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Nutrition and daily life

Thyme: a mountain aroma in your tea

Black tea with thyme is a beloved Azerbaijani tradition. The aroma of the mountain herb gives tea a special taste. This section explains how to use thyme safely during treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Thyme sprigs and tea in an armudu glass.
Figure 1.Black tea with thyme, a tradition.

01Short answer

Thyme added to black tea or brewed on its own is generally safe. Mountain-picked and loose market thyme can carry soil, mould and bacteria; during neutropenia choose sealed packs and brew in boiling water. Thyme oil and extracts are not for drinking. Thyme has not been shown to treat coughs or infections. People allergic to the mint family should be careful.

02Simple explanation

Thyme brings a mountain aroma.

Traditional with black tea.

Market and mountain herbs: not during neutropenia.

Oil and extract: not for drinking.

03Scientific explanation

MSK: thyme compounds such as thymol act against germs in the lab, but thyme has not been shown to treat infections in people.

NCI: there is no evidence that herbal infusions treat leukemia.

MSK: herbal products can affect how the liver breaks down medicines, so tell your oncologist.

04What happens in the body?

Tradition

A pinch of thyme is brewed with black tea for a soft, warm aroma.

A tied bundle of dried thyme on linen.
Figure 2.Mountain thyme — Thyme: a mountain aroma in your tea

Mountain-picked herb

If family bring thyme from the mountains, keep it until neutropenia is over, or ask your doctor whether it may be used only after long boiling.

Boiling water poured onto thyme and black tea.
Figure 3.Thyme brewed with tea.

Safe brewing

Sealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.

With medicines

1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

05Brewing: four steps

Sealed bag, swap market herbs, boiling water, drink hot.

Sealed bag — Factory-made.1Sealed bagFactory-made.
Not loose — A bag instead.2Not looseA bag instead.
Boiling water — Covered.3Boiling waterCovered.
Drink soon — Do not keep.4Drink soonDo not keep.
ComfortA warm drink.
FluidsThrough the day.
SafetyBoiling water.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
TraditionA pinch of thyme is brewed with black tea for a soft, warm aroma.
Mountain-picked herbIf family bring thyme from the mountains, keep it until neutropenia is over, or ask your doctor whether it may be used only after long boiling.
Safe brewingSealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.
With medicines1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

07Key terms

Thymol
Thyme’s main aromatic compound.
Mint family (Lamiaceae)
Mint, thyme and sage.
Infusion
A herb steeped in boiling water.
Extract
A concentrated plant substance.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Thyme is a traditional aroma.
  • Choose sealed packs.
  • Do not drink extracts.
  • Sealed bag and boiling water.
  • Capsules only with your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Does thyme help a cough?

Evidence is weak; with a cough and fever, see your doctor.

Can I drink it every day?

A pinch in tea, usually yes.

Does this infusion treat leukemia?

No. It is a warm, pleasant drink, not a treatment.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does thyme help a cough?

  2. Can I drink it every day?

  3. Does this infusion treat leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Herbs at a Glance
  2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
  3. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  4. National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  5. MedlinePlus. Herbal Medicine
  6. MedlinePlus. Vitamin K and warfarin
  7. CDC. Hepatitis A outbreaks linked to frozen berries (food safety)
  8. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs. Reishi Mushroom
  9. National Cancer Institute (PDQ). Medicinal Mushrooms
  10. American Heart Association. Dietary Fats
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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