Thyme can be taken in the form of tea. The herb is available in filter bags or as a component of various tea blends of the group cough and cold teas.
Thyme as a medicine
As a herbal medicine, thyme can be taken in the form of juices, suppositories, drops, pastilles and coated tablets. The dry extract is further contained in lozenges and pastilles.
Thyme oil can be used internally or externally and is a component of drops, juices, ointments, baths and liniments.
The right dose
The average daily dose, unless otherwise prescribed, is about 6-8 g of the drug in infusion (tea) or 3-6 g of the fluid extract. For poultices, an infusion of about 5% is recommended.
Thyme: preparation as a tea
To prepare a tea, 1.5-2 g of thyme (1 teaspoon equals about 1.4 g) is poured over boiling water, allowed to steep for 10 minutes, and then passed through a tea strainer.
Contraindications to the use of thyme
Thyme should not be taken in case of known allergy to labiates, birch pollen or celery. During pregnancy and lactation, a physician should be consulted before treatment with thyme.
Thymol and carvacrol may worsen severe liver damage or thyroid dysfunction if necessary. Therefore, in these cases, a doctor should also be consulted before treatment with thyme.
The drug should be stored in a dry place and protected from light.
