Actions:
Carminative, anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, astringent,
anthelmintic.
Indications:
With its high content of volatile oil, Thyme makes a good carminative for
use in dyspepsia and sluggish digestion. This oil is also a strongly antiseptic
substance, which explains many of Thyme's uses. It can be used externally
as a lotion for infected wounds,
but also internally for respiratory and digestive infections. It may be
use as a gargle in laryngitis
and tonsillitis, easing sore
throats and soothing irritable
coughs. It is an excellent cough remedy, producing expectoration and
reducing unnecessary spasm. It may be used in bronchitis,
whooping cough and asthma. As a gentle astringent it has found use in childhood
diarrhea and bed wetting.
Kings'
Dispensatory
describes it thus: "Thyme is tonic, carminative emmenagogue and
anti-spasmodic. The cold infusion is useful in dyspepsia,
with weak and irritable stomach and as a stimulating tonic in convalescence
from exhausting diseases. The warm infusion is beneficial in hysteria,
dysmenorrhea, flatulence,
colic, headache, and to promote perspiration. Occasionally the leaves have
been used externally, in fomentation. The oil is valuable as a local
application to neuralgic and rheumatic
pains; and, internally, to fulfill any of the indications for which
the plant is used. Dose of the infusion, from 1 to 3 fluid ounces; of the
oil, from 2 to 10 drops on sugar, or in emulsion. Thyme, skullcap and rue
of each 2 ounces; peony and black cohosh, of each, 1 ounce; macerated for
14 days in diluted alcohol, and then filtered, forms a good preparation
for nervous and spasmodic diseases of children. It may be given in
teaspoonful doses to a child 3 years old, repeating it 3 or 4 times a day,
sweetening and diluting it, if desired. A strong infusion of the Thymusserpyllus,
slightly sweetened and mixed with gum Arabic, is stated by M. Joset to be
a valuable remedy for whooping-cough,
convulsive and catarrhal coughs
and stridulous sore throat, the
favorable result occurring at the end of a very few days. It may be taken
ad libitum."
Combinations:
For asthmatic problems it will combine well with Lobelia and Ephedra,
adding its anti-microbial effect. For whooping cough use it with Wild
Cherry and Sundew.
Preparations & Dosage:
Under the guidance of your herbalist, and infusion may be used by pouring
a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and left to
infuse for l0 minutes. This might be drunk three times a day. Or tincture
might be recommended at a dose of 2-4ml three times a day.
