Introduction
Thymus serpyllum, commonly known as Wild Thyme, is an aromatic herb used in Unani medicine for its antimicrobial, stimulant, and expectorant properties. It is also a source of “Sat-e-Thymus” (thyme extract).
Morphology (Plant Description)
Plant
- Height: 8–9 inches
- Branches:
- Small
- Round
- Hairy
- Greenish-white
Flowers
- Small and round
- Colors:
- White
- Bluish
- Reddish
- Size:
- Very small, like mustard seeds
Habitat (Place of Origin)
- Found in:
- Himalayan regions (5000–12,000 feet altitude)
- Kashmir
- Kangra
- Also present in:
- Persia (Iran)
- Europe
Chemical Composition
- Contains:
- Volatile (essential) oil with strong fragrance
- From this oil:
- Sat-e-Thymus (thyme extract) is prepared
- Further purification (e.g., with alcohol) produces refined forms
Note
- In Europe, thyme extract is mainly obtained from Thymus vulgaris
- In Asia/India, similar extracts may be derived from related plants and called Sat Podina / Sat Ajwain-type extracts
Temperament (Mizaj)
- Generally considered Hot and Dry
Pharmacological Actions
- Dafi-e-Fungus (antifungal)
- Dafi-e-Ta’affun (antibacterial / antiseptic)
- Qatil-e-Jarasim (germicidal)
- Munaffis-e-Balgham (expectorant)
- Muqawwi (stimulant)
- Mudir-e-Baul (diuretic)
- Mudirr-e-Haid (emmenagogue)
- Dafi-e-Didan (anthelmintic – kills worms)
- Musakkin (soothing)
- Dafi-e-Waram (anti-inflammatory)
- Muqawwi-e-Aasab (nerve tonic)
Medicinal Uses
1. Skin Diseases (External Use)
- Oil or ointment used in:
- Ringworm
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Other fungal infections
- Helps:
- Kill germs
- Reduce itching and inflammation
2. Swelling & Clotted Blood
- Due to resolvent action:
- Reduces swellings
- Helps dissolve clotted blood
3. Respiratory Disorders
- Useful in:
- Cough
- Excess sputum
- Acts as:
- Expectorant (removes phlegm)
4. Digestive Disorders
- Helps in:
- Flatulence (gas)
- Constipation
- Improves digestion and appetite
5. Intestinal Worms
- Taken with:
- Vinegar
- Black salt
- Helps:
- Kill and expel worms
6. Nervous Disorders
- Beneficial in:
- Paralysis (Falij)
- Epilepsy (Sara)
7. Urinary & Menstrual Disorders
- Acts as:
- Diuretic (increases urine)
- Emmenagogue (induces menstruation)
8. Antiseptic & Deodorant
- Strong smell:
- Removes bad odor
- Repels insects and mosquitoes
Special Benefit
- Laxative and strong anti-worm (anthelmintic) action
Dosage
- 5–7 grams
Formulations (Unani Preparations)
- Used in:
- Herbal ointments
- Liver-related preparations
- Extracts (Sat-e-Thymus)
