Thyme

Thyme is a small, hardy herbA plant, or part of one, used for flavor, food, or gentle health support. More → with a big aromatic punch, thanks to oils like thymol that give it both its savory flavor and its long history as a chest-and-throat helper. Those same oils gently loosen mucus and soothe the airways, which is why thyme teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea → is a classic comfort for a barking, congested cough and the tail end of a cold.

It does double duty for a sore throat: thymol is mildly cleansing, so a cooled cup of thyme teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea → makes a pleasant gargleSwishing a warm liquid at the back of the throat, then spitting. How to make a gargle → as well as a soothing drink. Breathing the steam of a thyme infusionA tea made by steeping soft leaves or flowers in hot water. How to make an infusion → can help an irritated chest feel clearer too.

Thyme is wonderfully safe as a food and a teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea →. The concentrated essential oilA very concentrated plant oil — always diluted before it touches skin. How to make an essential oil → is a different thing entirely — very strong, never to be swallowed, and best left to careful external or diffuser use. Stick to normal culinary and tea amounts, and skip medicinal doses during pregnancy unless your doctor says otherwise.