It’s sometimes used as a dietary supplement in capsule form or as an essential oil.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Used in traditional medicine, thyme is used for a wide range of health conditions.
The plant contains many active compounds, one of which isthymol.
As with many herbal remedies, the evidence supporting thyme’s medicinal effects is limited.
However, some health claims surrounding thyme are better supported by research than others.
However, this claim is only supported by anecdotal evidence and lab studies.
Thyme essential oil was found to be the most potent against acne-causing bacteria.
Researchers also noted that thyme provided anti-inflammatory effects that could be useful when treating acne.
Despite these promising results, this study was performed in a lab rather than on humans.
More human research is needed to confirm these findings.
Some participants also reported that the spray had a pleasant cooling effect.
At this time, larger-scale human trials have not yet examined the effects of thyme and thymol on coughing.
In another study, thyme essential oil was investigated as a potential treatment forfungal infections.
Although other studies have shown similar results regarding thyme’s antibacterial and antifungal properties, more research is needed.
Human trials would especially be beneficial.
However, research to support these claims is limited.
Sometimes, inflammation may cause pain.
Some research has shown that thymol, an active ingredient in thyme, may help reduceinflammation.
In the study, participants were randomized to receive one of the three treatments for two consecutivemenstrual cycles.
Antioxidant Properties
Multiple test tube studies have found thyme to have strongantioxidantactivity.
These effects may be due to components of thyme like thymol,terpinenes, andcarvacrol.
Other Uses
Thyme is often used for additional health conditions in traditional medicine.
Well-designed human trials are needed to prove these and other health claims of thyme.
Did You Know?
What Are the Side Effects of Thyme?
Generally, thyme is considered safe when used in normal amounts for cooking.
It also feels like well-tolerated in dietary supplement form.
However, side effects are possible when using thyme supplements.
Common Side Effects
Very fewside effectshave been reported for thyme.
Thymol, an active ingredient in thyme, has also been recognized by theFDAas generally safe.
Still, it is difficult to find any documentation of side effects related to thyme use.
Severe Side Effects
Although uncommon, it is possible to be allergic to thyme.
Anallergic reactionmay causehives,rash,watery eyes,diarrhea,nausea, orabdominal pain, among other symptoms.
It’s important to note that a thyme allergy is extremely rare, with very few cases being documented.
Precautions
Using thyme as a food spice or ingredient is generally considered safe.
However, some people may need to take extra precautions or avoid using thyme supplements.
It is unknown if thyme supplements are safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
The safety of thyme supplements has also not been established in children.
Dosage: How Much Thyme Should I Take?
Due to a general lack of scientific evidence in humans, there are nodosageguidelines for thyme supplements.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Thyme?
Thyme may become toxic if you take too much.
A study performed on rats found that very high doses of thyme essential oil causedtoxicity.
Toxic effects were mostly respiratory (related to breathing), although liver inflammation was also observed.
These results have yet to be repeated in humans.
You may also be more likely to experience side effects if you take too much thyme.
To prevent any adverse events, only take thyme supplements as directed.
Interactions
Certain medications, supplements,herbs, and foods may interact with thyme.
There is some evidence that thyme may interact with Jantoven (warfarin) and other blood-thinning medications.
Thyme is thought to disrupt the synthesis ofvitamin K, which is needed for normal blood clotting.
Other interactions may exist, but these are not well-documented or researched.
How to Store Thyme
Store thyme supplements and herbs in a cool, dry place.
Keep them out of direct sunlight.
Similar Supplements
Thyme supplements may work similarly to other herbs and supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Herbs, spices, and oils do eventually expire, and this includes thyme.
Thyme supplements expire at a certain point too.
Expiration dates should be listed on the product packaging or label.
For best quality, be sure only to use thyme before it has expired.
Thyme is thought to have multiple health benefits.
Research shows that thyme may possess antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that are good for health.
However, human trials on the benefits of thyme are severely lacking.
More research is needed to prove thyme’s efficacy and benefits.
This research was performed using a nasal thymol spray.
Thymol is one of the main components of thyme.
More research is needed on the potential benefits of thyme for a cough.
Note that there are no guidelines for the appropriate use of thyme for medical purposes.
Talk with a healthcare provider to determine if thyme supplements are necessary for you.
It’s described as having an earthy flavor that may be strong to some people.
People use thyme when cooking various dishes, including soups, salads, and stews.
Thyme may also be used when cooking different types of meat or even added to certain beverages.
Typically, only small amounts of thyme are used in cooking.
Research on thyme has mostly used thyme oils and other forms in much higher amounts.
Thyme Supplements
Thyme is sold as a dietary supplement in liquid extract or capsule forms.
Some supplements contain just thyme, while others contain thyme plus other vitamins,minerals, or nutrients.
You may also find thyme in various teas,mouthwashes, face masks, and nasal sprays.
Some people also use thyme essential oil foraromatherapy.
Thyme oils and liquids should not be ingested.
Thyme is naturally vegan and gluten-free, which means most supplements are too.Organicthyme is also available.
Check the label to verify a supplement fits your dietary preferences and does not contain allergens.
Approval from one of these or other agencies means that the supplement actually contains what it says it does.
Remember that supplements are mostly unregulated in the United States.
However, very few of these benefits are well-supported by scientific evidence.
Thyme has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is generally considered safe.
Still, if you’re interested in using thyme supplements, talk with a healthcare provider before trying it.
essential oils prepared at different plant phenophases onPseudomonas aeruginosaLPS-activated THP-1 macrophages.Antioxidants (Basel).
2014;5(2):82-88.
2021;7(5):e07054.
2020;9(8):961. doi:10.3390/plants9080961.
2020;11:581840. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.581840
MedlinePlus.Allergic reactions.
essential oil in rats.Toxicol Res.
2014;2014:957362. doi:10.1155/2014/957362.
Gupta M, Mahajan VK, Mehta KS, Chauhan PS.Zinc therapy in dermatology: A review.Dermatol Res Pract.
2012 Jul;17(7):668-70.
