I am not a doctor. I cannot diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. Please see your healthcare provider if you or a family member is sick.
The simple kitchen herb thyme is actually my absolute favorite herb for those “cold wet bugs” of winter time. I literally buy it in bulk. Two of my most loved and fastest working recipes for illness are both with thyme and both don’t involve drinking it. But if you want to drink it, chicken noodle soup is so medicinal on it’s own.
Thyme is an amazing herb. It is antitussive, antispasmodic, expectorant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, astringent , anti inflammatory (and more). Making it the perfect herb for spasmodic coughs, barking coughs, swollen sinuses, unproductive coughs, and all the bugs that come along with it.
For kids I am always doing thyme baths. It’s so so easy, can be done with the kitchen spice you likely already have, and takes less than 15 minutes to be ready. Oh and, kids love it.
Thyme Baths
For this you’ll need a french press, 1 tbsp of dried thyme, boiling water.
Add 1 tbsp of dried thyme to the bottom of your french press.
Fill to the top with boiling water.
Let steep for around 15 minutes (I tell my kids until the herbs stop “dancing”)
Strain and pour straight into a bath
(bonus if the bath is warm and has ½ cup to 2 cups of epsom salts - depending on age and weight)
Have your kid play and relax in the bath, breathing in the volatile oils of thyme to help with sinus congestion, chest congestion, cough, fevers, and even body aches. I even tell my kiddos to “smell” the air and see if they can smell the thyme, ensuring it gets into their sinuses. My kids love to do thyme baths and call them “yellow baths” because the tea changes the color of the water!
For adults or older kids I love making thyme facial steams. Just as easy!
Thyme Facial Steam
For this you’ll need a stock pot with a lid, 1 tbsp dried thyme, a towel or blanket, and water.
Fill the stock pot halfway with water.
Add the dried thyme.
Put the lid on and bring the mixture to a boil.
Remove from heat and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
Remove the lid and allow the steam to get to a cool enough temperature that you can comfortably hold the sensitive part of your forearm over without burning.
Tent yourself over the pot with a towel or blanket so the steam doesn’t escape and breathe deeply through your nose and mouth. Getting it into your sinuses and deep into your lungs.
If it is too hot take the towel or blanket off and let it cool longer before trying again.
These two easy recipes help so much with barking coughs, spasmodic coughs, phlegmy coughs, congestion, sinus pain, and more. I like to do these baths or steams before bed to give some relief so you can get some sleep.
Let me know if you try them out! And definitely pair them with warming socks overnight to feel so much better in the morning.