They have culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses, and the species most commonly cultivated and used for culinary purposes is thymus vulgaris. Common thyme has a very long history of folk use for a wide range of ailments. It is in leaf all year, in flower from june to august. Thyme is an aromatic medicinal plant of increasing economic importance in europe, asia, north africa and. Prospective evaluation of potential toxicity of repeated doses of thymus vulgaris l. Thyme thymus vulgaris medicinal herb is a plant that was grown in monasteries during the middle ages as a remedy for cough and cold medicine, for intestinal parasites and as a digestive aid. It is in leaf all year, in flower from july to august. The leaves of plant contain methylchaylcol, linalol, eugenol, thymol and xanthamicrol. Some research shows that taking thyme by mouth, alone or in combination with other herbs, reduces coughing in people with bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, or common colds. Thymus vulgaris tv or thyme is considered as a famous species of the genus thymus family lamiaceae, which represents one of the distinguishable plants in many parts of the world, especially throughout the mediterranean area, north africa, asia and europe.
Review of ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological. Thyme has long been used as a home remedy for cough, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. It quite possibly refers to overuse of the essential oil. Growing to 1530 cm 612 in tall by 40 cm 16 in wide, it is a bushy, woodybased evergreen subshrub with small, highly aromatic, greygreen leaves and. Has 692 biological activities, 34 ethnobotanical uses. Thyme thymus vulgaris is best known for its ability to fight infections associated with the respiratory system and skin. The potential gastrointestinal health benefits of thymus. Thymus vulgaris is an evergreen shrub growing to 0. List of selected chemical constituents in thymus vulgaris.
Cultivars the genus thymus has about 215 species and numerous hybrids as well. Different extraction methods and antioxidant properties of. The juice extracted from fresh leaves is folk medicine to treat respiratory disorders, fever, ear pain etc. There are 200 to 400 species of thyme, including numerous cultivars, which results in confusion in proper identification. Based on article 16d1, article 16f and article 16h of directive 200183ec traditional use herbal substances binomial scientific name of the plant, including plant part.
It has been confirmed by who that herbal medicines serve the health needs of about 80percent of the. Since then, it has been adapted to many different climates around the world. Aromatic common thyme thymus vulgaris proven winners. Medicinal and functional values of thyme thymus vulgaris.
Identification and traditional uses of some common medicinal. Other economic uses of medicinal plants include supplying fruits and. Put 5 grams of the dried leaf per 100ml to infuse its benefits. Recently, its range has been widely been extended to the iberian peninsula, with most of the species being endemic. It only gets about 12 inches tall, with some varieties only a few inches high, and works well as a border plant for herb, vegetable and flower gardens. It is very rich in essential oils and these are the active ingredients responsible for most of the medicinal properties. Medicinal plants for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Other varieties are more potent, and their use should be reserved for qualified herbalists with experience in using them. Thymus x citriodorus lemon thyme, creeping lemon thyme.
Study of the effect of extract of thymus vulgaris on anxiety. Linalool thymus vulgaris ct linalool country of origin. The medicinal uses of urtia dioica stinging nettle range. Lamiaceae is a medicinal plant belonging to the lamiaceae family. Oil constituents of thymus vulgaris the use of thyme oil is documented for medicinal purposes since 1589. The application of thymus vulgaris in traditional and. Medicinal plants are those plants that are used parts, extract etc in treating and preventing specific ailments and diseases that affect human beings. It surely has a part in history because it dates way back to 2750 bc. Eucalyptus camaldulensis is one of those plants that possess these phytochemicals and claimed to possess medicinal activities on various ailments. It is considered one of the most eminent herbs based on its history, aromatic and medicinal properties.
Benefits and medicinal uses of thyme thymus vulgaris. Its properties are due to its main components, thymol and carvacrol. Other economic uses of medicinal plants include supplying. Among different species of thymus, thymus vulgaris l. Phytochemicalsare active secondary plant metabolites responsible for most of the claimed medicinal activities of plants. Medicinal plants are a source of traditional medicine. From many decades, the essential oil of thymus vulgaris been published in pharmacopoeias and standard text books of phytotherapy martindale, 1972. These plants are a reliable source for preparation. Thyme is a mediterranean herb with dietary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. Ethnobotanic and medicinal importance 3 shelter belts and other ethnobotanic purpose in medium term.
Thymus vulgaris is a flowering plant of the family lamiaceae commonly known as thyme, native to southern europe, and has a worldwide distribution hosseinzadeh et al. Medicinal plants contain combinations of several chemical compounds having multiple biological activities. Thymus species, english thyme, common garden thyme, winter. The genus thymus are important medicinal plants, highly recommended due to a variety of therapeutic properties of their essential oils, normally known as thyme oil. Growing to 1530 cm 612 in tall by 40 cm 16 in wide, it is a bushy, woodybased evergreen subshrub with small, highly. Aug 12, 2018 medicinal plant sweet basil ocimum basilicum sweet basil is a common medicinal herb and used in treatment of various diseases from time immemorial. Thymus vulgaris common thyme, garden thyme, wild thyme. Thymus vulgaris common thyme, german thyme, garden thyme or just thyme is a species of flowering plant in the mint family lamiaceae, native to southern europe from the western mediterranean to southern italy. Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric illnesses. Medicinal plants have played an essential role in the development of human culture. Thyme is believed by practitioners of aromatherapy to exert anxiolytic anxietyreducing effects, a property supported by a 2014 study.
Youll be happy if you take time to grow thyme in your garden this. An overview on medicinal importance of thymus vulgaris article pdf available in asian journal of scientific research 310. Medicinal plants have a long history of use and have been shown to possess low side effects. Used for thousands of years to loosen phlegm in chest infections and ease bronchitis, sore throats, coughs, croup, whooping cough, acute bronchitis, laryngitis, and asthma. Phenolic characterization and antimicrobial activity of folk medicinal plant extracts for their applications in olive production. It is often accompanied by autonomic symptoms, such as headache, perspiration, palpitations, tightness in the chest, and mild stomach discomfort. Overview information thymus extract is a chemical that can be manmade or produced from the glands of cows. Do know, though, that the health benefits of thyme are very real. The effect of thymus vulgaris essential oil teo and its isolated constituents thymol and cavacrol cvl were studied in the following experimental models. Thymus vulgaris is a species of flowering plant in the mint family lamiacea. All essential oils, since they are so concentrated, can be harmful in large doses. Medicinal plants have become the subject of recent extensive studies in terms of conservation and whether their traditional uses are supported by actual pharmacological effects or simply based on folklore.
Fresh thyme has the highest level of antioxidants among all herbs. Thyme has been thought of to be antiseptic, antimicrobial, medication, astringent, anthelmintic. Onosma baractiatum, mentha logifolia, foeniculum vulgare, plantago ovata are already known for their uses in. Thymus vulgaris common thyme, garden thyme, wild thyme pfaf. The flowers, leaves, and oil of thyme have been used to treat a range of symptoms and complaints. Volatile phenolic oil of thyme has been reported amongst the top. Wild thyme contains all the medicinal properties of the more commonly used garden thyme t. Thymol, 1 of the principal constituents of this oil, is used in perfumes, food flavorings, mouthwashes, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, and in feed additives and pesticides. Ingesting stinging nettles for medicinal uses could cause side effects in some individuals and should be done with caution and under the supervision of a. A comment has been made in one report on medicinal uses that the plant should be used with caution. Thymes are relatives of the oregano genus origanum. On mar 21, 2004, docaly from albuquerque, nm wrote. Thyme is incredibly useful in cases of assorted intestinal infections and infestations, like hookworms. The garden thyme is an improved cultivated form of the wild thyme of the mountains of spain and other european countries bordering on the mediterranean, flourishing also in asia minor, algeria and tunis, and is a near relation to our own wild thyme thymus serpyllum, which has broader leaves the margins not reflexed as in the garden thyme and a weaker odour.
Journal of herbal pharmacotherapy volume 4, 2004 issue 1. There are a few studies that are ongoing, but the evidence for most of. It is an incredibly potent yet simple herbal remedy that affects multiple systems. Effects of thymol and carvacrol, constituents of thymus. Introduction there is significant interest in the use of natural ingredients as. Thymus is a widely used medicinal plant in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Information on period of medicinal use in the community. Thyme is an easytogrow herb that is attractive in the garden and useful in the home. Study of the effect of extract of thymus vulgaris on. Hundreds of years ago, monasteries, or those knowledgeable of medicines, understood the medicinal properties of thyme and incorporated thyme in their breads and soup. Kuete, in medicinal spices and vegetables from africa, 2017. Emperors in ancient rome would eat thyme before or after meals, because it was thought that thyme protected against poison. Medicinal and functional values of thyme thymus vulgaris l. It is native to europe and the mediterranean basin and adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions stahlbiskup and saez, 2002. I like to use this plant as a fillin between pavers along a walkway, planted 2 plants sidebyside.
The potential gastrointestinal health benefits of thymus vulgaris. Taking thyme oil, in combination with evening primrose oil, fish oils, and vitamin e. Primary benefits provides powerful antioxidant benefits when used internally take internally to support a healthy immune system naturally repels insects thyme thymus vulgaris 15 ml part number. The effect of thymus vulgaris essential oil teo and its isolated constituents thymol and cavacrol cvl were studied in the following experimental. The plant is indigenous to the mediterranean and neighboring countries, northern africa, and parts of asia.
To explore the characteristics, medicinal uses and prescribing considerations of this herb in more detail, check out the references indicat. For a nice calming tea, use about 12 grams of the dried herb in about half a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes to infuse its benefits into the water. Thymus serpyllum, known by the common names of breckland thyme, breckland wild thyme, wild thyme, creeping thyme, or elfin thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family lamiaceae, native to most of europe and north africa. Apr 05, 2012 thyme is a small herb with big impact.
This research is on the identification and traditional uses of some medicinal. Thyme is a powerful antiseptic and expectorant, and some research has found that it is also an excellent painrelieving herb. Twelve accessions originating from southern france and the variety. The first colonists brought it to north america where it was used as. This is a subreddit for the discussion, identification, habitats, preparations, uses and lore of plants and fungi, both common and rare. The plant can be used fresh at any time of the year, or it can be harvested as it comes into flower and either be distilled for the oil or dried for later use. Uses, side effects, interactions, dosage, and warning.
Antioxidative properties of thymus vulgaris leaves. Review on thymus vulgaris traditional uses and pharmacological. In particular, thyme is valued for its antiseptic and antioxidant. The thymus gland plays a role in the immune system. Aug 08, 2015 aside from its potential poison fighting uses, thyme has been a popular ingredient in foods for thousands of years. An essential oil distilled from the leaves is used in the treatment of stressrelated conditions, though it. The use of urtica dioica to treat conditions or diseases is an ancient practice but should be done with caution. Pdf an overview on medicinal importance of thymus vulgaris. When brushed against, the plant releases its delightful fragrance. Thymus extract is said to boost the immune system and help with allergies, but there isnt much evidence. Thymus vulgaris medicinal uses answers on healthtap. Among different species of thymus, thymus vulgaris is used more than other species in therapeutic dosage forms. Proven winners aromatic common thyme thymus vulgaris white plant details, information and resources. Thymus x citriodorus is an evergreen shrub growing to 0.
There are about four hundred different species of this magnificent plant. Hence the important role of medicinal plants in health care delivery services cannot be over emphasized. Its aerial parts are most frequently used in ethnomedicine mainly for treating illnesses and problems related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, although recently its essential oils are becoming more popular as an important plantderived product. Selection of articles published between 2007 and march 20. English fresh, summer, german winter, narrowleafed french, greek gray, broad leaf english and garden thyme, mother of thyme. In africa, the plant has been cultivated in egypt, morocco, algeria, tunisia, libya stahlbiskup and.