Comparisons
Thyme Tea or Thyme Essential Oil?
Thyme herb (Thymi herba) and thyme essential oil (Thymi aetheroleum) come from the same plant, but their concentration and safety limits differ sharply. The table is built from both cards.
| Aspect | ThymeThymus vulgaris, Thymus zygis | Thyme OilThymus vulgaris |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | T Traditional use | T Traditional use |
| Needs | Respiratory, Throat & Mouth | Respiratory, Throat & Mouth |
| Form | Dried Herb & Tea | Essential Oil |
| How to use | Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1–2 g of dried thyme. | Only as a dosed ready-made product: 0.2–0.25 ml of oil per dose. Max 1.25 ml a day. |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Avoid |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | Avoid |
| Recommended minimum age | From age 12 | From age 18 |
| Drug interactions | No recorded interactions | No recorded interactions |
| Duration limit | Not stated | 1 week |
Which one, when?
Thyme
Traditionally drunk as a tea for productive cough associated with a cold. The tea form is used from age 12.
Full card →Thyme Oil
Used as a bath additive, steam inhalation or diluted topical rub for cold symptoms; do not drink undiluted essential oil.
Full card →Good to know
- Never substitute pure thyme essential oil for brewed thyme tea; undiluted essential oil irritates mucous membranes.
- See a doctor if high fever, shortness of breath or purulent phlegm develops.