Thyme for Sore Throat
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Katie
Posted on: January 31, 2002

My friend told me to take a herb called thyme, but I dont know what this herb is for. I have a sick, sore throat. Its hurt a lot when I drink hot water. Should I try thyme? Can I see a picture of thyme?

Garden Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, antifungal, anti-cough and antispasmodic actions and is commonly used for throat and bronchial infections. For sore throat, you can make a tea and use it as a gargle as well as drinking some.

To make a tea, steep 1 teaspoon of the dried herb (or 3 teaspoons fresh herb) in a covered glass or ceramic cup or pot with one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain. Drink 3 cups a day. Gargle every 2 hours. Allow the tea to cool if hot liquids bother your throat.

Thyme contains a powerful essential oil, thymol, which can cause serious health problems if the recommended dosage is exceeded.

There are pictures of thyme in the Richters online catalogue. See http://www.richters.com/Web_store/web_store.cgi?product=X6450

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