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Thyme Herb - Uses And Side Effects

Thyme deserves a place in all gardens. Its foliage is attractive, the long-lasting flowers are very pretty and it is a compact easy-care plant. On top of that it is one of the most useful herbs for the kitchen.

Active components (mainly thymol) come from the dried leaves and flowering tops of Thymus vulgaris, a member of the mint family (Labiatae). A native of Southern Europe, thyme is now grown the world over from Africa to Russia.

People have used thyme to treat various diseases for centuries. The herb is a common food flavoring and seasoning agent and is found in toothpastes and mouthwashes. Products containing thyme are sold under such names as Autussan "T," Olbas, Pertussin, and Pertussin N.

Common doses of Thyme

Thyme comes as:-

• extract (12% to 14%)
• ointment (1 % to 2% thymol)
• tea
• essential oil.

• As an ointment, apply topically for itchy skin as needed.
• As cough syrup, 1 teaspoon taken orally every 2 hours as needed.
• As an essential oil, 5 to 10 drops in water taken orally two or three times daily.
• As a tea, 1.5 to 2 grams of dried herb taken orally three times daily.

Uses of Thyme herb

As a part of the word of pharmacopoeia, thyme has been used as a food preservative due to its antioxidant properties. Its principal oil, thymol , has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Specifically, thyme may help to :-

• Cough
• Fungal infections
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Intestinal gas
• Painful menstruation

Culinary Uses

Thyme has a strong piquant or lemony flavor. For fresh use, the flavor is best just before flowering.

• Enhance the flavor of meat, fish and poultry dishes with thyme.
• For chicken and fish marinades, bruise fresh sprigs of thyme and tarragon, and combine with red-wine vinegar and olive oil.
• Use in herb butters and cottage cheese.

Side effects of Thyme

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of thyme:

• cracked, inflamed lips
• skin inflammation
• diarrhea
• slow breathing
• dizziness
• slow pulse
• tongue irritation (from toothpaste)
• muscle weakness.
• nausea
• vomiting

Thyme can cause allergic reactions when used as a flavoring agent. Symptoms include itching and swelling of the lips and tongue, difficulty swallowing or speaking, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking.

Important points to remember

• Don't use thyme if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Don't use skin preparations containing thyme if you are allergic to grasses and other plants or have sensitive skin.
• Don't use thyme if you suffer from stomach irritation or other digestive problems.
• Avoid thyme if you have heart trouble.

What the research shows

Although thyme preparations have been used for centuries to treat diseases, little scientific evidence supports these claims. Thymol, a thyme component, may hold promise as an antiseptic in dental products, but more studies are needed.