Last update March 8, 2025

Thyme

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

The flowering tops of this shrub are used. Contains essential oil (thymol, carvacrol), flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, phytoestrogens and phytoprogestogens. Attributed properties: expectorant, antitussive (no clinical evidence) Indication European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Commission E: antitussive, expectorant in catarrh and bronchitis. (EMA 2013. WHO 2010 and 1999, Blumenthal 1998)

At the date of last update we found no published data in relation to breastfeeding.

The essential oil is irritant. It contains phytoestrogens with progesterone and estradiol activity (Zava 1998), so it is advisable not to abuse its consumption.

It is widely used as a culinary condiment and in infusion (Zaffani 2006). Given its lack of toxicity at the correct doses (Posadzki 2013), occasional or moderate consumption would be compatible with breastfeeding.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Thyme is also known as


Thyme in other languages or writings:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Thyme in its composition:

References

  1. Posadzki P, Watson LK, Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clin Med (Lond). 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. EMA-Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) Tomillo Herbal monograph 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  3. WHO. World Health Organization. WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS). WHO monographs. 2010 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Zaffani S, Cuzzolin L, Benoni G. Herbal products: behaviors and beliefs among Italian women. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2006 Abstract
  5. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume I. WHO monographs 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS, editors. The American Botanical Council. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Integrative Medicine Com; Boston, MA, USA: 1998
  7. Zava DT, Dollbaum CM, Blen M. Estrogen and progestin bioactivity of foods, herbs, and spices. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1998 Abstract

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