The wild thyme is native to the larger parts of Europe where the land is dry. The wild thyme is rare compared to the common thymes and is hence farmed extensively. Normally, wild thyme is found growing up to a certain altitude on the Alps, on high plateaus, in valleys, alongside trenches, roads, on rocks and also in infertile and dry soil. Wild thyme may also be found growing in moisture-laden clay soil that is improvised of chalk. Wild thymes can also be found in old rocky, deserted grounds, dried-up grass turfs and also on open lands. Particularly in England, wild thymes grow normally on moorlands and rocky terrains. Wild thyme is frequently cultivated as garden borders, in rock gardens or on the sunlit banks of rivulets and streams.
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Uses
Like most of the other medicinal herbs, wild thyme too has numerous benefits and is useful in healing a number of problems. Wild thyme extracts may be taken in both as syrups and infusion. Normally wild thyme syrup or infusions are used to heal sore throats, flu and colds, whooping cough, coughs, bronchitis, and chest infections. As wild thyme contains decongestant properties, it is very useful in shrinking swollen nasal tissues, sinusitis, and clogging of the ear as well as all other associated problems. Many herbal practitioners use wild thyme to throw out roundworms and threadworms from the children’s body and in infants it is also used to heal gas and colic. Wild thyme is antispasmodic and helps in relieving pains occurring from cramps and spasms. A paste prepared from wild thyme may be applied externally as a poultice or soft, moist mass on the skin to provide heat and moisture. This is largely beneficial in healing mastitis, a swelling of the breast, while an infusion prepared from the wild thyme is applied as a wash to treat wounds, cuts, and ulcers. It may be noted here that wild thyme also finds extensive use in pillows and herbal baths.
Benefits
Thyme to lower blood pressure
Thymus linearis Benth. is a species of thyme found in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
A study found that an extract was able to significantly reduce heart rate in rats with high blood pressure, and it was also able to lower their cholesterol.
One sure way to use thyme to help lower your heart rate is to substitute it for salt in your foods.
Thyme to stop coughing
Thyme essential oil, which is obtained from its leaves, is often used as a natural cough remedy. In one study, a combination of thyme and ivy leaves helped to alleviate coughing and other symptoms of acute bronchitis.
Next time you’re faced with a cough or sore throat, try drinking some thyme tea.
Thyme to boost your immunity
Getting all the vitamins your body needs every day can be challenging. Luckily, thyme is packed with vitamin C and is also a good source of vitamin A. If you feel a cold coming on, thyme can help get you back in good health.
Another health benefit of thyme: It’s a good source of copper, fiber, iron, and manganese.
Thyme to disinfect
Mold is a common yet potentially dangerous air pollutant that can lurk in your home. Once you identify it, take the necessary steps to get rid of it once and for all. Thyme oil may be the answer for low mold concentrations.
Essential oil of thyme and thymol hold many fungicidal properties. Research suggests that it can be used as a disinfectant in dwellings where there is a low concentration of mold.
Thyme to get rid of pests
Thymol is also an ingredient in many pesticides — both outdoor and indoor — and is commonly used to target bacteria and viruses, as well as rats, mice, and other animal pests.
A recent study shows that thyme extract can repel mosquitoes, but growing it in your garden isn’t enough. In order to get the best pest fighting results, rub thyme leaves between your hands to release the essential oil.
You can also make homemade repellant by mixing four drops of thyme oil to every teaspoon of olive oil, or mixing five drops for every 2 ounces of water.
Thyme to boost your mood
Thyme essential oil is often used for aromatic and therapeutic purposes because of its active substance carvacrol.
In a 2013 study, carvacrol was shown to affect neuron activity in ways that boosted the subjects’ feelings of well-being.
So if you use thyme or thyme oil regularly, it might have a positive effect on your feelings and mood.
Cautions
No side effects.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
- Creeping Thyme
- Mother-of-thyme
- Wild Thyme
References
Healthline, http://www.healthline.com/health/health-benefits-of-thyme#4
Herbs2000, http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_wild_thyme.htm