Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsFrequently Asked QuestionsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & What to Look For
Thymus vulgaris(thyme) isan herb known for flavoring food, but it’s also believed to have medicinal properties. Research shows that it may haveanti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other effects that may be useful in treating various conditions.This may include relieving cough, fighting acne, and treating infections, although more studies are needed to prove the effects.
Thyme is a short, bushy plant in theLamiaceae(mint) family that’s found all over the world, although it is native to southern Europe. It’s sometimes used as a dietary supplement in capsule form or as an essential oil.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Uses of Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)
Used in traditional medicine, thyme is used for a wide range of health conditions. The plant contains many active compounds, one of which isthymol. Thymol is aphytonutrient(a natural chemical found in plants) thought to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties.
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Acne
In one lab study, researchers looked at multiple essential oils to see which may relieve certain types of acne. Thyme essential oil was found to be the most potent against acne-causing bacteria. Researchers also noted that thyme provided anti-inflammatory effects that could be useful when treating acne.
Despite these promising results, this study was performed in a lab rather than on humans. More human research is needed to confirm these findings.
Moreover, there are many evidence-basedacne treatment optionsto choose from, including over-the-counter (OTC) therapies, prescriptions, and more. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information
Cough
Thyme has long been used as a home remedy forcoughand other respiratory conditions.
While the thymol spray was found to have no effect on the cough threshold (the point at which coughs occur in response to stimuli), it significantly reduced the number and severity of coughs as well as the overall urge tocough. Some participants also reported that the spray had a pleasant cooling effect.
At this time, larger-scale human trials have not yet examined the effects of thyme and thymol on coughing. And although thyme continues to be touted as anatural remedyfor cough, more vigorous research is needed in this area.
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about othermethods for relieving cough, including different home remedies,over-the-counter products, and prescription options if necessary.
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Antimicrobial Activity
Thyme has shown antimicrobial activity against various strains of bacteria and fungi in test tube studies.
In one such study, thyme essential oil was found to inhibit the growth of two foodbornepathogens(germs),Escherichia coli(E. coli) andStaphylococcus aureus.Researchers concluded that thyme essential oil may be an option for preventing bacteria growth in the food industry.
In another study, thyme essential oil was investigated as a potential treatment forfungal infections. The study results showed that thyme essential oil helped to control the growth of two types of fungi,Candida albicansandCandida parapsilosis.
Although other studies have shown similar results regarding thyme’s antibacterial and antifungal properties, more research is needed. Human trials would especially be beneficial.
Pain & Inflammation
In traditional medicine, thyme is believed to have bothanalgesic(pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects. However, research to support these claims is limited.
Sometimes, inflammation may cause pain. Some research has shown that thymol, an active ingredient in thyme, may help reduceinflammation.
A small study performed on young women withdysmenorrhea(menstrual cramps) compared the potential pain-lowering effects of thyme to ibuprofen (brands include Advil and Motrin) and a placebo (a substance with no therapeutic value). In the study, participants were randomized to receive one of the three treatments for two consecutivemenstrual cycles. Thyme was found to reduce the severity of menstrual cramp pain effectively, although it did not appear to be any more effective than ibuprofen.
Other lab and animal research has found that thyme may scavenge inflammatoryfree radicals.However, human trials on thyme and inflammation have not yet been performed and are needed to support this claim better.
4 Herbal Remedies for Menstrual Cramps
Antioxidant Properties
Multiple test tube studies have found thyme to have strongantioxidantactivity. These effects may be due to components of thyme like thymol,terpinenes, andcarvacrol.
Because of its potential antioxidant properties, thyme may be beneficial to the food industry as a way to help improve the quality and safety of food. According to one review, though, using thyme as a spice may not provide enough antioxidant activity to be beneficial. Instead, it may be necessary to distill thyme into various foods or use thyme extracts as a way to consume more antioxidants.
Other Uses
Thyme is often used for additional health conditions in traditional medicine. These may include:
Did You Know?Thymol (derived from thyme via alcohol extraction) is widely used as an active ingredient in many commercial brands of mouthwash, including Listerine.
Did You Know?
Thymol (derived from thyme via alcohol extraction) is widely used as an active ingredient in many commercial brands of mouthwash, including Listerine.
Best and Worst Types of Mouthwash
What Are the Side Effects of Thyme?
Generally, thyme is considered safe when used in normal amounts for cooking. It also appears to be well-tolerated in dietary supplement form. However, side effects are possible when using thyme supplements.
Common Side Effects
However, high doses of thyme (over 10 grams) may be more likely to cause side effects due to thymol.
Still, it is difficult to find any documentation of side effects related to thyme use. Regardless, it’s important to use thyme only as directed, as misuse may increase the chance of side effects.
Severe Side Effects
Although uncommon, it is possible to be allergic to thyme.
Some people may be sensitive or allergic to plants in the mint (Lamiaceae) family, which includes thyme. Anallergic reactionmay causehives,rash,watery eyes,diarrhea,nausea, orabdominal pain, among other symptoms.
It’s important to note that a thyme allergy is extremely rare, with very few cases being documented.
If you experience any side effects when taking thyme, stop use it immediately and talk with a healthcare provider.
Using thyme as a food spice or ingredient is generally considered safe. However, some people may need to take extra precautions or avoid using thyme supplements.
The safety of thyme supplements has also not been established in children.
People with medical conditions or who are taking medications should seek advice from a healthcare provider before using thyme supplements.
Dosage: How Much Thyme Should I Take?
Due to a general lack of scientific evidence in humans, there are nodosageguidelines for thyme supplements.
Animal and lab studies have found success using thyme at various doses, but these have yet to be studied in humans.
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Thyme?
Thyme may become toxic if you take too much.
A study performed on rats found that very high doses of thyme essential oil causedtoxicity. In the 28-day study, toxicity was observed in thyme doses of 500 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight per day. Toxic effects were mostly respiratory (related to breathing), although liver inflammation was also observed.
These results have yet to be repeated in humans.
You may also be more likely to experience side effects if you take too much thyme. To prevent any adverse events, only take thyme supplements as directed.
Certain medications, supplements,herbs, and foods may interact with thyme.
There is some evidence that thyme may interact with Jantoven (warfarin) and other blood-thinning medications. Thyme is thought to disrupt the synthesis ofvitamin K, which is needed for normal blood clotting.
Other interactions may exist, but these are not well-documented or researched. If you’re taking any medications, it’s important that you talk with a healthcare provider before using thyme supplements.
It’s important to carefully read the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel on a new supplement label to learn which ingredients are in the product and how much of each ingredient is included. To ensure safety, please review this supplement label with a healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Thyme
Store thyme supplements and herbs in a cool, dry place. Keep them out of direct sunlight.
Thyme supplements may work similarly to other herbs and supplements. Supplements that are researched for similar uses to thyme include:
Talk with a healthcare provider about which herb or supplement may be best for you.
Frequently Asked QuestionsHerbs, spices, and oils do eventually expire, and this includes thyme. Thyme supplements expire at a certain point too.Expiration dates should be listed on the product packaging or label. For best quality, be sure only to use thyme before it has expired.Thyme is thought to have multiple health benefits. Research shows that thyme may possess antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that are good for health.However, human trials on the benefits of thyme are severely lacking. More research is needed to prove thyme’s efficacy and benefits.According to some research, thyme has a pleasant smell as well as a cooling sensation that may improve the symptoms of a cough. This research was performed using a nasal thymol spray.Thymol is one of the main components of thyme. More research is needed on the potential benefits of thyme for a cough.Learn MoreWhy You Can’t Stop Coughing
Herbs, spices, and oils do eventually expire, and this includes thyme. Thyme supplements expire at a certain point too.Expiration dates should be listed on the product packaging or label. For best quality, be sure only to use thyme before it has expired.
Herbs, spices, and oils do eventually expire, and this includes thyme. Thyme supplements expire at a certain point too.
Expiration dates should be listed on the product packaging or label. For best quality, be sure only to use thyme before it has expired.
Thyme is thought to have multiple health benefits. Research shows that thyme may possess antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that are good for health.However, human trials on the benefits of thyme are severely lacking. More research is needed to prove thyme’s efficacy and benefits.
Thyme is thought to have multiple health benefits. Research shows that thyme may possess antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that are good for health.
However, human trials on the benefits of thyme are severely lacking. More research is needed to prove thyme’s efficacy and benefits.
According to some research, thyme has a pleasant smell as well as a cooling sensation that may improve the symptoms of a cough. This research was performed using a nasal thymol spray.Thymol is one of the main components of thyme. More research is needed on the potential benefits of thyme for a cough.Learn MoreWhy You Can’t Stop Coughing
According to some research, thyme has a pleasant smell as well as a cooling sensation that may improve the symptoms of a cough. This research was performed using a nasal thymol spray.Thymol is one of the main components of thyme. More research is needed on the potential benefits of thyme for a cough.
According to some research, thyme has a pleasant smell as well as a cooling sensation that may improve the symptoms of a cough. This research was performed using a nasal thymol spray.
Thymol is one of the main components of thyme. More research is needed on the potential benefits of thyme for a cough.
Learn MoreWhy You Can’t Stop Coughing
Sources of Thyme & What to Look For
Thyme can be used as a food spice or flavoring or as a dietary supplement.
Note that there are no guidelines for the appropriate use of thyme for medical purposes. You can obtain all of the nutrients you need from a well-balanced diet, which means supplements may often be unnecessary.
Talk with a healthcare provider to determine if thyme supplements are necessary for you.
Food Sources of Thyme
You can use fresh thyme or dried thyme leaves when cooking. It’s described as having an earthy flavor that may be strong to some people.
People use thyme when cooking various dishes, including soups, salads, and stews. Thyme may also be used when cooking different types of meat or even added to certain beverages.
Typically, only small amounts of thyme are used in cooking. Research on thyme has mostly used thyme oils and other forms in much higher amounts.
Thyme Supplements
Thyme is sold as a dietary supplement in liquid extract or capsule forms. Some supplements contain just thyme, while others contain thyme plus other vitamins,minerals, or nutrients.
You may also find thyme in various teas,mouthwashes, face masks, and nasal sprays. Some people also use thyme essential oil foraromatherapy. Thyme oils and liquids should not be ingested.
Thyme is naturally vegan and gluten-free, which means most supplements are too.Organicthyme is also available. Check the label to make sure a supplement fits your dietary preferences and does not contain allergens.
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s):Phenolic compounds, terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, tannins, saponinsAlternate name(s):Common thyme, garden thyme, wild thymeLegal status:Legal and available over the counter in the United StatesSuggested dose:No universal guidelines or recommendations for thyme dosageSafety considerations: Considered generally safe but may cause side effects and certain people should take precautions
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s):Phenolic compounds, terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, tannins, saponinsAlternate name(s):Common thyme, garden thyme, wild thymeLegal status:Legal and available over the counter in the United StatesSuggested dose:No universal guidelines or recommendations for thyme dosageSafety considerations: Considered generally safe but may cause side effects and certain people should take precautions
Summary
Thyme has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is generally considered safe. Although often used as a spice to add flavor to food, it is also available as a dietary supplement in capsule form or as an essential oil.
Still, if you’re interested in using thyme supplements, talk with a healthcare provider before trying it.
23 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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