2023-06-29 05:28:42
A medicinal plant has grown to combat many diseases: thyme enjoys an incredibly good reputation. Especially when it comes to colds. But does the miracle herb thyme have any side effects? Find out here!
You’ve probably been sick before, haven’t you? At least I know that I’ve had a lay with a nasty cold once or twice.
And every time I’m sick, there’s one thing I always fall back on: thyme tea.
Thyme has a reputation for being a true miracle herb when it comes to curing colds and other illnesses.
But did you know that medicinal herbs can have side effects?
Here you can find out more about the side effects of the medicinal plant. I’ll tell you the maximum amount you should take and what undesirable side effects can occur.
So, grab a cup of tea with thyme and let’s get started!
You will find out in this post
What is thyme?
You probably know thyme better than, right? But it is not only a popular spice, but also a medicinal plant.
Thyme originally came from the Mediterranean region, but is now cultivated worldwide.
There are more than 400 different species of the popular herb, but common thyme, also known as thymus vulgaris, is the best known species and is most commonly used for medicinal purposes.
Other names for it are: real thyme, garden thyme, Quendel, Wurstlkraut, Kuttelkraut, Humility, Zimis.
Thyme is a perennial herb with small, green leaves and pink to purple flowers. You can plant it in the garden as well as in the pot. If you want, you can grow the aromatic herb in the homemade herb tower on the balcony.
It belongs to the mint family, which also includes rosemary and lavender. The herb contains essential oils that give it its distinctive scent and flavor.
The essential oils also contain the active ingredients that make thyme a medicinal plant.
Why is thyme a medicinal plant?
The use of thyme as a medicinal plant dates back to ancient Egypt and Greece. There it was used to treat respiratory diseases and infections.
In the Middle Ages, thyme became known in Europe as a remedy and it was even believed that it could drive away evil spirits.
The healing properties of the miracle plant have now been confirmed by numerous scientific studies. Thyme contains essential oils like thymol and carvacrol, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
The medicinal herb also has a calming effect on the body and is often used to relieve coughs and sore throats. That is why the herb is often used in homemade cough syrups.
If you are interested in alternative medicines, thyme is definitely a plant worth exploring.
Does thyme have any side effects?
While thyme is considered a natural remedy, like any other herb, it also has potential side effects.
Gastrointestinal complaints
The most common side effects of thyme are gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea.
The side effects usually occur when you have consumed too much, for example through food.
However, these side effects are usually mild and go away on their own once you stop consuming the plant.
Allergic reaction
Thyme use can also sometimes cause an allergic reaction. If you’re allergic to plants like basil, oregano, or mint, you might also be allergic to thyme.
Signs of allergy include rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Be careful using thyme and see a doctor right away if you notice any of these signs.
Harmful effect if the dosage is too high
According to some studies, consuming too much of it can be harmful.
Too much of the miracle drug can cause dizziness, headaches, seeing things that aren’t real, and tremors.
Luckily, this is very rare and only occurs if you ingest scoops of thyme. It’s best to follow the recommendation on how much to take to be safe.
Drug Interactions
In addition to the side effects already mentioned, thyme can also interact with certain medications.
The herb can increase the effects of blood-thinning medications like warfarin or aspirin, so you should avoid taking the herb with pills.
Thyme can also increase the effects of sedatives and antidepressants, which can cause drowsiness and dizziness. It’s important to talk to your doctor about possible drug interactions.
Risks for special groups of people
Pregnant women should be careful when using thyme. There isn’t enough research to know if it’s safe to take or not.
So if you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding, we would recommend talking to your doctor about consuming thyme.
Thyme can even affect your hormone balance! According to a 2017 study, thyme extract reduced testosterone production in male rats.
Although more research would be needed to confirm this, men should keep this information in mind and speak to their doctor if they are concerned.
Thyme can also cause kidney damage in high doses. There are some reports of people suffering from kidney failure from large amounts.
Therefore, people with kidney disease or at risk of kidney problems should either avoid thyme altogether or speak to their doctor.
What amount is recommended to avoid thyme side effects?
The right amount depends on various factors, such as your age, your state of health and the way you prepare it.
It’s usually recommended to use no more than 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried thyme or 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme daily.
But this recommendation is just a guide and it’s always best to speak to a doctor or a qualified herbalist.
If you are taking thyme in supplement or pill form, you should always follow the recommended dosage on the packaging and not exceed it.
In any case, it is important to listen to your body and to be aware of possible side effects. If you notice any unwanted symptoms, you should stop taking thyme immediately and speak to a doctor.
What is the best way to take thyme?
Now you know that the miracle herb thyme can have side effects. You are probably now asking yourself how you should ideally take the plant.
There are actually different ways you can take it, depending on the effect you want to achieve. Thyme is available as a tea, oil, tincture, capsules, or tablets.
Thymiantee
If you want to take the miracle herb as a tea, you can simply pour hot water over dried or fresh thyme leaves and let it steep.
1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried) 250ml hot water Honey to sweeten
But tea isn’t as concentrated as other forms, so it doesn’t seem as potent.
Tip: If you don’t like the taste of thyme, we also have 11 other anti-inflammatory teas you should try!
If you want a stronger effect, you could use thyme oil or tincture. These are concentrated forms of thyme that you should usually dilute before ingesting.
You can also use the oil externally, for example to give a massage or to apply it to the skin.
Thyme capsules and tablets are also available and can be very convenient as you can easily swallow them.
These forms are often standardized and contain a specific amount of active ingredients. However, it is always important to read the dosage recommendations on the package and not take too much thyme at one time.
Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and needs which form of thyme works best for you.
What are the benefits of Thymus vulgaris?
Now we’ve painted the devil on the wall – hopefully you didn’t spill your thyme tea in fright.
But you may have noticed that many thyme side effects are super easy to avoid and, to be honest, the benefits outweigh the possible side effects.
Health Benefits
Thyme is a powerful antioxidant and has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
It can help relieve colds, coughs, sore throats, and other respiratory illnesses.
It can also aid in digestion and help with gastrointestinal issues like gas, cramps, and nausea.
immune system
Thyme contains many vitamins and minerals that are important for a strong immune system, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, iron and manganese.
It can help boost the immune system and fight off infections.
Relaxation
Thyme also has calming properties and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help with sleep disorders and insomnia.
skin health
Thyme also has beneficial effects on skin health. It can help relieve acne, eczema and psoriasis and soothe the skin.
Thyme oil is also often used to treat skin infections and wounds.
Our conclusion
I myself have been drinking a cup of thyme tea in the morning for 2 years and I can tell you: I am much more relaxed, fitter and ill less often.
Of course, the miracle herb also has possible side effects, but that’s the case almost everywhere. Even your beloved chocolate can make you nauseous after 2 kilos!
It is important that you find the best way for you to consume thyme and pay attention to how you react to it.
All the best!
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