Thyme
spice
Thyme is a culinary herb consisting of the dried aerial parts of some members of the genus Thymus of flowering plants in the mint family Lamiaceae. Thymes are native to Mediterranean countries in North Africa, Levant and Southern Europe. Thymes have culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. The species most commonly cultivated and used for culinary purposes is Thymus vulgaris, native to Southeast Europe.
Conditions addressed
How to use
- Add to meals during cooking, brew as tea, or mix into warm water with honey.
- Use ¼–1 tsp per serving.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
Pregnancy
Likely SafeCulinary use is well established as safe; medicinal-strength thyme extracts/essential oil are best avoided in pregnancy due to limited safety data at concentrated doses.
Breastfeeding
Likely SafeNormal culinary and tea use is considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Children
Likely SafeCommonly used in diluted tea/honey preparations for children's coughs (over age 1, due to any honey content); essential oil should always be diluted for topical use and never given internally.
Interactions & contraindications
May affect immune activity
Watch for: Immunosuppressants (for transplant or autoimmune conditions)
Immune-stimulating herbs can work against immunosuppressive therapy.

