Thymus serpyllum – Wild thyme, Breckland thyme, creeping thyme
Labiatae – Mint family
The parts used in medicine include: the wild thyme herb Herba Serpylli, harvested during blooming in the autumn and dried in natural conditions or in drying rooms in max. 35° C, and the wild thyme oil – Serpylli oleum. The oil is obtained from the herb by way of steam distillation.
Wild thyme – appearance and origin:
Wild thyme is found in Europe and Syberia; in Poland it is common in all lowlands, pine forests, dry meadows, sandy spots. It forms dense and thick turfs, 10-30 cm in height. When the shoots are rubbed, they emit a distinct, pleasant smell. The stem is creeping or rising, woody at the base, rounded or weakly angular, with hairs around it. The stems have the ability to take root. The leaves are small, linear lanceolate, oblong-ovate, a bit leathery, 3-4 times longer than wide, with ciliate margins. The side veins are quite thick and do not form clear marginal veins. The flowers come in 2 forms – some specimens have smaller flowers, with long-styled carpels and short stamens; others have larger flowers with longer stamens. The flower head is capitate, placed at shoot tips. One capitula has 3-6 pink-lilac flowers (sometimes white). The calyx is bilabiate; the lower lip has awl-shaped, lanceolate teeth, the upper has 3 triangular teeth. The corolla is 6-7 mm in length, clearly bilabiate, the upper has 2 teeth, the lower 3. The fruit is a small nut.
Wild thyme – effects and use:
The herb contains up to 0.6% of oil (main ingredients – phenols: thymol and carvacrol, terpenes and their derivatives), flavonoids, around 7% of tannins and bitter compounds.
The oil has expectorant activity; the phenols contained within are antibacterial, antifungal and are supported by the tannins.
Aqueous extracts of the herb (prepared cold) reduce the thyroid hormone level. Herb infusions are used as expectorants, disinfectants of the upper respiratory tract, as a mouthwash and throat gargle, for periodontitis; they are recommended for stomach and bowel catarrhs, excessive fermentation, flatulence (carminative effect). Regarding the respiratory system, wild thyme herb decoctions help stimulate the cilia of the lungs to function more intensely. Wild thyme also has expectorant activity. It helps in cleaning out the lungs from residue and deposits resulting from smoking cigarettes. The plant acts as an antibacterial and significantly limits the growth of bacteria in the respiratory system. It is perfect for smokers and those suffering from bronchial catarrh. In case of issues with lungs and the respiratory system, wild thyme can be used as an aid in treatment.
Wild thyme is also worth using for digestive problems. It has an antibacterial effect, similary as in the case of the respiratory system. It affects the entire digestive system – from the oral cavity to the large intestine. The plant stimulates the secretion of gastric juice. It can be used for any digestive symptom, as it has no counterindications. It is also perfect for hypoacidity and related issues.
The wild thyme herb can also be used externally, e.g. for wounds and skin problems – it speeds up the healing process and limits the risk of complications. The herb is useful for menstrual problems, headaches, and even recurrent migraines.
The wild thyme oil is used for baths as an aid in treating upper respiratory diseases. Hot poultices made with the herb are used for rheumatic pain. Wild thyme also supports the nervous system – it is used for baths for recovering patients, ill children and the elderly.
Wild thyme is also used as a spice, and the oil is used in perfumes and soaps.
PL