Against many diseases has grown a medicinal plant: thyme enjoys an incredibly good reputation. Especially when it comes to colds. But does the miracle herb thyme have side effects? Find out here!
You've probably been sick before, right? I know in any case that I've been flat on one or two occasions with a nasty cold.
And every time I'm sick, there's one thing I always fall back on: thyme tea.
Thyme has the reputation of being a true miracle herb when it comes to curing colds and other illnesses.
But did you know that medicinal herb can have side effects?
Here you can learn more about the side effects of the medicinal plant. I'll tell you how much of it you should take and what undesirable side effects can occur.
So, grab a cup of tea with thyme and let's get started!
Table of contents
What is thyme?
You probably know thyme more as, right? But it is not only a popular spice, but also a medicinal plant.
Thyme originated in the Mediterranean region, but is now grown worldwide.
There are more than 400 different species of the popular herb, but true thyme, also known as Thymus vulgaris, is the best known species and is most commonly used for medicinal purposes.
Other names for it are: true thyme, garden thyme, quender, sausage herb, tripe herb, humble, cimis.
Thyme is a perennial plant and has small, green leaves and pink to purple flowers. You can plant it in the garden just as well as in the pot. If you want, you can grow the fragrant herb in the grow homemade herb tower on the balcony.
It belongs to the labiates family, which also includes rosemary and lavender. The herb contains essential oils that give it its characteristic fragrance 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 then also 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 such as 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 comes gladly used in homemade cough syrups.
If you're interested in alternative remedies, thyme is definitely a plant worth taking a closer look at.
Are there any side effects with thyme?
Even though thyme is considered a natural remedy, it has potential side effects just like any other herb.
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 taken too much, for example over food.
Usually, however, these side effects are mild and disappear on their own as soon as you stop taking the plant.
Allergic reactions
The use of thyme can also sometimes cause an allergic reaction. If you are allergic to plants such as basil, oregano or mint, you may also be allergic to thyme.
Signs of allergy include rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Be careful when using thyme and see a doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs.
Harmful effect if the dosage is too high
According to some studies, it can be harmful if you consume too much of it.
Too much of the wonder drug can cause dizziness, headaches, seeing things that aren't real, and tremors.
Fortunately, this is very rare and only occurs if you take shovelfuls 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 may also interact with certain medications.
The herb may increase the effect of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin, and you should therefore avoid taking the herb with pills.
Thyme can also increase the effects of sedatives and antidepressants, which can cause drowsiness and dizziness. It is important to talk to your doctor about possible interactions with your medications.
Risks for special groups of people
Pregnant women should be careful when using thyme. There is not enough research to know if it is safe to take or not.
So if you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding, we would recommend that you talk to your doctor about whether you can take thyme.
Thyme may even have an effect on your hormone balance! According to a 2017 study, thyme extract reduced testosterone production in male rats.
Although further research would be needed to confirm this, men should keep this info in mind and talk to their doctor if they have concerns.
Thyme in high doses can also cause kidney damage. There are some reports of people suffering from kidney failure due to large amounts.
Therefore, people with kidney disease or at risk for kidney problems should either avoid thyme completely or talk to their doctor.
What quantity is recommended to avoid thyme side effects?
The right amount depends on several factors, such as your age, health, and the way you prepare it.
It is 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 only a guideline and it is always best to talk to a doctor or qualified herbalist.
If you take thyme in the form of supplements or tablets, you should always follow the recommended dosage on the package and not exceed it.
In any case, it is important to listen to your body and watch out for possible side effects. If you notice any unwanted symptoms, you should stop taking thyme immediately and talk to a doctor.
What is the best way to take thyme?
Now you know that the miracle herb thyme can have side effects. Now you are probably asking yourself how you should ideally take the plant.
There are actually different forms of how you can take it - depending on the effect you want to achieve. Thyme is available as a tea, oil, tincture, capsules or tablets.
Thyme tea
If you want to take the miracle herb as a tea, you can simply pour hot water on dried or fresh thyme leaves and let them steep.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 250 ml hot water
- Honey for sweetening
But tea is not as concentrated as other forms and therefore does not have as strong an effect.
Tip: If you do not like the taste of thyme, we also have 11 other anti-inflammatory teasthat you should try!
If you want a stronger effect, then you could use thyme oil or tincture. This is concentrated forms of thyme that you should usually dilute before taking.
You can also use the oil externally, for example to make a massage or apply it to the skin.
Thyme capsules and tablets are also available and can be very convenient since you can just swallow them.
These forms are often standardized and contain a certain amount of active ingredients. However, it is always important to read the dosage recommendations on the package and not to take too much thyme at once.
Ultimately, which form of thyme is best for you depends on your personal preferences and needs.
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 you can avoid many thyme side effects super easily and to be honest, the benefits outweigh the potential 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 ailments.
It can also aid digestion and help with gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, 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 strengthen 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 positive 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 less often sick.
Of course, the miracle herb also has possible side effects, but that's almost everywhere. Even the beloved chocolate can make you sick after 2 kilos!
The important thing is to find the best way for you to ingest thyme and pay attention to how you react to it.
All the best!
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