Thyme - Thymus vulgaris (in the Lamiaceae or Mint family)
Part used: Leaves and flowers.
Taste/smell: Aromatic.
Tendencies: Warming, drying.
Dosage: Infusion: 1 teaspoon per cup of water; or 1:1.5 fresh + dry strength liquid extract: 10-30 drops 1-4 times per day.
Mental picture and specific indications: Thyme is indicated for spasmodic conditions of the respiratory and urinary tract with infectious symptoms.
Use: (a) Expectorant, (b) Spasmolytic, (c) Bronchodilator, (d) Carminative, (e) Antioxidant, (f) Antibacterial with in vitro activity against Staph aureus, (g) Antifungal, (h) Diuretic, (i) Vermifuge.
Thyme is specific for whooping cough, bronchitis and other respiratory tract conditions. It can be used both internally and externally on the chest. Additionally thyme is beneficial for urinary tract infections.
Contraindications: An overdose of the essential oil can cause abdominal pain and temporary collapse and should not be used internally except under the guidance of a qualified health care practitioner. It is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the emmenagogue effect.
Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.
Used with permission of author.
