Alternative Medicine: Thyme
Posted by USHOSTAGE1 at 10/23/2007 2:29 PM 
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Categories: news,Police,Lawyer,San Diego,FBI,ATTORNEY,CIA,Pentagon,centcom,DUI,mi5,MI6
| Alternative medicine: Thyme Tue, 23 Oct 2007 22:53:25 By Patricia Khashayar, MD., PressTV.ir , Tehran | |
Botanical: Thymus Vulgaris (LINN.) Family: N.O. Labiatae Synonym: Common Thyme. Habitat: This fragrant plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region of Europe and is extensively cultivated in the United States It is an 'improved' cultivated form of the Wild Thyme of the mountains of Spain and other European countries bordering on the Mediterranean, flourishing also in Asia Minor, Algeria and Tunis, and is a near relation to wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum), which has broader leaves and a weaker odor. Description: Thyme is a perennial with a woody, fibrous root. The stems are numerous, round, hard, branched, and usually from 4 to 8 inches high. The leaves are small, only about 1/8 inch long and 1/16 inch broad, narrow and elliptical, greenish-grey in color, flexed at the margins, and set in pairs upon very small foot-stalks. The small reddish flowers terminate the branches in whorls. Garden thyme is more of a spice than a medicinal herb, while the wild specie from the Mediterranean region is used for medical purposes. It is much taller and stouter than garden thyme, has a more intense odor and contains much more of medicinally active volatile oil. There are three varieties usually grown for use, the broad-leaved, narrow-leaved and variegated. Part Used Medicinally: Leaves or the whole herb (leaves plus stem) The dried or partially dried leaves and flowering tops are used medicinally. Constituents: The main constituents of thyme include flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, eriodicytol), tannins, volatile oils (thymol, methylchavicol, cineole, borneol, carvacrol), saponins and bitter principles. The phenols are the principal constituents of Thyme oil, Thymol being the most valuable for medicinal purposes. Medicinal Uses: The essential oil of common thyme is made up of 20-55% thymol, an antiseptic, which was widely used to medicate the bandages before the discovery of the antibiotics. Thyme tea was traditionally given to the mother after delivery of the baby. It was believed that its oxytocin-like effect causes uterine contractions and help placental delivery be more rapid; however, later it was shown to be associated with a higher risk of retained placenta. Thyme is widely used to treat bronchitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis because of its muscular relaxing and expectorant effects. It is also useful in treating asthma and emphysema. Thymol is widely used as a herbal anti-tussive drug. It is most useful against infectious sore throat, especially during scarlet-fever. Thymol is a powerful antiseptic for both internal and external use; it is also employed as local anesthetic. Its antiseptic effect is also used in treating bacterial and fungal infections. It is extensively used to medicate gauze and wool for surgical dressings. Its action as a disinfectant is more permanent and at the same time more powerful than that of carbolic acid. It is less irritating to the skin, does not act as a caustic like carbolic acid, and is a less powerful poison to mammals. It is used as an antiseptic lotion and mouth wash. It is also used to treat eczema, psoriasis, broken chilblains, parasitic skin affections and burns. An ointment made of it takes away hot swellings and warts; it is also useful in treating acne. Thyme has diuretic effects. It has also been mentioned as having anti-aging properties. Thyme tea will arrest gastric fermentation. It is useful in cases of spasms, colic, chronic gastritis, and dyspepsia. In other words, it gives a great comfort to the stomach. Thyme is also used as a sedative especially in children. It is also used to treat pediatric diarrhea. The herb will also help in promoting perspiration at the beginning of a cold, and in fever and febrile complaints generally. The oil of Thyme is employed as an anti-inflammatory agent in rheumatism. Thyme is used to treat headache, drowsiness and high blood pressure. It has also known for its anti cancer effects. Thymol is also a preservative of meat. Preparation: Thyme tea is prepared by pouring a cup of hot water on two spoonfuls of the finely chopped herb. The German Commission E monograph recommends a cup (250 ml) of tea made from 1/4-1/2 teaspoon (1-2 grams) of the herb taken several times daily as needed for a cough. An infusion made from 1 OZ. of the dried herb with 1 pint of boiling water, sweetened with sugar or honey, is also used for the same purpose, as well as in cases of catarrh and sore throat, given in doses of 1 or more tablespoonfuls, several times daily. A fluid extract, 1/4-3/4 teaspoon (1-4 ml) three times per day, can also be used. Another alternative is to use a tincture, 1/3-1 teaspoon (2-6 ml) three times per day. Thyme oil is absorbed well, and the greater is excreted via the lungs. The rising volatile oil gives the bath an added therapeutic component. Hence, thyme baths have the beneficial spasmolytic, broncholytic effect on diseases such as chronic cough, emphysema and whooping cough. Because it is antiseptic, thyme boiled in water and cooled is very effective against inflammation of the throat when gargled 3 times a day. The pounded herb, if given fresh, from 1 to 6 OZ. daily, mixed with syrup, is a safe cure for whooping cough. Infections and wounds can be dripped with thyme that has been boiled in water and cooled. Caution: Used as indicated above, thyme herbal preparations are generally safe. There is no fear to consume even high doses if required; no side effects are reported for the herb. The use of thyme by pregnant or breast-feeding women is considered to be safe. Thyme oil should be reserved for topical use, as internally it may lead to dizziness, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. Some people may be sensitive to topical thyme oil or its mouth rinse. There are no well-known drug interactions with thyme. PKH/RE |
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