Herbal Profile: Thyme

Herbal Profile

By Katharine Lark Chrisley, NHC, RMT

Thyme, Thymus vulgaris and Thymus serpyllum (Labiatae)

An ancient healing and culinary herb, Thyme has multiple uses for maintaining and restoring equine health. Because of its expectorant properties, it is a particularly useful winter and spring addition to the diet of many species. The feeding of cut and sifted leaf; powdered dry leaf or fresh stem and leaf will aid to relieve congestions and coughs. For horses, I feed one tablespoon dry herb mixed into a wet bran or soaked pellet mash daily for therapeutic purposes.

Thyme also is a vermifuge herb, expelling worms from the digestive tract. It contains the volatile oil, “Thymol” that has been effective in heartworm and hookworm prevention as well as treatments.

Other components of the herb are: borneol, carvacrol, cineole, linalool and pinene volatile oils; the flavanoids apigenin and luteolin. It also contains tannins.

The specific name serpyllum refers to the creeping, rooting stems of one variety of Thyme. The specific name vulgaris refers to the garden thyme.

Infusions of thyme leaf can be made by steeping the dry or fresh herb in pure water just off the boil. This “tea” can be dosed by mouth to horses with gum infections, flatulent colic symptoms or internal parasites. The same infusion makes a fine, antiseptic skin or wound wash externally. I use the powdered or ground dry thyme leaf as an external parasite repellent “dust” for horses or dogs (not for use on cats because of the strong volatile oils).

Thyme leaf is a wonderful winter and spring herb for health support and healing.

These statements have not been approved by the FDA or USDA. Remember to always use the herbalist’s safety ways: use a small amount of an herb at first, watching for any adverse reactions. All beings are individuals with possible sensitivities.

BIO: Katharine has studied and practiced the use of Phytotherpy (healing with plants) for horses since 1973. Her book, “The Well-Being of Pets and Companions” ( http://www.rosedogbookstore.com/welofpetandc.html ) covers the use of herbs, flower essences, oils, homeopathy and energy work for horses with many charts and recipes.