Breckland thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) – Uses & Health BenefitsBreckland thyme, Thymus Serpyllum

(Ref: Bhavaprakasa Nighantu)

Introduction

Breckland thyme is also called creeping and wild thyme. It belongs to lamiaceae that is a mint family. Breckland thyme is a dwarf shrub that forms mat like strands and have very strong fragrance. With the growing age base of stem of this plant gets woody. Flowering time of wild thyme is July to august. This plant very beneficial nutrition for the baton blue butterflies caterpillar and blue butterflies because these butterflies lay their eggs only on this plant i.e. breckland thyme.

Plant Description

Breckland thyme grow 5-15cm in height. The stem is creeping and 4 edged. Erect flowering branches are branched or sometimes unbranched and top is almost round and hairy. This plant has zygomorphic flowers that are whitish purple in color. Flowers are 6-7 mm long, fused with straight tube and hairy. The calyx of the flower is bell shaped. Opposite leaves of this plant are almost stalked less. Round and ecliptic leaves are tipped and almost glabrous. Leaves remain dark green throughout the winters. Schizocarp fruit is divided into four parts.

Names

  • Latin Name – Thymus Serpyllum
  • English Name – Wild Thyme, Garden Thyme, Creeping Thyme
  • Arabic Name – Satr, Zatr
  • French Name – Thym
  • German Name – Thymian
  • Italian Name – Timo
  • Russian Name – Timyan

Habitat

Breckland is ideally north most species in its large genus. It is native to Europe and Asia. It is also found in the countries around the Baltic Sea and also found in Russia and countries situated in the north zone. It is found in sandy soil, rocky outcrop, and meadows, roadside and near riverside sand banks.

Health Benefits of Breckland Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum)

According to bhavprakashnighantu all the parts flowers, stem, roots, leaves and bark (panchang) is used in ayurvedic medicine system. This plant also contains volatile, aromatic oil and latex. This plant also contain a range of tannins and thymol. Various health benefits of breackland thyme are mentioned in bhavprakashnightu. This herb is a powerful diuretic, which helpful for kidneys and good to improve the frequency and volume of urine. It is also a very effective herb for wound healing. Thyme is good for promoting overall health of the eyes. It is very effective and miraculous herb for the sufferers of asthma and cough. It is good to cure bad odour of the mouth. Also use to kill harmful worms present in the gut.

Uses of Breckland Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum)

  • Pure extract obtained from this herb mixed with vinegar and honey is used to cure chronic cough (kahnsi), asthma (shwas), whooping cough (kukkurkahnsi) and also good for treating interstitial ulcers (antrikvarn). 
  • Thyme powder mixed with rock salt is used to improve loss of appetite (ajiran) and also effective for stimulating low digestive fire (agnimandya).
  • Decoction prepared by this herb mixed with vinegar and honey is used to cure chyluria (lasikameh).
  • Paste of leaves is applied over skin to get relief from irritation (khujli) and rashes (daad).
  • Extract mixed with desighee is applied over burns (agnidagdh) for easy and quick healing.
  • Leaves paste mixed with castor oil are applied over joints to get relief from extra inflammation and pain in joints (sandhishoth).
  • It is also effective for eye disorders (drishtidosha).
  • Smoke produced by this plant is used to kill microorganisms in surroundings.

Dosage

  • Powder – 1-2 grams
  • Oil – 1-3 drops

Medicinal Properties of Breckland Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum)

Flower, leaves and oil obtained from this plant is used to cure various diseases that may include:-

  • Diarrhoea
  • Bet wetting
  • Arthritis
  • Achy stomach
  • Colic
  • Sore throat
  • Flu, cough and whooping cough
  • Flatus
  • Bronchitis

This herb is also a diuretic in nature and very beneficial for increasing both volume and frequency of urination and very effective remedy for treating urinary tract infections. Thymol present in this plant is very beneficial for killing microorganisms. It is also used to reduce high blood pressure level and very effective for the sufferers of hypertension. It is also an effective herb for treating breast and colon cancer.