Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herb in the mint family that originated in ancient societies throughout the Mediterranean region. (1) Today, thyme is grown all over the world and is used in numerous ways in cooking.

Not only does thyme add flavor to meals and teas, but it also contains various medicinal properties. This flavorful herb has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that are beneficial to health. (2)

By consuming thyme, you can add flavor to your dishes and help improve your health at the same time.

1. Helps relieve coughing

Thyme has been used in herbal medicine and as a home remedy for cough, respiratory conditions, and bronchitis for years. (3)

According to a 2006 study, (4) thyme with a combination of ivy leaves proved to be helpful in treating symptoms of acute bronchitis, which included coughing. While research shows promising results, more recent human studies in this area are needed.

2. Reduces high blood pressure

Thyme may help bring down high blood pressure.

A 2013 study reported that supplementing Thyme vulgaris as an herbal remedy for 8 weeks significantly reduced blood pressure in rats. (5) This finding is encouraging because it provides a natural way to help treat hypertension.

In other animal studies, researchers found that taking thyme extract helped reduce the risk factors for heart disease, which included blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides. (6)

Although there is assuring evidence, research with human studies is limited. More research needs to be conducted to determine thyme’s efficacy in lowering blood pressure in humans.

3. Improves mood

Thyme in the form of essential oil may positively impact your mood. This is due to the active substance carvacrol in thyme.

A 2013 animal study found that the administration of carvacrol for 7 consecutive days was able to increase serotonin and dopamine. Both hormones are important in regulating your mood. (7) More research is needed to determine thyme’s ability to positively affect mood, but results are encouraging.

4. Aids in the treatment of acne and eczema

Thyme has been studied as an herb to help treat common skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

In a 2012 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study in Ethiopia, researchers found that a 3% thyme essential oil antifungal cream was an effective intervention to treating mild to moderate cases of eczema-like lesions. (8)

Thyme is also known for having antibacterial properties, making it a great contender for fighting acne. According to a 2010 study, utilizing thyme in essential oil form showed antibacterial effects against P. acnes, (9) common bacteria that causes acne.

This evidence is promising, but further research needs to be done to determine thyme oil’s efficacy in treating acne and reducing pimples.

5. Protects against colon and breast cancers

Thyme has been tested as an herb to help prevent certain cancers. A 2012 study found that extracts from mastic thyme may have a protective effect against colon cancers. (10)

In another 2019 study, researchers found that thyme demonstrated anticancer activity, such as antioxidative or proapoptotic effects, in experimental breast cancer using two in vivo models. (11)

6. Relieves menstrual pain

Thyme has the potential to help relieve menstrual pain in women. According to a study, 252 young Ethiopian students who drank thyme tea reported a decrease of 63.2% in menstrual pain. (12)

Further research needs to be conducted in this area, but drinking thyme tea may be a useful solution to ease menstrual pain.

7. Repels mosquitoes

To fight pesky mosquitos, try using thyme as a natural bug repellent. The oil in thyme, known as thymol, has been shown to help repel bugs such as mosquitos. (13)

Thyme also contains thymol, which has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. Thymol has been shown to contain medicinal properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antitumor effects. (14)

Nutritional value of thyme per 100 grams (15)