Botanical Overview
Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as Garden thyme or simply Thyme, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Lamiaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean region, this aromatic plant is widely cultivated for its culinary and medicinal uses. The parts used traditionally include the leaves, flowers, and aerial parts.
Energetics
Thyme is considered warming and drying in nature, with bitter and pungent tastes. It has ascending and outward directionality and is tonifying, primarily affecting the Qi aspect in herbal energetics.
Primary Actions
- Antimicrobial
- Expectorant
- Antispasmodic
- Carminative
- Antioxidant
Indications
Western
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Respiratory congestion
- Common cold
- Sore throat
Syndromes
- Respiratory tract infections
- Digestive discomfort
- Muscle spasms
- Mild bronchial asthma
TCM
- Cough
- Phlegm retention
- Chest tightness
Syndromes
- Lung Qi deficiency
- Cold accumulation in the lungs
Ayurveda
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Digestive disorders
Syndromes
- Kapha imbalance
- Vata disorders
Unani
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Flatulence
Syndromes
- Suleehat (respiratory inflammations)
- Imtela-e-Riyah (flatulence)
Constituents & Mechanisms
Thyme contains essential oils rich in thymol and carvacrol, flavonoids, tannins, and rosmarinic acid, which contribute to its antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and antioxidant activities.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 2-4 g dried herb 1-3 times daily
- Tincture: 1:5 (40% ethanol) 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily
- Essential oil: diluted for topical use or inhalation in aromatherapy
Safety & Contraindications
Thyme is generally safe at culinary doses and commonly recommended herbal doses. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. High doses may cause gastrointestinal irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Avoid use in those allergic to the Lamiaceae family. Potential interactions include anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, and hypoglycemics.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers identified for Thymus vulgaris.
Selected References
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) Herbal Monograph: Thymus vulgaris L., herba
- Plants For A Future (PFAF) Database: Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: Thyme
- PubMed – Zheng et al., Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Thymus vulgaris, 2012