Thymus vulgaris

• TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use

  Classic cough tea for productive cold-related cough — the essential oil has an expectorant and antibacterial action.

  Preparation & dosage

  HOT INFUSION: Pour 150 ml boiling water over 1–2 g comminuted thyme herb, cover, steep for 10 minutes, strain. Drink one fresh cup 3–4 times a day. The essential oil helps loosen thick mucus in the bronchi — particularly useful for productive cold-related cough.

  Dry amount

  1–2 g

  Doses per day

  4×

  Max duration

  1 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per EMA, for adults, adolescents and children from 12 years. Insufficient data for 4–12 years. Not for under 4 years.

  Sources: [1]

• InhalationAerial partsExternalTraditional use

  Steam inhalation for bronchitis and congested upper airways.

  Preparation & dosage

  STEAM INHALATION: 5 g dried thyme in a bowl, 1 litre hot (not boiling!) water on top. Inhale steam under a towel for 5–10 minutes through nose and mouth. Eyes closed. 1–2 times daily. NOT for infants/toddlers or in asthma.

  Dry amount

  5–5 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Steam inhalations with essential oils can trigger life-threatening glottic spasm in infants and toddlers.

  Sources: [1]

• GargleAerial partsExternalTraditional use

  Antiseptic gargle for sore throat, tonsil irritation and inflammation of the oral mucosa.

  Preparation & dosage

  GARGLE: Pour 150 ml boiling water over 1–2 g comminuted thyme, steep 10 minutes covered, strain and cool to lukewarm. Gargle vigorously 2–3 times a day, then spit out.

  Dry amount

  1–2 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 6 years — Gargling only once the child can reliably spit out the water (usually from age 6).

  Sources: [1]

• TinctureAerial partsInternalTraditional use

  Concentrated alcoholic extracts — practical dosing for productive cold-related cough.

  Preparation & dosage

  READY-MADE TINCTURE (1:5, ethanol 70 %): Take 2–6 ml three times a day diluted in a little water. NOT for children under 12 years due to alcohol content.

  Liquid amount

  2–6 ml

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  1 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Alcohol-containing tinctures not recommended for children under 12.

  Sources: [1]

• BathAerial partsExternalFolk medicine

  Warming cold-relief bath — essential oils enter via skin and breathing air.

  Preparation & dosage

  BATH ADDITIVE: 100–200 g thyme + 2 L boiling water, steep 15 min, add to full bath at ~37 °C, 10–15 minutes. NOT in fever, open skin lesions or cardiovascular weakness.

  Dry amount

  100–200 g

  Doses per day

  1×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 6 years — For older children from 6 years at half dose. Avoid in infants and toddlers.

  Sources: [1]

If productive cough lasts more than 1 week, or with shortness of breath, fever or purulent sputum, seek medical advice. Pure essential oil (thyme oil) is NOT equivalent to the herbal preparation — it is highly concentrated, irritating, taken internally only highly diluted. In infants/toddlers essential oil can trigger life-threatening glottic spasm. In asthma, steam inhalations can trigger bronchospasm. ASPCA classification (accessed 2026-08-10): non-toxic to dogs and cats.

⏱ Max continuous use: 2 weeks