Garden Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Native to the Mediterranean region of Europe but cultivated in many part of the world, Thyme is a perennial member of the Mint family commonly used as a culinary herb (Erol et al., 2014; Vetvicka & Vetvickova, 2016). Ancient Sumerian and Egyptian cultures used Thyme to embalm the dead and for its medicinal properties; the Romans flavored cheese and alcoholic beverages with it, and burned it to ward off dangerous animals (Halmai, 1972). In modern times, Thyme has been used to treat bronchitis, laryngitis, whooping cough, sore throat, colds, pneumonia, asthma, diarrhea, gastritis, headache, ringworm, athlete’s foot, scabies, herpes, and wounds (Akram & Rashid, 2017). Some of these diverse used may be related to reports documenting Thyme’s antimicrobial activity (Sienkiewicz, Łysakowska, Denys, & Kowalczyk, 2012).
Historical Use
Historical information on the use of Thyme is included in Nicolas Culpepper’s book The English Physician and Complete Herbal written in 1652. Thyme has been used to strengthen the lungs, to purge the body of phlegm, as a remedy for shortness of breath, and to kill worms in the belly. It was applied as an ointment to remove “hot swellings” and warts, and to ease pains in the spleen, the loins, and hips. Ingested, Thyme would provide comfort to the stomach and promote flatulence.
Latest Research
- Validation of the traditional antimicrobial use of the Iranian medicinal plant Thymus daenensis Celak through phytochemical characterization of its bioactive constituentsby Marzieh Rahmani Samani on May 27, 2024 at 10:00 am
Thymus daenensis Celak (Lamiaceae family), known as denaian thyme, is an Iranian endemic plant, commonly used for its carminative, expectorant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Previous studies report the chemical profile of the essential oil of T. daenensis aerial parts, but little is known about its non volatile constituents. Herein, phytochemical and biological investigation of the polar extract of T. daenensis aerial parts to provide further insight into traditional use of this plant…
- Comparative phytochemical study of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Thymus linearis and their antibacterial and antioxidant potentialby Hafiz Amir Nadeem on January 9, 2024 at 11:00 am
Thymus linearis (Thyme) is a medicinal plant widely distributed throughout Asia. Various parts of thyme are utilized for diverse medicinal purposes, including its use as a tonic and diuretic, for cough relief, as a flavoring agent, in treating dysentery, and for alleviating stomach disorders. Numerous studies have been conducted to explore the unexploited potential of thyme. Thyme was collected from the northern region of Pakistan, and sun-mediated extraction was conducted. Phytochemical…
- The effects of aromatherapy with thyme oil on disease symptoms, vital findings, and hemodynamic parameters in COVID-19 patientsby Uğur Öner on December 21, 2023 at 11:00 am
CONCLUSION: Thyme oil aromatherapy was effective in reducing symptoms, regulating vital signs and hemodynamic parameters. Accordingly, thyme oil is recommended as non-pharmacological treatment method in COVID-19 patients.
- Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils Combinations based on Thymus broussonnetii, and Their Synergism with some Antibioticsby Oumaima Amassmoud on November 1, 2023 at 10:00 am
The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the essential oil (EO) of Moroccan endemic Thymus broussonnetii alone, and in combination with EOs obtained from selected medicinal plants, namely Myrtus communis, Artemisia herba alba, Thymus pallidus, Thymus satureioides, Teucrium polium, and Rosmarinus officinalis. The synergistic interactions between the most effective combinations based on T. broussonnetii EO with two conventional antibiotics (streptomycin and ciprofloxacin)…
- On the Future Perspectives of Some Medicinal Plants within Lamiaceae Botanic Family Regarding Their Comprehensive Properties and Resistance against Biotic and Abiotic Stressesby Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei on May 27, 2023 at 10:00 am
Lamiaceae is one of the largest botanical families, encompassing over 6000 species that include a variety of aromatic and medicinal spices. The current study is focused on three plants within this botanical family: basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), and summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.). These three species contain primary and secondary metabolites such as phenolic and flavonoid compounds, fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential oils and have traditionally been used…
References
Akram, M., & Rashid, A. (2017). Anti-coagulant activity of plants: mini review. Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis, 44(3), 406-411. doi:10.1007/s11239-017-1546-5
Erol, S., Aydin, B., Dilli, D., Okumus, N., Zenciroglu, A., & Gunduz, M. (2014). An interesting newborn case of fructose 1-6 diphosphatase deficiency triggered after thyme juice ingestion. Clínica y Laboratorio, 60(1), 151-153. doi:10.7754/clin.lab.2013.130245
Halmai, J. (1972). Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) as employed for the ancient methods of embalming. Therapia Hungarica, 20(4), 162-165.
Sienkiewicz, M., Łysakowska, M., Denys, P., & Kowalczyk, E. (2012). The antimicrobial activity of thyme essential oil against multidrug resistant clinical bacterial strains. Microb Drug Resist, 18(2), 137-148. doi:10.1089/mdr.2011.0080
Vetvicka, V., & Vetvickova, J. (2016). Essential Oils from Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Chemical Composition and Biological Effects in Mouse Model. Journal of Medicinal Food, 19(12), 1180-1187. doi:10.1089/jmf.2016.0029
Other Links
Natural Medicines record for Thyme (access UI only)