Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does thyme work to treat bronchitis and coughs?

Thyme works primarily through its volatile oils, specifically thymol and carvacrol. These compounds act as spasmolytics, relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchi to ease coughing fits (Evidence Level: B). Additionally, thyme possesses antimicrobial and expectorant properties, helping to clear mucus from the respiratory tract. The German Commission E approves thyme for treating bronchitis based on these well-documented mechanisms.

Does thyme interact with blood thinners or other medications?

Thyme may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. Thymol, a primary constituent, can inhibit blood clotting, potentially increasing bleeding risk when combined with drugs like warfarin or aspirin (Evidence Level: C). Furthermore, because thyme contains compounds with weak estrogenic effects, it may theoretically interfere with hormone therapies or contraceptives. Patients on thyroid medication should also exercise caution, as high doses may affect thyroid function.

What is the recommended dosage for thyme tea or syrup?

For adults treating acute bronchitis or coughs, the standard dosage involves steeping 1 to 2 grams of dried thyme herb in hot water to make a tea. This should be consumed three times daily (Evidence Level: B). Alternatively, liquid extracts or syrups are common; a typical dose is 10 ml of thyme syrup taken three times daily. Dosage for children has not been well established, so pediatric use should be supervised by a practitioner.

Is thyme safe to use during pregnancy?

Thyme is generally considered unsafe for medicinal use during pregnancy. The essential oil contains thymol, which can stimulate uterine contractions and potentially lead to miscarriage or premature labor (Evidence Level: D). While culinary amounts of fresh or dried thyme in food are likely acceptable, pregnant women should avoid concentrated supplements, extracts, and thyme essential oil. Due to these safety concerns and potential estrogenic effects, breastfeeding women should also avoid medicinal doses.

What are the main medicinal benefits of thyme for respiratory infections?

Thyme is highly regarded for treating respiratory infections, particularly acute bronchitis and dry coughs. Clinical studies suggest that thyme liquid extracts can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of coughing fits compared to placebo (Evidence Level: B). Its antimicrobial action helps fight respiratory pathogens, while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated airways. In Germany, thyme is an officially approved treatment for bronchitis, validating its long history of traditional use for lung health.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a Mediterranean medicinal plant used for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties [PMID:29785774, PMID:35631245].

Contexte

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) is a perennial wild shrub of the Lamiaceae family native to the Mediterranean region [PMID:29785774, PMID:35631245]. It is utilized as a culinary herb and in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries [PMID:29785774, PMID:39723027].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used in medicine as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic agent, primarily for treating the upper respiratory system [PMID:32917001]. It is also used for managing gastrointestinal conditions [PMID:38846542] and pain management [PMID:32758061].

Composés actifs

The primary active compound is thymol (a phenolic monoterpene), which constitutes 10-64% of its essential oil [PMID:29785774, PMID:39723027]. Other constituents include carvacrol, p-cymene, gamma-terpinene, flavonoids, and antioxidants [PMID:33669638, PMID:35631245, PMID:36718131].

Mécanisme d'action

Thyme and its compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties [PMID:36718131]. It can suppress TNF-a [PMID:36718131] and inhibit the contraction of the nonpregnant mouse uterus [PMID:32758061].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve AFungal Infections (Dermatophytosis)

Thymus vulgaris essential oil showed the lowest minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) against Trichophyton rubrum (4.2 µl/ml)

Preuve CRespiratory Disorders

Potential therapeutic uses for treating disorders affecting the respiratory system have been evaluated

Preuve DDysmenorrhea

Aqueous extract of T. vulgaris inhibited the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous and oxytocin-induced uterine contractions in mouse models

Preuve DObesity and Gut Dysfunction

Administration of 100 mg/kg thyme extract in mice resulted in decreased weight gain, lower body fat percentage, and enhanced intestinal barrier function

Preuve DParkinson's Disease

Investigated for neuroprotective effects against paraquat-induced Parkinson's disease in animal models

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models, and narrative reviews, with one meta-analysis supporting antifungal activity. Human clinical trial data is limited in the provided abstracts.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 32917001 (2020) — Thymol and Thyme Essential Oil-New Insights into Selected Therapeutic Applications. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 29785774 (2018) — Thymol, thyme, and other plant sources: Health and potential uses. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
3.PMID: 22474979 (2012) — Phytotherapy of alcoholism. · Natural product communications
4.PMID: 39407547 (2024) — Activity of Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum), and Common Oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ssp. vulgare) Essential Oils against Selected Phytopathogens. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 39723027 (2024) — Phytochemical Profiling and Therapeutic Potential of Thyme (Thymus spp.): A Medicinal Herb. · Food science & nutrition

Thyme

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Thyme

Marshmallow Root

Eucalyptus Polybractea

Mullein

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Thyme

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Thyme

Plantes associées

Marshmallow Root

Eucalyptus Polybractea

Mullein

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales