Thyme is renowned as a culinary spice and has also been medicinally for thousands of years. Traditionally, it has been used for coughs and upper respiratory congestion and continues to be one of the most commonly recommended herbs in Europe for these conditions. It has also been employed as a diuretic. Thyme is used for cough and bronchitis as it induces expectoration and reduces bronchial spasm. It is also a good remedy for indigestion, gastritis, and diarrhea.

Though known for its culinary benefits, thyme has been recognized as a medicine since the middle ages and used for inflamed sinuses, nose, and throat as well as for its digestive properties.

Thyme is taken by mouth for bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat, colic, arthritis, upset stomach, stomach pain (gastritis), diarrhea, bedwetting, a movement disorder in children (dyspraxia), intestinal gas (flatulence), parasitic worm infections, and skin disorders. It is also used to increase urine flow (as a diuretic), to disinfect the urine, and as an appetite stimulant.