History and Origin
Thyme has been used as both food and medicine in ancient times. It was believed in Ancient Greek that thyme is a source of power and courage (Thumus). The word “Thumus” in Greek means “courage”. It is told that thyme was widespread in Europe thanks to Romans who used it for cleaning their rooms and aromatizing their drinks. They also believed that adding thyme to water gives energy to it. This plant has been used as food and disinfectant for centuries.
Thyme Health Benefits
1. Improving Digestive System Function
Based on what Sherli and Len Price, experts of medicinal plants, have mentioned in their book named “Aromatherapy for professionals”, the volatile oils in thyme make it an anti-flatulent plant. It is helpful to treat indigestion and diarrhea. its phenols allow it to work as an antispasmodic, helping to relieve intestinal cramping.
2. Calming Anxiety and Stress
A study in 2016 has shown that thyme extract decreases anxiety in laboratory rats. Researchers have believed that anxiety is increased since reactive oxygen spices level and oxidative-stress are increased. Based on a study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Thymol and Carvacrol of thyme decrease anxiety by lowering oxidative stress.
In another study investigating the effects of Thymol on decrease of anxiety published in the Journal of Acute Disease, findings have shown that using Thymol (one of the main components of thyme) results in anxiety decrease in rats. Researchers have suggested that GABA receptors cause relaxation.
3. Regulating Blood Cholesterol Levels
In a study published in the International Journal of Life Science, the effect of thyme essence on rat’s biochemical factors such as (triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, ALT, AST, and total protein) has been studied. This study has shown that consumption of thyme essence decreases the cholesterol level in rats. Its effect on LDL and Trig factors is dose-depended, since LDL ratio in the higher thyme (400mg/kg) increased significantly meanwhile in the lower essence (200mg/kg) it wasn't significant. For this reason it can be said that thyme in 200mg/kg dose had antioxidant activity. Further-more the Trig level in the higher essence (400mg/kg) decreased significantly but in the lower dose showed a relative increment. Researchers have considered that the phenolic compounds are responsible for the positive effect of thyme on cholesterol.
4. Regulating Blood Pressure
Based on a study on hypertensive rats published in the Journal of Medical Plants Research, extract of thyme can decrease blood pressure. Mechanism of this effect is still unknown but it may be associated to the direct effect of this plant on the smooth muscles. Moreover, researchers have concluded that thyme prevents dilation in vessels in response to rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (a hormonal system regulating blood pressure) so it decreases systolic blood pressure.
5. Anti-cancer
In a study published in Anticancer Research Journal, the toxicity effect of thyme essential oil on squamous cells of oral cavity carcinoma has been studied. In this study, the toxicity of thyme essential oil on UMSCC1 cell line (human’s head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)) has been studied. Results have shown that the thyme essential oil inhibits human HNSCC cell growth. Based on pharmacological approaches, there are new perspectives about anticancer activity of thyme molecular state.
6. Relieving Menstrual Pain
A study published in the Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine in 2014, the effect of thyme extract and Ibuprofen tablets on decreasing primary dysmenorrhea has been studied, showing that both treatments are effective on pain relief. Thyme extract has the same effect of Ibuprofen medicine in pain relief.
What Are Thyme Side Effects?
1. Bleeding disorders:Thyme might slow blood clotting. Taking thyme might increase your risk of bleeding, especially if used in large amounts.
2. Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer: Thyme might act like estrogen in the body. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen such as breast cancer, don't use thyme.
3. Surgery: Thyme might slow blood clotting, so there is some concern that it might increase the risk of extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using thyme at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
4. Allergy to oregano and similar plants: People who are allergic to oregano or other Lamiaceae species might also be allergic to thyme.
Generally, every person may be allergic to certain herbs and spices. This sensitivity must be first diagnosed by the person and secondarily by the physician. However, these allergic reactions do not cause chronic or acute side effects, and after identifying the allergenic plant and removing it from the diet, allergy-related complications will be eliminated. No company or product can be aware of the allergic reactions of different bodies in advance. The body's incompatibility with one or more specific herbs rarely occurs, but consumers may encounter it anyway.
Thyme Daily Dosage
To prepare a tea, use 1.5 to 2 gm with boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, then strain. The tea can be taken several times a day as needed. one teaspoonful is equivalent to 1.4 gm of herb.
Bioactive Compounds
The active compound of thyme is volatile oil, which contains the major component thymol and less amounts of carvacrol, 1, 8-cineole, methyl ether and alpha-pinene. However, the flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, thymonin) and polyphenolic acids (labiatic, rosmarinic and caffeic acids) have a role in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of thyme.
Best Time to Consume
1-2 hours before or after meals.
Possible Drug Interactions
1. Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs): Thyme might slow blood clotting. Taking thyme along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin and warfarin (Coumadin).
2. Thyroid Replacement Therapy, Anti-Thyroid Agents: An extract of Thymus serpyllum, a related species to Thymus vulgaris, has been shown to exert anti-thyrotropic effects in rats, causing decline in thyroid stimulating hormone and prolactin.18Therefore, in theory, thyme may decrease levels of thyroid hormone, although this has not been systematically studied or demonstrated in humans.
Traditional Use
Thyme relieves respiratory system’s pain, having a positive effect on mucus clearance. It has an antibacterial effect and is useful for treatment of cough and bronchitis. The studies have shown that thyme helps treat asthma, laryngitis, chronic gastritis, and indigestion.
Some Questions about Thyme
Is thyme good for cough and sore throat?
Thyme is approved for cough and bronchitis by the German regulatory agency of medicinal supplements, Commission E.
Is thyme good for lungs?
Thyme has antispasmodic, expectorant, and antibacterial properties. In animal experiments, the flavone fraction had a spasmolytic effect, while the terpenes had an expectorant effect on ciliary activity.
How do you use thyme for a sore throat? / How to make thyme tea for cough?
To prepare a tea, pour boiling water over 1.5 to 2 gm dried leaves (1 teabag), steep for 10 minutes, then strain. (1 teaspoonful is equivalent to 1.4 gm of the herb)
To prepare an infusion, add 1 to 2 gm of the leaves (1 teabag) to 150 ml of water.
Is thyme an antiviral tea?
Tyme and mint are herbs containing high caffeic acid concentrations. In 2022, Germany researchers observed potent antiviral activity of both thyme and mint infusions against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) in Vero E6 and Caco-2 cells.
According to the researchers, herbal teas based on perilla, mint, thyme, or sage may either be able to prophylactically reduce infections and/or offer therapeutic benefits when administered concomitantly with the standard treatment.
Note: potential side effects of herbal tea consumption such as allergic reactions and causing of toxicity to the fetus during pregnancy must be considered.
How do you take thyme for high blood pressure?
The aqueous extract (decoction) of T. vulgaris can help reduce blood pressure and aorta injury in hypertensive individuals.
For thyme decoction, mix 1 gm powdered leaves (1 Teabag) with 100 ml of water (1 Teabag/150ml). Boil for 30 minutes and then strain.
Is thyme tea good for the heart?
Thyme is full of minerals that are crucial for your health. Its leaves are rich in potassium and manganese as well as iron, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and selenium. Potassium, an important component in cells and body fluids controls heart rate and blood pressure.
What are the side effects of drinking thyme tea? / Who should not drink thyme tea?
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. People who are allergic to oregano or other Lamiaceae species might also be allergic to thyme.
Before drinking thyme tea, consult your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
During pregnancy and breast-feeding, before a scheduled surgery, as well as those suffering from bleeding disorders, thyroid disease, and hormone-sensitive condition (such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer).
Is fresh thyme good for pregnancy? / Does thyme tea help induce labor?
There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking thyme if you are pregnant. It seems that eating thyme in small quantities (amounts commonly found in food) is safe during pregnancy.
Can you drink thyme tea every day?
Yes. The single dose for the infusion is 1.5 gm of the leaves, taken several times a day. The tea can be taken several times a day as needed.
Is thyme good for detox? Can you use thyme for cleansing?
Here’s a specialized English translation of the provided text:
- Improving Stomach Function and Relieving Constipation: Traditional medicine has used thyme to improve stomach function and relieve constipation. Research indicates that thyme helps alleviate constipation and accelerate gastric emptying. Compounds like rosmarinic acid, quinic acid, luteolin-7-o-glucoside, protocatechuic acid, and trans-cinnamic acid are responsible for these effects.
- 2. Improving Liver Function: Elevated levels of liver enzymes like ALT, AST, and ALP in the blood may indicate liver issues. Studies have shown that thyme helps keep these enzyme levels in balance and prevents liver tissue alterations.
- 3. Improving Kidney Function: Increased levels of uric acid and creatinine in the blood can indicate improper kidney function. Research has demonstrated that thyme not only improves kidney tissue damage but also significantly reduces blood urea and creatinine levels.
- 4. Natural Detoxifier: Alcohol abuse has numerous harmful effects on the body, particularly on the liver and brain. Thyme has detoxifying and antioxidant properties and can help to improve harmful changes in liver and brain tissues.
Therefore, we recommend its use to prevent alcohol toxicity.
