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Name
Thyme
Botanical
Name
Thymus vulgaris
Thymus capitatus (European Thyme; European Oregano; Spanish Oregano;
Spanish Thyme)
Thymus mastichina (Spanish Marjoram)
Family
All species of Thyme
belong to the Mint (Labiatae) family.
Parts
Used
Leaves and flowering tops
.
Description
Thyme is a perennial low
aromatic shrub with much-branched woody stems The herb contains at least
0.5% phenols, calculated as thymol based on the dried herb. Common thyme
(Thymus vulgaris ) and Spanish thyme (T. zygis ) are used
interchangeably for medicinal purposes.
Overview
and Mythology.
Crude dried or fresh herb may be
brewed as tea or extracted into an alcohol macerate. The red or white
thyme oil is manufactured commercially for use in cough drops,
mouthwashes, liniment, toothpaste, detergent, and perfume. Because white
thyme oil is a distilled red thyme oil product, red thyme oil is
generally preferred
Thyme was known to classic Rome; it was added to cheeses and alcoholic
beverages. In the seventeenth century, herbalist Nicholas Culpepper
wrote that thyme teas and infusions were useful for whooping cough,
shortness of breath, gout, and mild stomach pains. He suggested that a
thyme ointment be used to eliminate abscesses and warts. Thyme oil was
part of an herbal cigarette that was smoked to relieve stomach upset,
headache, and fatigue. Thyme essence was used in perfumes and embalming
oils Oil of Thyme was used during World War I to treat infection
and to help relieve pain. On
Midsummer Night's Eve, fairies are said to dance on beds of Thyme.
Thyme's
common name may be derived from a Greek word thymon meaning to
fumigate, because the Greeks used thyme as incense. It may also have
come from the Greek word thumus , meaning courage. In medieval
times, thyme was regarded as a plant that could impart courage and
vigor, and women often embroidered a sprig of thyme on gifts for their
favorite knight and soldiers bathed in it.
The
species name serpyllum for Wild Thyme may be due to the plant's creeping
snakelike appearance and in reference to the ancient treatment of
snakebites and the bites of poisonous sea creatures with Thyme. The
plant was burned in ancient Roman times to deter scorpions.
Distribution
Thyme is cultivated throughout
the world for culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes, the
manufacture of perfume, and for red and white thyme oil
Energetics.
Pungent, Bitter, Warm, Dry
Constituents.
Essential oil containing the phenols:
Borneol, Carvacrol, Cymol,
Eugenol, Linalool, Pinene, Thymol. Types of Monoterpene,
which inhibit the growth of Detrimental Microorganisms such as
Detrimental Bacteria, Detrimental Fungi and Viruses (impart
antihelminthetic and anti microbial properties.).
Bitter
Principle,
Tannin,
Flavonoids
Apigenin, Luteolin, Thymonin, Cirsilineol, And
8-Methoxycirsilineol In
vitro experiments found that the flavonoids thymonin, cirsilineol,
and 8-methoxy-cirsilineol may be responsible for the bronchospasmolytic
effect of thyme
Saponins,
Triterpenic Acids - Oleanolic acid, Ursolic Acid.
Caffeic Acid, Rosmaric Acid, (demonstrated inhibitory properties
in reduction of edema, inhibition of passive curtaneous anaphylaxis)
Labiatic acid.
Terpinen
Glycosides of phenolic monoterpenoids;
Inic acids
Dosage
Recommendations
Internal Applications.
Tea, Tincture, Capsules
Infusion: 1–2 g of herb for 1
cup of tea, several times daily as needed.
Unless otherwise prescribed:
Cut herb, powder, liquid extract, or dry extract for infusions and other
galenical preparations. Liquid and solid medicinal forms for internal
and external application. Note: Combinations with other herbs that have
expectorant action could be appropriate.
Medicinal
Actions
Antibacterial, Anthelmintic, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antitussive,
Aromatic, Astringent, Bronchoantispasmodic,
Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant,
Immune Stimulant, Rejuvenative, Rubefacient, Sedative, Stimulant, Tonic,
Vermifuge, Vulnerary.
Internal
Uses
Alcoholism, Appetite Loss, Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Colds, Colic,
Cough, Depression, Diarrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Flu,
Gastritis, Hangovers, Hay Fever, Headache, Herpes, heartburn,
Hysteria, Indigestion, Laryngitis, Pleurisy, Shingles, Sinusitis,
Sore Throat, Stomachache, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, Whooping Cough
(Pertussis), Worms
Thymus serpyllum is more stimulating and has a greater effect on reducing
spasms and can be used for period pain.
Small amounts are a sedative whereas larger amounts are a
stimulant. It is used
against hookworm, roundworms, and threadworms.
Thyme warms and stimulates the lungs, expels mucus and relieves
congestion. It also helps deter bacterial, fungal and viral infections.
Both thymol and carvacrol have a relaxing effect upon the
gastrointestinal tract's smooth muscles.
Health Benefits of Thyme
Respiratory
System
Thyme loosens the congestion and Mucous associated with Bronchitis.
Thyme alleviates Coughs
Thyme assists the treatment of Emphysema.
Thyme loosens Mucous (i.e. it functions as an expectorant).
External
Medicinal Use
Increases blood flow to an area.
Gargle and mouthwash for bad breath dental decay, laryngitis, mouth
sores, plaque formation, sore throat, thrush, tonsillitis.
Compress for lung congestion such as asthma, bronchitis, colds and flu.
Poultice for wounds, mastitis, insect bites and stings
Wash for fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm, and use
against parasites such as crabs, lice and scabies.
Douche for Candida.
Compress for bruises.
Use as an eyewash for sore eyes and as a hair rinse for dandruff.
Use a salve on acne, blemishes, burns and wounds.
Use as a bath herb for sore muscles, arthritis, and colds
Essential oil is added to soaps and antidepressant inhalations
Added to massage oils for sore muscles, rheumatism and sciatica.
applied directly to warts. .
External
Applications.
Compress: 5% infusion for
compresses.
Contra
indications and side effect
None
known
As an ingredient in
toothpaste, thyme oil has been blamed for cases of inflamed lips and
tongue reported in the toothpaste users. Signs of toxicity escalate from
nausea to respiratory arrest. For these reasons, the herb is preferred
to the oil.
Use
During Pregnancy And Lactation.
Not recommended
during pregnancy. No restrictions known during lactation
Interactions
with Other Drugs.
None known
Doctrine
of signatures
The overall picture of a thyme bush is said to resemble
that of an inverted chest. This is somewhat difficult to spot unless you
imagine an upside down chest with the spine as the main stem of the
plant.
The
pleasant odour gives s clue—most aromatic plants have
antiseptic, germicidal and antibiotic principles
Astrology.
Thyme
is a herb of Taurus and is influenced by Venus.It has an affiliation
with Mars and tends to bring out Martian traits.
Chakra
Influences the 2nd, 3rd and 4th chakras.
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