Thyme

Other names: Thymus Vulgaris, Serpolet, Garden Thyme, Thymi Herba, Common Thyme

Ancient medicinal plant, considered by Egyptians to offer immunity to disease, Thyme has a pleasant, aromatic smell and is also used in food as a flavoring agent. Ancient Greece used Thyme in the diet of young warriors to increase their courage and self-esteem (Greek word “thymos” means courage). Studies performed show that Thyme is indeed a tonic for cerebral circulation, favoring attention and mental focus, while increasing the emotional control and immunity to stress. Able to heal respiratory and digestive disorders, Thyme has amazing therapeutic properties and can be found as powder, tea, tincture and volatile oil, sometimes in combination with other herbs.

Internal treatments with Thyme include: sore throat, colds and flu, laryngitis, pharyngitis, acute bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough and pneumonia. Digestive difficulties can also find relief through Thyme treatment, the herb being a remedy in colic, gastritis, upset stomach, diarrhea, intestinal gas and infections with parasitic worms. Thyme can also stimulate the appetite. 

Thyme oil with its powerful antibiotic and antifungal qualities treats kidney, urinary bladder and urethral conditions. The intake of 3 drops of volatile oil, 3-4 times a day for a period of 7 to 14 days has beneficial effects in renal and urinary infections.

The oil is also used in mouthwashes, as a germ-killer and together with chlorhexidine, prevents tooth decay. Some people use Thyme oil directly to the scalp, to treat baldness or to the ears, to fight infections.Thyme is also used in soaps, perfumes, cosmetics and toothpastes.