Thyme has inspired poetic praise from Virgil to Kipling, who wrote of “wind-bit thyme that smells of dawn in Paradise.” Its fragrance is particulary strong on the warm, sunny hillsides of Mediterranean lands. To the Greeks, thyme denoted graceful elegance: “to smell of thyme” was an expression of stylish praise. After bathing, the Greeks would include oil of thyme in their massage.

Thyme’s main medicinal role is in treating coughs (including whooping cough) and clearing congestion. It makes an excellent gargle or mouthwash for sore throats and infected gums. Many pharmaceutical gargles, cough drops, mouthwashes, and vapor rubs contain thyme’s constituent thymol, which destroys bacteria, some fungus, and the shingles virus (herpes zoster). Participants in a study who rinse twice daily with Listerine™, containing thymol (with eucalyptol and menthol), found they developed 34% less gum inflammation and new plaque formatjion.

Thyme improves digestion, relaxing smooth muscels. It reduces the prostaglandins responsible for many menstrual cramps. Thyme also helps destroy intestinal parasites (especially hookworms and roundworms). Used externally for infected wounds. Soothing sedative action on nerves. Expectorant, reduces spasms. Induces perspiration to break fever and aid in beginning of colds. Strenghtens lungs. Good for headache. Used for uterine problems. Will help bring on delayed or suppressed menstruation. Eases difficult or painful menstruation. Good for stomach weakness and cramps, indigestion, gas, inflammation of colon, bowel problems, diarrhea. Gentle astringent for child diarrhea and bed wetting.

Dosage—10 to 30 drops of extract 3 times per day.

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water on 2 tsp of the dried herb and let infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 times a day

Tincture: take 2-4ml 3 times a day

Combinations:

Asthmatic problems: lobelia and ephedra by adding its anti-microbial effect

Whooping cough: wild cherry and sundew

Properties:

Very healing and antiseptic, eliminates infections. Anti-spasmodic. Stimulant and relaxant, regulates system as needed.