Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Wild Thyme

Pharmacology

Also known as: Thyme, Breckland Thyme, Mother of Thyme

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

Wild thyme (Thymus Serpyllum), a plant of the mint family, was used in 1930s medicine primarily for its essential oils, tannins, and bitter principles. It was incorporated into aromatic mixtures, spirits, and fragrant pads, as well as utilized in baths and poultices.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

WILD THYME, Thymus Serpyllum L., family Labiatae, a herbaceous plant found in southern and central Europe and southern Siberia. The dried herb collected during flowering is used. Its active constituents are: 1) essential oil, consisting mainly of cymene and small amounts of thymol and carvacrol; 2) tannins; and 3) bitter principles. It is part of Species aromaticae, Spiritus Serpylli, and fragrant pads; it is used for baths and poultices.

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Cite this page

“Wild Thyme.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/wild-thyme/