Thymus vulgaris / Thyme: Natural Herbal Treatment for Respiratory Disease
In the distant past, thyme was a popular traditional remedy for all kinds of respiratory system disorders. The well-known herbalist and author Nicholas Culpepper noted the following in his book,
Thyme…“It is a notable strengthener of the lungs, as notable a one as grows; neither is there scarce a better remedy growing for that disease in children which they commonly call the Chin-Cough, than it is. It purgeth the body of phlegm, and is an excellent remedy for the shortness of breath”
Thyme can be taken as a tea or in a tincture form. This plant is able to help clear mucus from the nasal passages and airways, and may also be able to help relax airways, thus allowing for easier breathing and relief from the symptoms of some serious lung problems like COPD. It is an antispasmodic, expectorant, and antiseptic plant and is considered to have antioxidant properties. The thyme plant may be a valuable remedy for:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- Acute bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Laryngitis
- Whooping cough
- Asthma
- Spasmodic coughs
In the treatment of acute bronchitis, one German study on a group of 7,783 patients administered a treatment using thyme extract and primula root (Primula veris). The remedy proved to be more effective than the synthetic drugs used on patients in the control group (researchers noted that the remedy tended to be more effective in adults). There were little to no reported side effects, with only 1% of the test group reporting gastrointestinal symptoms that soon passed.
Thyme is generally used in teas when it is used to treat respiratory conditions. Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in one cup of hot water and let steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink this tea 3-4 times per day. If you choose to take a tincture, take 20-40 drops (equivalent to 1-2ml) of tincture in water up to three times per day.
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Though thyme essential oil is available, it should be avoided for internal use for the treatment of lung disorders since it can be irritating to the mucous membranes when it is inhaled. Tea or tincture of thyme is better than using thyme essential oil for the treatment of lung diseases and disorders. Note that Thymus vulgaris is only used externally as a bath to as an herbal remedy for asthma in children. It likely works as a treatment due to its iodine content. The cure for asthma in children and adults is Lugol's iodine plus supportive nutrients (to ensure that the iodine is properly assimilated by the body). Click here to read more about iodine as a cure for asthma in babies, children, and adults. Nonetheless, thyme is a suitable herbal remedy for asthma along with other anti-asthma herbs like Althea officinalis that also contain iodine if you live in an area of the world where Lugol's iodine 2% is not available.
The AlivenHealthy Iodine Bible - Everything you need to know to get started taking iodine and more!
In Rudolf Fritz Weiss’s 1988 book, “Herbal Medicine”, a remedy that uses chamomile flowers, thyme, and marjoram is recommended for the treatment of coughs. Weiss advises to fill a bowl with hot water and then to put a handful of each of these herbs into the bowl. Then, the patient is supposed to place their head over the bowl and cover their head and bowl with a towel to allow them to breath in the vapors of these herbs.
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Resources:
• Foster, Steven (2000). Herbs for Health: Thyme. Retrieved April 15, 2022 from: https://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/HERBS-for-HEALTH-Thyme-and-again/
• Kiefer, Dale (2018). Herbs and Supplements for COPD (Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema). Retrieved April 14, 2022 from: https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/herbs-supplements
