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3 Side Effects That Tell You Why Thyme May Not Always Be Good

Know the negatives of this powerful herb before making it a part of your diet.

Medically reviewed by Vd. Naveen Sharma, BAMS
Written by Ravi Teja Tadimalla, Professional Certificate In Food, Nutrition & Health

Edited by Arshiya Syeda

Fact-checked by Aparna Mallampalli, BEd (Biological Sciences), MSc (Microbiology), Diploma In Nutrition • Sep 13, 2023

3 Side Effects That Tell You Why Thyme May Not Always Be Good

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Thyme is traditionally used in Mediterranean dishes and for medicinal purposes. However, a few side effects of thyme might make you reconsider consuming them. According to the research, thyme can treat various health problems, including sore throat, diarrhea, and arthritisⁱXAn inflammation, swelling, or stiffness of one or more joints, causing pain that worsens with age. . However, some people may experience adverse reactions. This article examines the side effects of thyme, its safety, and recommended dosage. Take a look below.

Know The Flip Side: Thyme

Short-Term Effects
May cause migraines, contact dermatitis, heartburn, vomiting, stomach upset, and sore throat.

Long-Term Effects
May aggravate asthma conditions, cause inflammation of urinary tract infections, low blood pressure and decreased TSH hormone levels, and complications in pregnancy.

Drug Interactions
None.

When To See A Doctor
If you experience excessive gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, very low blood pressure levels, severe migraines, and breathing difficulties.

In This Article

How Can Thyme Cause Side Effects?

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One reason could be that thyme belongs to the mint family. Sensitivity to plants in the mint family (like thyme or oregano, for example) is well known. If you are allergic to plants in this family, you could be allergic to thyme as well (1).

Excess intake of thyme has also been associated with negative effects like migraines, headaches, stomach pain, and dizziness. This can be attributed to the volatile oils in the herb, which may cause issues in certain individuals.

Trivia

Thyme is a drought-tolerant plant and can grow even in dry and unpleasant weather conditions.

What Are The Side Effects Of Thyme?

1. Can Cause Headaches

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Studies show that thyme can activate the TRPA¹ channel 1 in the human system, which can trigger migraine headaches (2). These channels are activated by the reactive oxygen species² and are also present at the sites of inflammation during oxidative stress.

Activation of TRPA1 channels was also found to trigger inflammation on sensory nerve endings, which are similar effects observed while smoking.

2. May Cause Asthma

Woman giving inhaler to her friend duting asthma attack

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Thymol, the main constituent of thyme, was recognized as a potent asthmagenⁱXAny substance that can trigger asthma through inhalation and worsen its symptoms if you already have it. . It is also a respiratory sensitizer, which can aggravate respiratory problems (3).

3. Can Lead To Skin Allergies

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Farmers involved in processing thyme were found to have symptoms of contact dermatitis. This allergic skin irritation, as per the study, was concluded to have been caused by thyme dust the farmers would be in contact with as an occupational hazard (4).

Trivia

People first started growing thyme around 3000 BC in Persia. It was once native to Mediterranean countries but is now grown worldwide.

Some other side effects of thyme have been reported. Though more research is required, it is important you know about them (5).

Hypotension

Allergic response to thyme may cause hypotensionⁱXA sudden drop in blood pressure, which can cause dizziness or fatigue because the brain doesn’t receive enough blood. , as observed in a 45-year old man. Some sources even hint cardiac arrest upon the intake of thyme oil. This may also lead to seizures or coma in people on specific medication or belonging to the high-risk group.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Oral thyme and its oil may lead to heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal irritation.

Endocrine Health

Thyme extracts may decrease levels of the thyroid stimulating hormone, possibly harming the health of the endocrine system, and causing hormonal imbalances.

Urinary Tract Infections

Oral thyme might aggravate inflammation associated with urinary tract infections.

Muscle Weakness

Oral thyme may also cause muscle weakness in some individuals.

Possible Issues During Pregnancy

Due to lack of sufficient data, thyme is also not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.

Increased Bleeding

Thyme is a natural blood thinner. It disrupts the synthesis of vitamin K, which aids in the normal blood clotting process (N).

Liver And Kidney Damage

According to research, high doses of thyme can cause toxicity. Even though the major impact of thyme toxicity was observed mostly in the respiratory tract, liver inflammation is also a side effect that can cause liver damage in the long run(N). Studies conducted on rats have also shown that high concentration of thyme intake may cause necrosis, and congestion of the renal vessels(N).

Those were the side effects of thyme. Is there a way you can prevent them? Let’s find out!

How Can You Prevent These Side Effects?

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Be wary of the dosage. There is no specific dosage for thyme, and it all depends on the individual. Hence, consult your doctor and stick to the dosage suggested by them.

Within limits, thyme should be okay. But if you happen to notice any side effects, stop use and contact your doctor immediately.

Infographic: Side Effects Of Thyme

Thyme has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes, and even thyme oil is used by many people in aromatherapy. Thyme may have some health benefits, but it can also cause adverse reactions in some individuals, as discussed in the article, from an allergic reaction to gastrointestinal issues. To know more about the side effects of thyme, check out the infographic below!

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Download Infographic

The side effects of thyme are not talked about often. Individuals who are sensitive to the plants in the mint family may be allergic to thyme. The side effects to follow may include migraine headaches, lung issues like asthma, and skin allergies like contact dermatitisⁱXA condition that makes skin inflamed or red after direct contact with an allergen or an irritant. . Moreover, thyme and its oil are associated with low blood pressure, gastrointestinal issues like heartburn, diarrhea, and urinary tract infection. Hence, it is recommended to consult a doctor before including thyme in your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is thyme a blood thinner?

Yes. Long-term consumption of thyme may reduce the formation of blood clots as it acts like an antithromboticⁱXThe property of a drug that helps prevent the formation of blood clots or dissolve existing ones. agent (6).

Does thyme tea make you sleepy?

Yes. Thyme has sedative properties and, hence, may depress your energy levels (7).

Can thyme interact with certain medications?

Yes, thyme can interact with anticoagulants and blood-thinners and cause increased bleeding. Thyme increases acetylcholine in the body and can counter the effect of anticholinergic drugs (8). It may also interact with cholinergic medications used for glaucoma and Alzheimer’s disease (9).

Are there any long-term effects of consuming thyme?

Thyme is a common culinary herb and is safe when used in moderate quantities. However, consuming thyme in large amounts or over an extended period of time can cause health risks.

Glossary

TRPA1 channel – Also known as transient receptor potential ankyrin 1, which is a particular protein in humans
Reactive oxygen species – A reactive chemical species containing oxygen, whose levels can rapidly increase during times of environmental stress

Key Takeaways

Some people may experience allergic reactions and skin rashes from thyme.
Thyme may trigger migraine.
Use of thyme essential oil should be cautious as it can be hazardous when swallowed or used topically in big doses.
Oral thyme may cause muscle weakness.

Looking to include thyme in your diet? Learn about its beneficial properties, what it can be used for, and its contraindications from the video below.