The thyme
Use of thyme in medicine
Thyme is a spice plant that has also been used as a medicinal plant for several millennia and is found in southern Europe. The proportions used are essential oils and parts of the sprouts, which can be consumed as tea, for example, poured hot water over them. Thymain is also used as an infusion or tincture.
The effect of thyme is particularly evident in the case of colds through an expectorant and thus stimulating effect on sputum. It also has an anti-inflammatory and growth-inhibiting effect on bacteria, viruses and fungi. In part, an antidepressant effect has been described. The taste of the thyme is bitter and sharp.
The indication
The indications for the intake of thyme or essential oils obtained from thyme are diverse and result from its mode of action. In general, the symptoms of every cough can be tried to be reduced by using thyme. Regardless of whether the cough is dry, i.e. with mucus that is difficult to dissolve, or damp, there is usually a higher sputum and thus a relief of the symptoms. A bacterial cause can also be treated better thanks to the antibacterial effect. This means that the treatment of inflammation of the throat or tonsils is also possible.
If thyme is absorbed into the digestive tract through the mouth, it also unfolds its effect here. The antibacterial and antifungal (anti-fungus) effect can lead to an improvement in the symptoms of acute inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. For example, the duration and intensity of diarrhea is reduced.
Because of its antispasmodic effect, stomach pain is also an indication for taking Tyhmian. The sharpness of the thyme means that a general cold also serves as an indication for thyme. In addition, the local blood circulation can be increased by applying it to the skin. This can be used for various superficial injuries to accelerate healing. All in all, due to the many effects of thyme, there are many indications for its use.
You might also be interested in this article: The home remedies for a cold.
Thyme against respiratory diseases
Thyme has a good effect on respiratory diseases. The antispasmodic effect promotes relaxation of the muscles of the airways and the throat, which generally improves breathing. In addition, the mucus loosens more easily, which improves breathing and reduces coughing over time.
The anti-inflammatory effects also have a positive effect. In this way, the symptoms of every cold, but also every bacterial inflammation and other chronic diseases can be treated.
Also read the article: The inflammation in the throat.
Thyme oil against skin diseases
The effect of thyme oil on skin diseases is based on its antibacterial and antifungal (against fungi) effect. This makes it more difficult for all, but above all for pathogenic germs or pathogenic fungi, to colonize or multiply on the skin. Various simpler skin diseases such as acne or the colonization with yeast can thus be treated.
To do this, you simply apply a tincture or oil made of thyme to the skin repeatedly and let it take effect for a while. You can also take a bath that contains thyme essential oils. Warts or poorly healing wounds are also so easy to take care of.
Find out more about the topic: Eczema of the skin.
The effect
The effect of the thyme is triggered by various ingredients. In addition to essential oils, there are also flavanoids, tannic acids or bitter substances in the plant, each of which can develop its own effects. The oils have a positive effect on the mucus. It loosens through them and can therefore be coughed up more easily. This is particularly beneficial if you have a persistent, dry cough.
The thymol in thyme works by interacting with the muscles in the throat. When used, thymol relaxes the muscles and widens the airways. Various other ingredients are responsible for its antibacterial and antifungal (against fungi) effect, in which the structures of the bacteria or fungi are attacked.
The slight spiciness of the thyme can also stimulate blood circulation. As with any sharp substance such as ointments, after application to the skin, increased microcirculation creates heat, which promotes healing in the case of minor injuries.
The side effect
In addition to positive effects, thyme can also have a number of other undesirable effects. However, these are rare and usually only occur in special groups of people. However, if there are side effects, they can sometimes be serious and require medical treatment. After being absorbed into the body, an allergic reaction can occur. However, affected people usually know beforehand whether they are allergic to thyme. Therefore, there are usually no serious symptoms. In rare cases, however, death can occur.
Furthermore, thymain can lead to tension in the muscles, which, for example, narrows the glottis so much that shortness of breath occurs. This is more common in children than adults. These symptoms are also rare. Long-term use of thyme can also irritate the stomach.
Since it is not known whether thyme has a negative effect on the development of the child during pregnancy, you should therefore handle it carefully and usually avoid it. If in doubt, you should also stop taking prophylactically. If you are unsure, the responsible family doctor can be asked for advice. Thyme can also stimulate the muscles of the uterus, which can lead to premature birth or miscarriage.
Find out all about the topic: The pregnancy.
Interaction with other drugs
For the time being, there are no known interactions between thyme and other drugs. However, one should make sure that the intake of thyme should not be taken with the intake of drugs that relieve the cough, as they have exactly the opposite effect and thus become ineffective.
The application forms
The forms of application of thyme are very diverse and depend in part on the desired effect to be achieved. In addition to the essential oils, there are also ointments, tinctures, already mixed solutions or syrups. The essential oils can, for example, be used to inhale with saline solution and thus have a direct effect on the respiratory tract. They can also be added to the infusion in the sauna.
Doused with hot water, you can enjoy a tea made from thyme. Ointments are applied locally to the skin and develop their effect in the superficial layer. Tinctures or syrup can be packaged in capsules, swallowed and thus unfold their effect in the gastrointestinal tract. Depending on the desired effect, you should choose the application form specifically.
The thyme oil
Thyme oil, or the essential oils of thyme, are obtained directly from the thyme through a multi-stage process. Since only a small percentage of the thyme oil is contained in thyme, a large amount of the plant is required for its extraction. Thyme oil is very popular because it is very versatile and has a good effect in practice.
The essential oils can, for example, be used to inhale with saline solution and thus have a direct effect on the respiratory tract. They can also be added to the infusion in the sauna.
This article might also interest you: Naturopathy for a cold.
The dosage
The dosage of thyme varies widely and needs to be changed from person to person. The dose depends, among other things, on the weight, sex of the person to be treated and the form of application. In general, a heavier person needs a higher dose than a lighter one.
Since natural products sometimes do not have a constant amount of active ingredient in the preparations, additional attention must be paid here. Since this is all very complex, it is best to ask your doctor or specialist.
The price
The price of medical products that contain thyme can vary greatly. The price of these products depends, among other things, on how the active ingredient was processed or how and in what quantity it is present. The cheapest products are available from around two euros. The most expensive products are in the range of around 30 euros, but are then also available in larger quantities.
The alternatives to thyme
As an alternative to thyme, in contrast to natural products such as thyme preparations, conventional medicine with its medicines can be considered. However, some of these are not based on natural active ingredients and can show other mechanisms and side effects. In case of doubt, each person should decide for themselves which type of therapy is most suitable for them.
