Introduction
Thymus serpyllum Linn, commonly known as Mother-of-thyme or Wild Thyme, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Labiatae; Lamiaceae family. It is native to North America and can also be found in the temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal. In western India, it is grown in gardens. Thymus vulgaris, also known as Garden Thyme, is another species of Thyme that can be found in the Nilgiris at higher elevations.
In Ayurveda, Thymus serpyllum is known as Ajagandhaa or VanaYavaani. It should not be confused with other herbs such as Yavaani, Ajmodaa, Shataahvaa, Raajikaa, and Tilaparni. In Unani medicine, it is called Haashaa or Jangali Pudinaa.
Medicinal Uses
Thymus serpyllum has various actions and medicinal properties. It is known for its antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antispasmodic, mild sedative, and expectorant properties. Both Thymus serpyllum and Thymus vulgaris L. are used for treating coughs and common colds.The German Commission E has approved the use of Thymus vulgaris for symptoms of bronchitis, whooping cough, and catarrhs of the upper respiratory tracts. It is also used to treat stomatitis, as recognized by the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.
Chemical Constituents
Thymus serpyllum contains higher levels of linalool and p-cymol compared to Garden Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). The major constituent of the volatile oil in both species is thymol, along with carvacrol, 1,8-cineole, borneol, geraniol, linalool, bornyl and linalyl acetate, thymol methyl ether, and alpha-pinene. Flavonoids such as apigenin, luteolin, thymonin, and naringenin are also present, along with labiatic acid, caffeic acid, tannins.
The flavonoid fraction of Thymus serpyllum has been found to have a potent effect on smooth muscle in guinea-pig trachea and ileum. Thymol, one of the major constituents, is known for its expectorant and antiseptic properties. Both thymol and carvacrol have spasmolytic properties. Thymol also acts as a urinary tract antiseptic and anthelmintic.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of Thymus serpyllum is 3-5 grams of the whole plant in powdered form.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thymus serpyllum (Mother-of-thyme or Wild Thyme) is a valuable herb with various medicinal properties. It is used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani for its antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antispasmodic, mild sedative, and expectorant properties. The herb is rich in thymol and other beneficial compounds that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Adding Thymus serpyllum to your herbal remedies can provide relief from coughs, colds, and respiratory ailments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thymus serpyllum Linn?
Thymus serpyllum Linn is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Labiatae; Lamiaceae family, also known as Mother-of-thyme or Wild Thyme.
Where is Thymus serpyllum Linn native to?
Thymus serpyllum Linn is native to North America and can also be found in the temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal.
Is Thymus serpyllum Linn grown in gardens?
Yes, Thymus serpyllum Linn is grown in gardens, particularly in western India.
What is the Ayurvedic name for Thymus serpyllum?
In Ayurveda, Thymus serpyllum is known as Ajagandhaa or VanaYavaani.
Is Thymus serpyllum the same as Yavaani or Ajmodaa?
No, Thymus serpyllum should not be confused with other herbs like Yavaani, Ajmodaa, Shataahvaa, Raajikaa, and Tilaparni.
What is Thymus serpyllum called in Unani medicine?
In Unani medicine, Thymus serpyllum is called Haashaa or Jangali Pudinaa.
What are the medicinal properties of Thymus serpyllum?
Thymus serpyllum is known for its antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antispasmodic, mild sedative, and expectorant properties.
What are the uses of Thymus serpyllum in treating coughs and colds?
Thymus serpyllum and Thymus vulgaris are both used for treating coughs and common colds.
Which symptoms is Thymus vulgaris approved for by the German Commission E?
Thymus vulgaris is approved for the symptoms of bronchitis, whooping cough, and catarrhs of the upper respiratory tracts by the German Commission E.
What is Thymus vulgaris used for according to the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia?
According to the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Thymus vulgaris is used to treat stomatitis.
What are the major constituents of the volatile oil in Thymus serpyllum and Thymus vulgaris?
The major constituent of the volatile oil in Thymus serpyllum and Thymus vulgaris is thymol, along with other compounds like carvacrol, 1,8-cineole, borneol, geraniol, linalool, bornyl and linalyl acetate, thymol methyl ether, and alpha-pinene.
What flavonoids are present in Thymus serpyllum?
Flavonoids such as apigenin, luteolin, thymonin, and naringenin are present in Thymus serpyllum.
What effect does the flavonoid fraction of Thymus serpyllum have on smooth muscle?
The flavonoid fraction of Thymus serpyllum has been found to have a potent effect on smooth muscle in guinea-pig trachea and ileum.
What properties does thymol have?
Thymol, one of the major constituents of Thymus serpyllum, is known for its expectorant and antiseptic properties.
Do thymol and carvacrol have spasmolytic properties?
Yes, both thymol and carvacrol have spasmolytic properties.
What are the recommended dosages of Thymus serpyllum?
The recommended dosage of Thymus serpyllum is 3-5 grams of the whole plant in powdered form.
What are the benefits of Thymus serpyllum?
Thymus serpyllum has various medicinal properties that can provide relief from coughs, colds, and respiratory ailments.
What makes Thymus serpyllum a valuable herb in traditional medicine systems?
Thymus serpyllum is valued in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani for its antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antispasmodic, mild sedative, and expectorant properties.
