Thymus vulgaris

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.