Thyme, Thymus vulgaris L. [Fam. Lamiaceae], was traditionally used as a medicine for treating symptoms of bronchitis, whooping cough and catarrh (mucous) of the upper respiratory tract. The German Commission E also lists thyme leaves and oil f...
* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Thyme, Thymus vulgaris L. [Fam. Lamiaceae], was traditionally used as a medicine for treating symptoms of bronchitis, whooping cough and catarrh (mucous) of the upper respiratory tract. The German Commission E also lists thyme leaves and oil for treating poor digestion.
In European folk tradition, thyme leaf tea was also used for nervous disorders. Experimentally, oil of thyme lowers arterial pressure, increases heart rhythms, respiratory volume, lowers blood pressure and alleviates toothaches. The oil is strongly antibacterial and antimicrobial, being 25 times stronger than phenol, but, in contrast, it is less injurious to the skin.
Because essential oils are very toxic and irritating to the skin when applied directly, it is important to use thyme oil externally only as a wash made from the leaf tea or as part of liniment or massage oil blend. However, pure thyme oil is often used as a natural preservative for medicinal and culinary oil blends, especially for encapsulated fish oil blends because of its antiseptic and antioxidant properties.
New studies on a monoterpene found in thyme oil called limonene (found more abundantly in citrus rinds) show that it very effectively prevents individuals from developing abnormal growths on their skin (when taken internally).
Limonene also has demonstrated prevention efficacy in preclinical models of breast and colon abnormal growths. Limonene has chemopreventive activity against rodent mammary, skin, liver, lung and upper stomach abnormal growths. Limonene also has chemotherapeutic activity against rodent mammary and pancreatic abnormal growths and is under evaluation in Phase I clinical trials with humans.
Another monoterpene from thyme oil, geraniol, has also been shown to have tremendous activity in combating abnormal growths. Geraniol also has in vivo activity against abnormal white blood cells. Monoterpenes block cholesterol production within the body, which prevents excess estrogen formation and related stimulation of abnormal cell division.
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Directions
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea).
Iced tea brewing method (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water].
Additional Information
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
