Thyme – Herbal Healer for Bronchitis and Cough

For centuries, humankind has used thyme as a gentle yet effective aid in treating coughs and bronchitis. The many benefits and areas of application of thyme remain the subject of clinical research to this day. It is recognized as one of the most valuable medicinal plants for colds, respiratory infections, bronchitis, and whooping cough.

The four most important therapeutic properties of aromatic thyme essential oil are:

EXPECTORANT:
It thins stubborn secretions and clears the airways, activates the cilia of the epithelium, and ensures the airways’ self-cleaning, thereby easing cough.

ANTISPASMODIC:
It relaxes the bronchial muscles and significantly facilitates breathing.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY:
It has antiviral and antibacterial effects—actively fights various pathogens and effectively counteracts inflammation.

BRONCHODILATING:
It dilates bronchi narrowed by disease processes. It has a calming, strengthening, and relaxing effect on the bronchi.

Modern pharmacological studies show that thyme essential oil has antimicrobial, antiseptic, strongly antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory action. New research has also found that thyme essential oil stimulates the immune system and its antimicrobial activity; the values obtained are only 20–30% lower than those observed with echinacea.

How to use:

For inhalation in cough and bronchitis, mix:

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 7–10 drops thyme essential oil

Dissolve the mixture in 1 liter of boiling water on the stove. Depending on symptom intensity, inhale the vapors 3 to 4 times a day. Inhaling thyme essential oil is a tried-and-tested home remedy, especially for acute respiratory illnesses.

For acute bronchitis, combine the following essential oils:

• 50 ml rosehip oil

• 10 drops hyssop essential oil

• 5 drops thyme essential oil

• 5 drops chamomile essential oil

• 5 drops peppermint essential oil

• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Rub the mixture into the chest and throat area until the skin becomes slightly reddened. Repeat the procedure several times a day.

At the first signs of a cold, it is advisable to massage the soles of the feet and the kidney area with thyme essential oil (you can mix it with organic rosehip oil).

To reduce symptoms of tonsillitis, gargle with warm saline. Mix 1 teaspoon table salt and 2 drops of aromatic thyme essential oil in a glass of warm water. Gargle several times a day without swallowing the solution.

Why is thyme suitable for use during the autumn–winter months?

In autumn and winter the risk of bronchitis is greatest. During the cold months viruses circulate more widely and the airways are exposed to cold air. Bronchitis most often develops after an upper respiratory infection (rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis) or in the context of a viral infection, including influenza. Antiretroviral medications cannot destroy the common respiratory viruses (rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, influenza and parainfluenza), and antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections—they cannot help against infections caused by viruses such as the common cold or flu, since they act only against bacteria.

Thyme contains essential oil, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic monoterpenes. Aromatic thyme oil contains two powerful constituents called carvacrol and thymol. Our thyme oil is characterized by a high thymol content of 30–55%. Thymol has proven strong disinfectant, bactericidal, and fungicidal effects, while carvacrol has strong anti-inflammatory action. Thanks to this combination of active constituents, thyme oil is a traditional herbal remedy used internally to soothe spasms and promote expectoration in bronchitis. Topical application of the essential oil in the form of rubs, compresses, warm or cold inhalations, and baths helps relieve the symptoms of bronchitis and colds.