I have thyme growing in my indoor herb garden. Why? What health benefits does this dainty little plant have? Many people know that thyme is a culinary herb that is used in dishes in Italy, France, and across the Mediterranean region. You may have put it in your tasty pesto sauce for your pasta or added into your favorite pizza sauce. However, did you know that thyme is also known to have many medicinal properties that have health benefits? We are going to focus on three uses for thyme- improve digestive health, decrease infections, and reduce inflammation.

Thyme May Improve Digestive Issues

Thyme has potential health benefits for digestion and gut health. In one study, thyme essential oil was shown to have spasmolytic effects (a reduction of the number of spasms) in the colon and small intestine. It also has antimicrobial effects, which means it comes against either viruses and/or bacteria. These microbial effects could reduce diarrhea and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, along with supporting gut microbiome health.

Thyme May Decrease Infections

Thyme is immune building because it contains small amounts of many vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, copper, iron, manganese, and fiber. It doesn’t pack a punch in small quantities, but it can contribute to the total daily requirements of these important nutrients. It has other nutrients that we will not discuss at present. 

Another health benefit is that thyme may support immunity. It may support immune health through its antibacterial effects and infection prevention. There are been many cases of antidotal effects and clinical studies that verify its effectiveness in boosting immune processes in the body.

Thyme may help with coughs and respiratory health. In a clinical study involving children who had asthma, the children who were given a thyme preparation experienced less coughing during activity when compared to the control group. They also had a general improvement in their breathing patterns. An older 2006 clinical study showed a combination of thyme and ivy leaves was able to alleviate coughs and other acute bronchial symptoms and worked better than those who were in the dextromethorphan group. Thyme Tea may help cough or sore throat, and it can be delicious when adding you add honey to it. Thyme essential oil is often used as a natural cough remedy.

Thyme has antimicrobial properties. A study showed Thyme has antiviral activity against cold and flu viruses. It also might prevent bacterial infections, according to a study that showed it has significant antibacterial effects against strains of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and several other common infectious bacteria. It also promotes balance in yeast infections.

Thyme May Reduce Inflammation

A clinical study has shown that thyme was like chlorhexidine in people with gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) regarding reducing markers of inflammation. Research suggests that thyme may have health benefits for reducing inflammation levels in the body. You can learn more about how to keep your gums healthy using Thyme and other herbs in Blog 208 “Simple Solutions to Keep Your Gums Healthy” at this link: https://lavenderpathwellness.com/2025/01/28/simple-solutions-to-keep-your-gums-healthy/

Safety Information

When consumed in appropriate amounts, either fresh, dried, or in supplemental form, thyme is considered highly safe for most people.

In summary, clinical research has found thyme may work to decrease coughing and support respiratory health. Other trials indicate it may support immune health through infection prevention and antibacterial effects. Thyme may support gastrointestinal health, though additional studies are needed.

Action Step

Thyme is one of the most widely applicable herbs for supplementing overall wellness. Begin to add it to your food today as you consider how it might work with your body for its health benefits. 

May God bless you on your wellness journey!

Joni

P.S. What experience do you have with the health benefits of thyme?