All About Thyme
Thyme is a common herb that has been used for bronchial afflictions, and to improve oral health. It has demonstrated in multiple studies to have strong antiseptic and antimicrobial potential.
Fun Fact
Thymol, well researched as an antiseptic and the key constituent of thyme essential oil, is an active ingredient in many commercial mouthwash products.
Thyme Research
Over 120 research articles have been catalogued on thyme. It has been most heavily researches as an antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal. Human studies have shown potential for the herb in oral hygiene, to reduce a cough, to potentially reduce asthma symptoms, and for alopecia. It has also demonstrated the following actions in vitro and in vivo: antioxidant, preservative, analgesic, antispasmotic, insecticidal, antiparasitic, cholesterol lowering, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, It may also be a digestive aid, wound healing, and help with osteoporosis. More research is needed. Click the button below for a detailed review of research.
Thyme Blog Articles
Thyme Herb and Essential Oil
Latin Name: Thymus vulgaris
Family: Lamiaceae
Other Names
- Other common names: red thyme, white thyme, farigoule, farigoulette, frigoule, pote, serpolet, tomillo, van ajwayan, vanya yavani
- Other Latin names: T. zygis, T. capitatus, T.serphyllum, T. broussonetii, and T. satureioides
- The wild type of thyme is Thymus serphylum.
- Thymus vulgaris is common or red thyme.
- Thymus zygis is Spanish thyme
- Thymus mastichina is also called Spanish marjoram and T. capitatus is also called Spanish oregano.
- There are over 150 species of thyme with wide chemovariation.
Plant Description
Thyme is a woody shrub perennial, with with tiny green or green-blue leaves and pink flowers. Many varieties exist; plant in full sun, with well drained but sufficiently watered soil. This plant can also be grown indoors in full sun
Herb Description
Leaves are prepared fresh or dried. Hang gently rinsed bundles upside down to dry. For making a tea, steep 1 Tbsp of dried herb, or 2 Tbsp of fresh herb in 2 cups of boiled water for five minutes. Strain and drink.
Essential Oil Description
Oil is steam distilled from the leaves and tops. It has a strong aroma similar to oregano. White thyme is sweeter and less sharp than red thyme.
There are many chemovarieties of thyme. Review GS/MS report before use.
Key Constituents
- NOTE: There are many chemo-variations of thyme!
- Thymol
- Carvacrol
- Cymene / Paracymene
- Terpinene / Terpineol (alpha, beta, or gamma) / Terpinen-4-ol / Terpinolene
- Caryophyllene / Beta-Caryophyllene / Alpha-Caryophyllene / Humulene / Alpha-Humulene
- Linalool
- Pinene / Alpha Pinene / Delta Pinene / Beta Pinene
