- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a perennial subshrub native to the Mediterranean and commercially cultivated in many European countries, as well as Morocco and the United States. Thyme is also collected wild from European countries, such as Albania and Bulgaria. Spanish thyme (Thymus zygis) is often used interchangeably with Thymus vulgaris for medicinal purposes.
- Thyme has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Beyond its common culinary application, it has been used for many indications, based upon proposed antimicrobial, antitussive, spasmolytic, and antioxidant activity. Thymol, one of the constituents of thyme, is contained in antiseptic mouthwashes, with limited supportive evidence for reductions in plaque formation, gingivitis, and caries.
- Traditional uses of thyme include coughs and upper respiratory congestion, and it continues to be one of the most commonly recommended herbs in Europe for these indications. The German Commission E (expert panel) has approved thyme for symptoms of bronchitis, whooping cough, and catarrh (inflammation of upper respiratory tract mucous membranes).
- Experts have recommended the use of thymol in treatment of actinomycosis (lumpy jaw disease), onycholysis (separation or loosening of a fingernail or toenail from its nail bed), and paronychia (inflammation of the tissue surrounding a fingernail or toenail), due to its antifungal properties.
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Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
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Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Anderson C, Lis-Balchin M, Kirk-Smith M. Evaluation of massage with essential oils on childhood atopic eczema. Phytother Res 2000; 14(6):452-6.
View Abstract - Aschhoff B. Retrospective study of Ukrain treatment in 203 patients with advanced- stage tumors. Drugs Exp Clin Res 2000;26(5-6):249-252.
View Abstract - Baca P, Munoz MJ, Bravo M, et al. Effectiveness of chlorhexidine-thymol varnish for caries reduction in permanent first molars of 6-7-year-old children: 24-month clinical trial. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2002;30(5):363-368.
View Abstract - Charles CH, Sharma NC, Galustians HJ, et al. Comparative efficacy of an antiseptic mouthrinse and an antiplaque/antigingivitis dentifrice. A six-month clinical trial. J Am Dent Assoc 2001;132(5):670-675.
View Abstract - Dapkevicius A, van Beek TA, Lelyveld GP, et al. Isolation and structure elucidation of radical scavengers from Thymus vulgaris leaves. J Nat Prod 2002;65(6):892-896.
View Abstract - Fine DH, Furgang D, Barnett ML. Comparative antimicrobial activities of antiseptic mouthrinses against isogenic planktonic and biofilm forms of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. J Clin Periodontol 2001;28(7):697-700.
View Abstract - Haukali G, Poulsen S. Effect of a varnish containing chlorhexidine and thymol (Cervitec) on approximal caries in 13- to 16-year-old schoolchildren in a low caries area. Caries Res 2003;37(3):185-189.
View Abstract - Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol 1998;134(11):1349-1352.
View Abstract - Knols G, Stal PC, Van Ree JW. Productive coughing complaints: Sirupus Thymi or Bromhexine? A double-blind randomized study. Huisarts en Wetenschap 1994;37:392-394.
- Miura K, Kikuzaki H, Nakatani N. Antioxidant activity of chemical components from sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) measured by the oil stability index method. J Agric Food Chem 2002;50(7):1845-1851.
View Abstract - Nostro A, Blanco AR, Cannatelli MA, et al. Susceptibility of methicillin-resistant staphylococci to oregano essential oil, carvacrol and thymol. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2004;230(2):191-195.
View Abstract - Shapiro S, Meier A, Guggenheim B. The antimicrobial activity of essential oils and essential oil components towards oral bacteria. Oral Microbiol Immunol 1994; 9(4):202-8.
View Abstract - Snow LA, Hovanec L, Brandt J. A controlled trial of aromatherapy for agitation in nursing home patients with dementia. J Altern Complement Med 2004; 10(3):431-7.
View Abstract - Westermeyer RR, Terpolilli RN. Cardiac asystole after mouthwash ingestion: a case report and review of the contents. Mil Med 2001;166(9):833-835.
View Abstract - Youdim KA, Deans SG. Effect of thyme oil and thymol dietary supplementation on the antioxidant status and fatty acid composition of the ageing rat brain. Br J Nutr 2000;83(1):87-93.
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