Garden thyme is an improved cultivated form of the Wild Thyme of the mountains of Spain and other European countries bordering on the Mediterranean. Pliny recommends it as an antidote for snake bites, ‘poisons’ of marine creatures and headaches.

The aerial parts are ideal for deep-seated chest infections marked by thick yellow phlegm. They are also useful as a digestive remedy, warming for stomach chills and associated diarrhoea.

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Volatile oils - linalol, thymol, carvacrol, tannins, saponins, flavonoids

It traditionally acts as an antiseptic expectorant, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, soothes coughs, antibiotic, wound healing, topically – it can increase blood flow to an area

Infusion This is traditionally prescribed for chest infections, stomach chills or irritable bowel

Gargle The infusion or diluted tincture is traditionally used for sore throats

Essential oil

Chest rub Dissolving 10 drops thyme oil in 20ml of almond oil or sunflower oil can be used for chest infections

Oil Dissolve 10 drops in 20ml of water is traditionally applied to insect bites

Massage oil Dissolving 10 drops of thyme and lavender oil in 25ml of almond or sunflower oil can be used for rheumatic pain or strained muscles

Thyme oil can irritate the mucous membranes, so always dilute