Jerusalem Post
ByDORON KUPERSTEIN
New studies show that thyme not only relieves cough and phlegm, but also reduces inflammation, relaxes the airways, and helps the body overcome mild infections more quickly.
Cough is one of the most frustrating symptoms of winter: It interferes with sleep, harms concentration at work – and sometimes lingers long after a cold or the flu has already passed. While most of us automatically turn to syrups, inhalers, or pills, it turns out that the answer may very well be found דווקא in the kitchen – in a familiar and humble spice plant called thyme.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), an ancient Mediterranean herb, has been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat cough, throat infections, and bronchitis. Today, more and more clinical studies are beginning to confirm: Grandma was right.
Cough is a natural protective reflex: It is meant to clear mucus, bacteria, viruses, or foreign particles from the airways. The problem begins when the cough itself becomes the problem – when it is frequent, dry, or painful, when it is accompanied by thick mucus, or when it lasts for weeks.
This is where thyme comes into the picture.
How does thyme work?
The main active component in thyme is thymol (Thymol) — an antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory substance. Thymol has several important effects:
• It inhibits the reproduction of bacteria and viruses
• It thins mucus and makes it easier to expel
• It relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi — thus easing breathing
• And it reduces irritation and inflammation of the airway mucous membranes
This combination makes thyme one of the most effective plants for a “wet” cough with mucus – and also for a dry cough caused by irritation.
What does scientific research say?
In recent years, several clinical studies on thyme extracts (sometimes combined with ivy) have been published in Europe. The results were consistent:
