WILD THYME: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a shrub with long, trailing stems that is native to Europe. Its flowering parts have been used in traditional medicine.

Wild thyme contains an essential oil that might have antioxidant and antibacterial effects.

People use wild thyme for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse wild thyme with thyme, which is a similar species, or with Spanish origanum oil, which is sometimes called "Spanish thyme." These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for WILD THYME overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Wild thyme is commonly consumed in foods. It's flowering parts are possibly safe when used as medicine.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Wild thyme is commonly consumed in foods. It's flowering parts are possibly safe when used as medicine.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if wild thyme is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Thyroid disorders: Wild thyme can affect hormones that control the thyroid gland. Talk with your healthcare provider before use if you have a thyroid disorder.

Interactions

We currently have no information for WILD THYME overview.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of wild thyme might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Charles, C. H., Sharma, N. C., Galustians, H. J., Qaqish, J., McGuire, J. A., and Vincent, J. W. Comparative efficacy of an antiseptic mouthrinse and an antiplaque/antigingivitis dentifrice. A six-month clinical trial. J Am Dent Assoc 2001;132(5):670-675. View abstract.

Cohen, B. M. and Dressler, W. E. Acute aromatics inhalation modifies the airways. Effects of the common cold. Respiration 1982;43(4):285-293. View abstract.

Day, L. M., Ozanne-Smith, J., Parsons, B. J., Dobbin, M., and Tibballs, J. Eucalyptus oil poisoning among young children: mechanisms of access and the potential for prevention. Aust N.Z.J Public Health 1997;21(3):297-302. View abstract.

Nelson, R. F., Rodasti, P. C., Tichnor, A., and Lio, Y. L. Comparative study of four over-the-counter mouthrinses claiming antiplaque and/or antigingivitis benefits. Clin Prev.Dent. 1991;13(6):30-33. View abstract.

Azhar J, John P, Bhatti A. Thymus serpyllum Exhibits Anti-Diabetic Potential in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Mice: A Combined Biochemical and In Vivo Study. Nutrients 2022;14(17):3561. View abstract.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Jari&cacute; S, Mitrovi&cacute; M, Pavlovi&cacute; P. Review of ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological study of Thymus serpyllum L. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015;2015:101978. View abstract.

Ruiz-Malagón AJ, Rodríguez-Sanchez MJ, Rodríguez-Sojo MJ, et al. Intestinal anti-inflammatory and visceral analgesic effects of a Serpylli herba extract in an experimental model of irritable bowel syndrome in rats. Front Pharmacol 2022;13:967644. View abstract.

Salaria D, Rolta R, Patel CN, Dev K, Sourirajan A, Kumar V. In vitro and in silico analysis of Thymus serpyllum essential oil as bioactivity enhancer of antibacterial and antifungal agents. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022;40(20):10383-10402. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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