The word "thyme" originates from the Greek meaning "to make a burnt offering." Ancient Greeks would often burn thyme as incense and used it for aromatherapy. According to folklore, a garden full of this wonderful herb will attract fairies.
Today people know thyme mostly as a culinary herb, used to flavor meat and vegetables. It enhances flavors, stimulates digestion and improves the appetite.
Thyme as a Homeopathic Remedy
Homeopathic remedies and natural cures also claim that thyme has many medicinal properties. Thymol, thyme’s main active ingredient, helps inhibit the growth of fungus and bacteria, making it an ideal component in liniments and other topical applications used in homeopathic and natural remedies for skin wounds and bacterial/fungus infections. Thyme also assists in relieving respiratory congestion, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough and sore throats.
Thyme is perfect for kitchen gardens and herb gardens alike. This aromatic herb can be used to flavor meats and vegetables in either fresh or dried states. The antispasmodic properties of thyme have a calming effect on the intestinal muscles and prevent gas. Adding Rosemary and other similar herbs will increase this effect use.
Thyme possesses potent antimicrobial properties and a muscle relaxant effect. Homeopathic remedies claim this herb assists in thinning mucus in the lungs making it easier to expel. These properties make thyme a wonderful natural remedy for respiratory conditions, such as colds and the flu.
Natural Remedies Using Thyme
Below are several homeopathic remedies, natural cures and natural remedies that use the holistic properties of the thyme to assist in digestion and prevent gas, relax muscles, thin mucus and act as an expectorant, relieve sore throats and tonsillitis, stimulate the senses and relieve symptoms of upper respiratory conditions.
- Infuse up to one teaspoon dried thyme leaves or two teaspoons fresh thyme leaves in boiling water to make an herbal tea; drink two to three cups of this organic tea per day to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
- Used as a gargle, thyme relieves sore throats and tonsillitis.
- Infuse up to one teaspoon dried thyme leaves or two teaspoons fresh leaves in boiling water to make an herbal tea; allow this infusion to cool and use as a gargle three to four times per day.
- Aromatherapy suggests the use of thyme essential oil be used for a invigorating massage, waking up the senses and fully energizing the person receiving the massage.
- Another thyme aromatherapy technique is to add a handful of fresh leaves to a warm bath. This will stimulate your senses and detox the skin.
- Use thyme in combination with other essential oils to make an eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning product and disinfectant spray.
- Homeopathic remedies and aromatherapy suggest using thyme essential oil in an oil diffuser in a sick room for its antibacterial qualities and soothing aroma.
Using natural herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, and natural cures is like using any other medication. Discus plans with a medical doctor and be sure to inform him/her of any prescription drugs that are currently being taken to eliminate the possibility of drug interactions. Pregnant women should avoid thyme essential oils.
Sources:
Wall, Carly, Naturally Healing Herbs; New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 1960
Meyer, Eric, Mother Nature M.D. - Protect Your Health and Cure Disease with Hundreds of Healing Foods and herbs; Paramus: Prentice Hall Press, 2001
Cunningham, Scott, Magical Aromatherapy: The Power of Scent; St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 2004
Katrina Rief-Derrico - Katrina has over 19 years experience in the housing industry and is forever the student. Holistic health and wellness is her passion.
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