 |
  |
Information about the herb Wild Thyme
Thymus serpyllum, also known as Mother of Thyme is part of the Labiatae plant family. A
common perennial wild plant indigenous to the greater part of the dry land of
Europe. It is found up to a certain height in the Alps, on high plateaus, valleys,
ditches, roads, rocks and stony abandoned fields.
There are many varieties of Thyme (Thymus spp.) including:
- Garden Thyme
- Lemon Thyme
- Orange Thyme
- Caraway Thyme
- Silver Thyme
- Wild Thyme
However, here we are only dealing with Wild Thyme:
Botanical Name: Thymus serpyllum
Plant Family: Labiatae
Common Names: Mother of Thyme, Serpyllum
History: The name serpyllum is derived from a Greek word, meaning 'to creep' (because of Wild Thyme's trailing habit). "It is under the dominion of Venus and under the sign of Aries.......chiefly appropriated to the head. If you make a vinegar of the herb and anoint the head with it, it.....stops the pain..." - Culpeper
Tradition:
- In Shakespeare's, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', the abode of the Queen of Fairies was "the bank whereon the wild thyme blows".
- Wild Thyme is the badge of the Drummond Clan in Scotland.
Contains:
- Oil of Serpolet, a weaker scent than the oil in Garden Thyme.In perfumery, Oil of Serpolet is used mainly in soap.
It contains 30 to 70% Phenols:
- Thymol
- Carvacrol
Action:
- Antiseptic [an agent for destroying or inhibiting pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- Antispasmodic [an agent that relieves or checks spasms or cramps]
- Aromatic [a substance having an agreeable odor and stimulating qualities]
- Carminative [an agent for expelling gas from the intestines]
- Diuretic [an agent that increases the excretion and expulsion of urine]
- Emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]
- Stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the activity of physiological processes]
- Tonic [an agent that strengthens or invigorates organs or the entire organism]
Medicinal Parts Used: Whole Herb
Wild Thyme has similar properties to Garden Thyme. It is used for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- drunkenness
- headaches and nervous conditions (combined with Rosemary)
- nightmares (taken when going to bed)
Even though they are two opposite conditions Wild Thyme has been used for both:
- hysteria
- lethargy
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- flatulence
- weak digestion
Inflammatory Conditions
- catarrh
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- convulsive coughs
- sore throat
- whooping cough
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Wild Thyme without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
- None indicated
Global Herbal Supplies has Thyme available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
