Bart Maes

Medicinal value of white thyme

Known as pure salt, this small perennial has a strong and pleasant aroma, traditionally used as a digestive and mucolytic remedy. It is also used to treat bronchitis, flu, fever and colds due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

There have been various scientific studies into the composition of the essential oils of this plant. The entire plant has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is widely used in aromatherapy as a relaxant, disinfectant and sleep aid.

White thyme has relaxing properties. It helps with nervous tension and stress, coping with grief and provides tranquillity and strength. The essential oil extracted from the leaves is used in fragrances, mouthwash and medicines. White thyme improves blood circulation, thus boosting the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the body.

A great remedy for muscle and joint aches and pains. It helps alleviate rheumatism. Very beneficial in case of urinary tract and intestinal infections. Effective in respiratory tract infections. Antibacterial, anti-catarrhal, antifungal, anti-infective, sinusitis, catarrhal bronchitis, antiseptic, urinary tract, antispasmodic, gout, bactericide, broncho-pulmonary decongestant, bronchitis, catarrhal and viral, catarrh, cough, congestion, sinusitis, mucus production, stress symptoms, balancing, harmonising.

The medicinal value of white thyme in case of respiratory issues (e.g. COVID-19)

The essential oil extracted from the leaves is used in fragrances, mouthwash and medicines.

Steaming thyme mastichina essential oil helps alleviate asthma, sinus infections, bronchitis and catarrh. The oil stimulates the mucous membranes due to its high cineol content. Steam inhalation after leaf infusion helps unblock the nasal cavities. The best way to use the oil is in a vaporizer. Thyme mastichina essential oil inhibits both lipoxygenase and acetylcholinesterase activities. It can be beneficial in the treatment of lung infections, such as with COVID-19.

Steaming with white thyme oil also helps cleanse a person’s respiratory tract. According to Natural Standard, this is one of the oldest established folk medicinal uses of thyme. The drink infusion produces excellent results for colds and flu. White thyme oil is useful in combating bacterial and viral infections. Thyme oil acts as a mucolytic remedy and helps remove mucus from the lungs and throat. Steam inhalation after leaf infusion helps unblock the nasal cavities. The oil is also a common ingredient in lozenges and cough drops used by people to help with respiratory ailments.

The many names of white thyme. Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae) Scientific name: Thymus mastichina

Beautiful light thyme, pure salt, spanish wood marjoram, marjoram, wild marjoram, tomilho Bela Luz, mastic thyme, sal verde, sal puro, white thyme, Spanish marjoram, Bela-Luz, Spanish thyme, Portuguese thyme, green salt. Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae).

The actual marjoram, origanum majorana, is of a completely different chemical composition. This name is very confusing as the plant does not belong to the ‘origanum’ but to the ‘thymus’ family.

‘Unparalleled in the world of thyme and incomparably superior. White thyme is ours. Sal Verde is Portuguese, and that is worth knowing.’ Professor of herbalism, Prof. José Ribeiro Ljm

Active substances in thymus mastichina (white thyme) essential oil, according to D. Stewart