Thyme comes from the mint family. People use it as a spice and in herbal preparations. Its leaves and flowering tops hold volatile oils like thymol, along with flavonoids, giving it a warming, aromatic character.
You can take thyme as tea, tincture, or capsule to support respiratory comfort and immune function. Topically, diluted thyme oil helps with blemish-prone skin. Take capsules with meals or drink it as tea.
The oil is potent. Never take it internally undiluted. Allergic reactions can happen, especially with ragweed sensitivity. Thyme might slow blood clotting, so stop large amounts before surgery. Pregnant women should stick to culinary amounts and avoid concentrated extracts.