Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is used for respiratory infections in the form of a tincture, syrup or by steam inhalation. A tea made by infusing the herb in water can be used for cough and bronchitis.
The essential oil of common thyme herb is made up of 20-55% of thymol, an antiseptic, the main ingredient in Listerine mouthwash; before modern antibiotics, it was used to medicate bandages. It has also been shown to be effective against the fungus that commonly infects toenails. Its aromatic oil contains two chemicals. Thymol and carvacrol which both account for its medicinal value. They also have expectorant properties and maybe useful as digestive aids. It is excellent for nervous disorders, headaches, and a certain remedy for nightmares and as a noble strengthener of the lungs. It is also as an excellent remedy for shortness of breath, purging the body of phlegm, comforting the stomach and expel wind.
Chemicals and Nutrients
Borneol, cavacrol, fluorine, gum, essential oils, tannins, thiamine, thyme oil, thymol, triterpenic acids, vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc.
