedy for Conditions Marked by Coldness or Stagnation
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is very aromatic and has a warm energy. Herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt includes it in the category of warming and drying plants.
This type of plant helps with conditions marked by coldness or stagnation, such as those that cause a thick whitish coating on the tongue and white mucus stored in the lungs.
Thyme and Infections
The more aromatic a plant is, the stronger its medicinal effects. Thyme has an intense flavor, which indicates its rich content of essential oils.
These possess remarkable antimicrobial properties. It is no wonder that thyme is used in numerous types of infections.
From oral infections, painful or inflamed gums, to throat pain, thyme can be used as a mouthwash, gargle, or tea.
Herbalist Stephen Buhner writes about thyme in his book on natural antibiotics. He cites studies showing that thyme inhibits the mechanisms that make bacterial cells resistant to antibiotics.
Thyme essential oil prevents the growth of various pathogens, such as Candida, staphylococci, E. coli, or nosocomial infections.
Thyme and Colds
Thyme has an affinity for the upper respiratory system. It has been used for colds, flu, and respiratory infections for thousands of years. People have turned to it even during epidemics of contagious infectious diseases.
Dioscorides wrote in his time that thyme taken with vinegar and salt eliminates phlegm through the intestines. Thyme is useful in acute bronchitis. It accelerates the healing process by about 2 days. Combined with ivy or evening primrose, it yields better results.
The next time you feel sinus or lung congestion, or if you feel cold, make yourself a cup of thyme tea.
Thyme and Digestion
Like other culinary aromatic plants, thyme supports digestion. It can be added to various dishes.
To stimulate very stagnant or slow digestion, thyme can be administered in the form of tincture or capsules. It reduces bloating, flatulence, and indigestion.
It calms digestive spasms and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Thyme and Pain
Few know that thyme can be used as an analgesic for certain types of pain. Herbalist Maude Grieve recommends it for joint pain. It increases vasodilation, warms, and nourishes the area to which it is applied.
In this way, it helps to alleviate pain. Various herbalists recommend thyme for menstrual cramps or painful menstruation, in the form of tea or thyme pillows.
Herbalist Nicholas Culpepper considers thyme beneficial for gout pain, sciatica, or general pain caused by cold.
It brings much relief for shoulder pain, joint pain, or back pain. It can be added to baths.
Contraindications
Thyme is contraindicated in medicinal doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
