Dried Herb & Tea

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris, Thymus zygis

T Traditional use

Thyme tea is traditionally used for chesty (productive) cough that comes with a cold. The EMA assessment covers Thymus species.

Respiratory, Throat & Mouth
Thyme – Dried Herb & Tea

Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim

Pregnancy⚠ Avoid
Breastfeeding⚠ Avoid
Children⚠ Avoid
Drug interactionsNo recorded interactions
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On this page

At a glance

The EMA classes the aerial parts of Thymus vulgaris and Thymus zygis as a traditional herbal medicine for productive cough. Origanum and Thymbra species, often sold as "kekik" in Turkey, are outside this assessment.

Parts used: aerial-parts
Key constituents: Carvacrol & Thymol

Updated: October 15, 2026

✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.

What is it used for?

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    Traditionally used for productive cough associated with a cold. [1]

How is it used?

Tea

Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1–2 g of dried thyme.

Amount: 3–4 times daily

[1]

Safety & interactions

Minimum age: 12 years

  • See a doctor if you get shortness of breath, fever or pus-like phlegm.
  • The tea is not recommended for children under 12.
  • Do not use if you are allergic to the mint family (Lamiaceae).
  • Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
[1]

Drug interactions

No recorded interactions

Side effects

  • Stomach complaints (frequency unknown)

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Did you know?

The EMA assesses Thymus vulgaris and T. zygis; "kekik" sold in Turkish markets is often a different species. [1]

Frequently asked questions

Is thyme tea good for cough?

The EMA accepts thyme (Thymus species) as a traditional remedy for productive cough with a cold.

Is the "kekik" sold in Turkish markets the same thyme?

Not always. Turkish "kekik" is often Origanum or Thymbra. The EMA assessment covers Thymus vulgaris and T. zygis.

How do I make thyme tea?

Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1–2 g of dried thyme. Drink 3–4 times a day.

Can children drink thyme tea?

As a tea it is not recommended for children under 12.

Sources

  1. Community herbal monograph on Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus zygis L., herbaEMA HMPC · 2013

Cite This Page

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris, Thymus zygis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/thyme/

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