In today’s news, we hear a lot about ginger, turmeric, and nootropics, but “simpler” herbs like thyme can unfortunately be overlooked. This is a massive shame because thyme has many excellent benefits that traditional medicine and practices have taken advantage of for centuries.
Fortunately, modern science has been catching up and revealing some incredible findings about this potent herb. Let’s dive into thyme's must-know health benefits and how you can use it to support your health!
Supports Optimal Lung Health
Traditionally, thyme has been used as a natural cough remedy.
One double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that a combination of thyme and ivy reduced symptoms in patients struggling with cough and acute bronchitis. The placebo group had a smaller reduction in coughing, which reinforced thyme’s use as a natural cough remedy. Researchers also noted that this treatment was well-tolerated.
A 2018 study found that an herbal medicine combining thyme herb and primula root extracts was clinically effective in decreasing coughing fits and other bronchitis symptoms.
Are you interested in trying thyme to support your lungs? Here are a few of our favorite thyme herbal remedies:
- Clear Head Capsules: Our Clear Head Capsules are curated to support those experiencing a runny nose and watery eyes from allergies, but they’re also supportive for those needing an aid to encourage less coughing. The eyebright herbs, nettle, echinacea, thyme, and other spices are potent herbs that promote lessened coughing and allergy symptoms and may protect and reinforce your lungs.*
- Lung Clear Capsules: Fenugreek and thyme come together in these capsules as two of the most powerful herbs used traditionally for lung support and as an expectorant, meaning they may help when you’re struggling with a cough, cold, or phlegm.*
- Red Thyme Essential Oil: Red Thyme Essential Oil has many incredible benefits, ranging from purported antiviral and antibacterial benefits to action against infectious illnesses like coughs and sore throats and even support during indigestion.* Always heavily dilute this essential oil in a carrier oil before application or use it in an aromatherapy diffuser.
May Support Overall Health, Balanced Blood Pressure Levels, and Weight Maintenance
Another traditional use of thyme is to treat hypertension or high blood pressure, and I’m excited to share that modern research backs this use up in many cases.
A 2014 study on hypertensive rats evaluated how thyme extract impacted health. Researchers found that thyme reduced heart rate, blood pressure, and LDL, sometimes called “the bad cholesterol.” In contrast, thyme increased HDL, also known as the “good cholesterol.”
Another possible benefit of thyme is weight management, which can further balance blood pressure levels. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, obesity contributes to 65% to 78% of primary hypertension cases. A 2023 study found that thyme extract may alleviate high-fat diet-induced obesity and support a healthier gut. After eight weeks of thyme administration, thyme was shown to reduce weight gain and body fat percentage and enhance the intestinal barrier function.
Here are just a couple of our favorite thyme remedies:
- Gout Go Out Capsules: Thyme’s encouraging properties for the health of the stomach, nervous system, and blood pressure make this capsule formula a superb choice for those looking to support healthy digestion and balance in the body.*
- Gout Go Out Tea: This savory tea contains thyme, nettles, red clover, celery, and other supportive herbs that are known for helping to encourage healthy kidney and liver function, balance the body chemically, and support digestive processes. It may even regulate the nervous system, so it’s an all-around superstar tea that many find valuable for supporting improved health and greater balance.*
- White Thyme Essential Oil: Try diffusing a small amount of this relaxing, powerful scent with Lemon and/or Geranium to encourage a calmer mind and body and promote lower blood pressure.* This essential oil is quite powerful and you should always add this pure essential oil to a carrier oil or lotion before applying directly onto the skin. Use thyme oil sparingly.
Encourages Better Mood and Energy
Whether you’re having an off day or have been in a slump, thyme has long been used to encourage better mood and energy levels. Emotionally, thyme is known to help stimulate and strengthen the mind and emotions.
One of thyme’s active ingredients is carvacrol, which may help with inflammation and circulation, but studies have shown alternative benefits that I’d like to highlight.
Researchers found that carvacrol increased dopamine and serotonin levels after seven consecutive days of use. The study concluded that if carvacrol (found in thyme and oregano) is regularly ingested in small amounts, it may improve overall mood and feelings of well-being.
In addition, thyme is rich in minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients, which may support your overall health, improving energy and mood in the process.
Here are a few of our best thyme remedies for promoting a more relaxed, balanced mood and improved energy:
- White Thyme Essential Oil: We love diffusing this intense, fresh, and earthy essential oil with Lemon and Eucalyptus in our home whenever we need a pick-me-up. Some even inhale white thyme to ease tension headaches, which can definitely put a damper on your mood and energy levels!
- Thyme Leaf Whole: Movement and homecooked meals help many of us on our off days, so why not throw some thyme into your next culinary masterpiece? It’s versatile and aromatic, making it fantastic in stews, marinades, vegetables, stuffing, and cheese dishes. Thyme adds warmth and earthiness to each meal, giving your food a truly unique taste that’ll have you coming back for more. (If you prefer ground spices, try our Thyme Leaf Ground).
You can even make a special tea using fresh thyme. Learn how in our previous article on thyme here. This tea is splendid for anyone recovering from a cold or looking to support their overall health.
Thanks for reading!
Well Wishes,
Herbalist Natalie
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Natalie Hajdu-Voakes is a consulting herbalist and the owner of The Herb Stop, with over 28 years of hands-on experience in crafting herbal remedies and promoting natural wellness. |