Herbal Healing: Thyme For An Herbal Remedy

Since we are so familiar with thyme's many culinary uses, we often overlook the medicinal herbal qualities that thyme offers. These qualities range from antibiotic/antiseptic to fungicidal and treatments for digestive issues as well as bronchitis, dry and wet cough and other throat and mouth infections or irritations. It can also be produced in different forms to support health and treat the body. 

Thyme is a perennial plant that comes in over 100 different varieties. It can be found along the western Mediterranean or in regions with a similar climate, blooming between May and August. It is an herb that continues to grow very well during droughts?. Thyme is a woody, fibrous root that consists of many round, hard, branched stems that usually grow to between 4 and 8 inches high. Its leaves are small, narrow and elliptical, and its tiny, fragrant flowers are pale purple in color. The plant has a favorable aromatic scent and a warm pungent taste, largely responsible for it's culinary versatility. The fragrance of its leaves is due to an essential oil, which gives it its flavoring value for culinary purposes, and which is also the source of its medicinal properties. 

The leaves can be used fresh any time for medicinal or culinary purposes. I suggest drying this for medicinal purposes so that it can readily be used in combination with other herbs and remedies or as an infusion*. Because it is a phenol herb, it doesn't take much of the dried leaf or powder to work wonders for healing the body. For drying, it is best to cut fresh growth after the bloom cycle. When there are three or four inch pieces of new growth, cut them in the early morning, after the dew has dried. Hang small bundles out of direct sunlight and check often for dryness. How much time it will take to dry depends on the moisture in the air. It is important to make sure the Thyme is completely dry before storing, because improperly dried herbs can mildew and rot. If the herb is crispy when crushed between the fingers, it is dry. This is a good way to directly administer Thyme as an antibiotic or antiseptic, especially as a paste or when added to a stable base. In this form, the herb can be further processed in a number of ways. Like any other herb, it was used well-before the commercial introduction of modern medicine, particularly antibiotics. 

Mouth, Throat and Respiratory Conditions 

The primary, natural component of Thyme is thymol. Thymol is the main contributor to its volatile reputation. Thymol, though toxic, is what gives the herb its reputation as an anthelmintic, antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant and tonic. However, thymol is most essentially useful for any anti-bacterial treatment, especially in the case of fungus or various infections. Due to its potent fungicidal properties, thymol is applied predominantly in dentistry for the treatment of oral infections. The mouth is a common location where infections can develop rapidly, but where they can also be alleviated with a natural, high quality antiseptic. This is why you find thymol used as the main ingredient in Listerine and many other mouth/tooth care products. Some oral infections that can be treated with thyme include gum disease, open sores, gingivitis, tonsillitis, halitosis, tooth decay and plaque--to name just a few. For these cases, a simple mouthwash produced from the herb will do wonders for your mouth. Because of its concentrated antiseptic quality, thyme boiled in water and cooled is very effective against inflammation of the throat when gargled 3 times a day. The inflammation will normally disappear within 2 to 5 days. This gargle preparation will work very efficiently in removing the bacteria that cause bad breath, sores, colds, coughs, laryngitis and sore throats. It is good to administer a Thyme remedy during the first stages of a cold or flu, as many of these symptoms come with these kinds of infections. This herb also helps to increase perspiration at these early stages to help eliminate foreign bacteria right away. 

Thyme can also be used as an inhalant by simply adding a few drops of the essential oil to hot water and inhaling the distillation beneath a damp towel. This method immensely increases respiratory efficiency, especially in the case of dry coughs which develop in the middle of the chest, causing aches and soreness. Since the lungs become susceptible to tearing in these stages, the inhalation technique greatly reduces inflammation and soothes the chest by relaxing the muscle tissues. This is also why thymol is used as the main ingredient in Vick's Vapor Rub. Before modern medicine, concoctions of Thyme were used to treat whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma and emphysema. In the case of wet coughs, ingesting Thyme as a tincture, tisane, salve or syrup* is suggested to help in battling the bacteria that aggress the lungs. This way, the lungs do not suffer from an over-presence of mucus that can further compromise one's health. Thyme wards off these infections by stimulating the production of white corpuscles in the blood and boosting the immune system. This, in turn, increases the body's resistance to any organisms that are trying to attack it from the outside. 

Digestion 

Thyme is an herb with well known diuretic qualities. Thymol is the natural essential component of Thyme and produces many of the plants' effects. In addition to being anti-fungal and antiseptic, Thymol makes an extremely effective remedy in cases of poor or sluggish digestion, diarrhea and lack of appetite. Thyme is good for overall maintenance of the liver and colon because it helps to promote circulation in these areas. The active ingredient Thymol reduces muscle spasms/tension, soothes the digestive tract and allows the elimination organs to function in harmony. It particularly helps with the digestion of high-fat and prevents infections--fungal, viral and bacterial, especially from seeping through the stomach and digestive lining. Even more generally, Thymol provides stability and reduces the fermentation of undigested food. The volatile characteristics of Thymol are also observed in how well it eliminates various worms and parasites that have found a home in the intestinal tract. Colic, wind spasms and other gastrointestinal issues can be cured by drinking a Thyme tea, as it will help to calm and support the digestive muscles. This same calming effect takes away any pains or hardness of the spleen and promotes abdominal health and efficiency. 

External Use 

Thyme's benefits as an antioxidant are clearly seen in the many Thyme derived skin cleansers, poultices* and other topical treatments. Thyme is even known to kill skin parasites such as scabies, crabs and lice. Many skin conditions that are easily treated by this herb range from blisters and warts to Athlete's Foot. When applied to the face via steam, this herb can help to regenerate and stimulate loose or baggy skin as well as improve vision quality. It can even be used as an eyewash to help with dullness of sight. Thyme is most commonly used in the elimination of fungus, particularly in the nails and feet. When applied externally, thyme not only fights fungus, discoloration and odor, but it also gets rid of the bacterias that cause these kinds of conditions. This is why it is often the active ingredient in many natural deodorants. The best way to prepare a remedy for external fungus is to make an herbal soak for the infected area. Whether it's fingernail, toenail, or foot fungus, a soak is the best way to actually extract the toxins. Doing this simultaneously reduces swelling and stimulates blood flow to help heal the problem areas. All you have to do is combine about 3 ounces of fresh or dried thyme (you can add other phenol herbs like wintergreen, spearmint, eucalyptus, etc.) to about 1 and 1/2 quarts of very warm water and just soak. For arthritis or other joint related inflammation or swelling, you can add a few pinches of dried Thyme or a few drops of Thymol oil (thyme essential oil) to your bath and let the anti-inflammatory properties work their magic. 

For Women 

Thyme is considered safe when used by pregnant or breast-feeding women. In traditional Jamaican midwifery, thyme tea is given to the mother after delivery. Its oxytocin-like effect causes uterine contractions and a more rapid delivery of the placenta. Thyme is also known to induce a delayed or suppressed menstruation and is also good for PMS symptoms due to its muscle calming and spasm reduction properties. This can drastically reduce the pain and intensity associated with menstrual cramping. 

Here are some of the recipes for Thyme mentioned earlier in this article. Note that these methods can be used for any herb, especially those mentioned in previous articles. Just be sure to use natural, 100% certified organic herbs and all natural ingredients! Enjoy! 

Poultice(basic paste/plaster) 

Poultices (especially made with Thyme) act by increasing blood flow, relaxing tense muscles, soothing inflamed tissues, or drawing toxins from an infected area. Thus, they can be used to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with a number of conditions rang- ing from sunburn, boils and bruises to fibrocystic disease, fractures, enlarged glands, ulcers, sprains, sunburn and tumors. They are also used to break up congestion, draw out pus, and remove embedded particles from the skin. 

You'll need: 

* 1 cup dried herbs 

* 1 cup of just boiled water 

* Natural Clay (preferably traditional green or white clay, but any natural clay will do), Millet Flour or Cornmeal 

* Soft cloth or flannel 

Instructions: 

Mix the herbs with the water, then add enough of the clay, flour, or cornmeal to make a thick paste that can be easily applied. Spread the paste onto the center of a soft cloth which measures about 6 to 8 inches square and has about 4 layers of thickness. Apply directly to the area with the paste side against the skin and press it down a bit so it adheres to the skin. Cover with a dry cloth and leave in place until the paste pulls away on its own. 

Salves 

Salves are made by combining heated oil with a particular herb until the oil absorbs the herb's healing properties. Shea butter is the best all-natural base to use for any kind of salve or topical cream as it has so many benefits by itself. 

Most common recipe: 

You'll need: 

* 5 ounces of herb infused oil 

* 2 ounces of Shea Butter 

* Optional: 2 drops of Vitamin E or Grapefruit Seed Extract per ounce of salve (as a natural preservative) 

* a large glass bowl that can fit on top of a pot 

* pot holders to handle the glass bowl 

Instructions: 

Pour the infused oil into the glass bowl, and place over a pot of boiling water. Add the beeswax to the infused oil, stirring constantly until the wax has completely melted. The beeswax will thicken the mixture, giving it just the right consistency. You can now add one drop of preservative per each ounce of mixture at this point (optional). Pour the warm liquid into small, dark ointment jars. Store in a cool, dark place. 

Alternate recipe when you don't already have an herb infused oil: 

You'll need: 

* a few tablespoons of dried herbs 

* 1 cup of water 

* 5 ounces of oil 

* 2 ounces of beeswax 

Instructions: 

Boil herbs in water until sufficiently extracted; strain and put wet herbs back into the pot. Add oil to the herbs and continue to simmer till all the water evaporates; add the beeswax, stirring constantly until the wax has completely melted. The beeswax will thicken the mixture, giving it just the right consistency. You can now add one drop of preservative per ounce of mixture at this point (optional). Pour the warm liquid into small, dark ointment jars. Store in a cool, dark place. 

Syrup 

You can make an herbal infusion, or tincture into a syrup, using sugar or honey as a preservative. Herbal syrups are soothing for coughs, sore throats and other common respiratory ailments. 

You'll need: 

* One pint of either the herb infusion (not the infused oil) or an herb decoction 

* One pound of pure, raw, organic (yes, as natural as you can get it) unrefined sugar or honey 

Instructions: 

Stir mixture together in a saucepan and boil until the sugar or honey has dissolved completely. The mixture has become a syrup at this point. 

Let the syrup cool. Store the syrup in dark, glass bottles capped with a cork or another non-sealing lid. It is important that the syrup is not kept in a tightly sealed container because as the syrup begins to ferment it may cause the bottle to explode. Store in the refrigerator. Depending on the ailment, I suggest combining as many herbs as you can so that they can be used for more than one ailment. This way you don't have to make too many different syrups if you don't have the time. Make sure the properties of the herbs you use balance well. 

Tea 

Making herbal teas may be the easiest of all herbal remedies. Herbal teas can be made by simply adding fresh or dried herbs to a pot, or cup of boiled water. To begin, place 1 teaspoon of dried herbs per one cup of water into a teapot or teacup. Add boiling water, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Strain your tea by pouring it through a strainer such as an herb or tea strainer ball, or a teapot with a built-in strainer. 

Tincture 

Herbal tinctures allow you to make an herbal remedy and store it for a long period of time, making them available at short notice to be used with teas, salves, creams, etc. to make an instant herbal remedy. The advantages of a tincture are that many doses are obtained from a small amount of herbs. Tinctures are quite effective in smaller doses, so they're easy to carry with you and easy to take. Tinctures are fast acting, and dosages are easily controlled. Tinctures are made by steeping completely immersed dried herbs in the liquid of your choice. Vinegar or Alkaline water works well as an all natural base. The liquid extracts the volatile oils and active constituents from the herbs (in this case Thymol and Phenol), and preserves them for up to 2 years. Vodka is the best alcohol to use due to its tastelessness. 

You'll need: 

* 8 ounces of dried herbs (be sure to cut the herbs into small pieces first). 

* a large glass jar that can hold 4 cups of liquid (adjust liquid amount to fit in jar if necessary) 

* 2 cups of desired liquid 

Instructions: 

Put the dried herb into a large, glass jar and pour in equal amount of liquid, making sure the herbs are completely covered (this is very important). Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, preferably 4. Make sure to shake the mixture every day. When ready to use, filter the mixture using a cheesecloth or muslin cloth, coffee filter, or other fine cloth, capturing the tincture liquid below in another container. Store the tincture in clean, dark glass containers, out of the sun. If stored properly, the tincture will be preserved for two or more years. Vinegar tinctures should be refrigerated. 

Note: A drop of tincture is equal to 1 tsp of herb juice. 

For Vinegar Tinctures, use 1 ounce of herb per 5 ounces of vinegar.