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Thyme in early and late pregnancy

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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It is unlikely that there is a person who has not heard of thyme: thanks to its incomparable aroma and medicinal properties, the plant is sung in folk songs. It is a beautiful, but dull perennial shrub with small lilac flowers. People call it by different names, the most popular names are thyme, wild mint, savory, and Mother of God grass. The use of thyme during pregnancy has its own characteristics.

Can you drink thyme during pregnancy?

No one, including herbalists and folk herbalists, will give a definitive answer to the question of whether it is possible to drink thyme during pregnancy. For the reason that various active substances, which this plant is rich in, can have an undesirable effect on the more sensitive than usual organism of a pregnant woman. Due to individual characteristics, it is impossible to foresee possible reactions.

If we generalize the available information, the conclusions are as follows: a one-time intake of a small portion of thyme tea during pregnancy is unlikely to harm a healthy body. Especially if the woman had previously consumed it without any unpleasant consequences.

However, making thyme tea a favorite drink for pregnant women is not recommended. And if there are obvious contraindications or sensitivity to the ingredients, in order to avoid surprises, you should completely abandon it.

The main threat is that the plant tones the uterus, which is extremely undesirable during pregnancy. The danger also lies in the increase of a - in the presence of pathologies of these organs.

Indications thyme in pregnancy

The spectrum of action of thyme is very diverse, as it is rich in useful substances: vitamins, flavonoids, biologically active substances, essential oils. It is effective for such health problems:

  • inflammation of the tonsils;
  • restless sleep;
  • asthma;
  • rheumatism;
  • hypertension;
  • gout;
  • anemia;
  • cystitis;
  • hemorrhoids;
  • cholecystitis;
  • scabies and skin rashes.

There is even a method of treating alcoholism with thyme. Finally, it is simply a pleasant drink, the use of which has become a habit for many people.

However, during the period of preparation for motherhood, a woman is forced to give up some habits and, on the contrary, get used to what yesterday seemed uninteresting and tasteless. Thyme can replace some medications that cannot be taken during pregnancy. However, nutritionists recommend that such treatment be coordinated with a doctor to exclude undesirable consequences of thyme during pregnancy.

Thyme for cough during pregnancy

Thyme, during pregnancy and not only, is valued for its pleasant taste, refreshing aroma, and medicinal qualities, namely the following:

  • softening of cough, facilitating the process of expectoration of sputum;
  • elimination of toxins;
  • increased blood pressure in hypotensive patients;
  • pain relief for rheumatism;
  • rich in vitamins;
  • the ability to fight viruses, bacteria and, according to some data, protozoa and helminths;
  • normalization of metabolism.

Thyme for cough during pregnancy is used in case of respiratory infections. Tea facilitates the removal of phlegm, makes cough less painful. A warm drink from thyme helps to remove harmful substances and the recovery of the patient. It is prepared simply by pouring a cup of boiling water over a tablespoon of dry raw material. The infused liquid is filtered and taken, as prescribed by a doctor, three times a day, 1 - 2 tbsp.

In case of colds, sore throats and other diseases accompanied by cough, gargling is recommended, without the risk of complications. The infusion is prepared as usual, pouring boiling water over the dry raw material and infusing until cool. Only the tender parts of the plant are used. The proportions are standard: 2 tablespoons per glass of hot water. Gargle after straining, the number of procedures is not limited. The result is a decrease in pain, the destruction of harmful microorganisms, the elimination of inflammation and the cough reflex.

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Dosing and administration

The plant's benefit is that it can replace traditional medications if necessary. It improves health and has no adverse effects.

Another beneficial aspect of thyme tea is that when drunk before childbirth, it stimulates the uterus and intensifies labor contractions, helping the mother to deliver her baby more quickly.

  • In medicine, various forms of thyme are used: decoctions, infusions, powders, ointments, essential oils, extracts are made. Traditional medicine recommends external use: for pain relief, neuralgia, radiculitis, inflammation of the sciatic nerve. The spectrum of healing properties is very wide: from the treatment of a banal headache to alcoholism and male impotence.

The plant is unique in composition; it contains essential oils, organic and inorganic components, bitters, vitamins, flavonoids. They saturate the body, suppress infections, and provide cancer prevention.

Antiseptic properties are important when using thyme externally during pregnancy. Preparations are used to gargle the throat, mouth, treat sinusitis, stomatitis, sinusitis, stomach disorders. This is a good remedy for pregnant women suffering from bronchial asthma.

Decoctions are useful in treating the genitourinary system. Note that self-medication in this case is inappropriate; thyme can only be consumed with the permission of the attending physician.

Compresses that are indicated for rheumatic pains are quite safe. Such use is not recommended only in case of individual intolerance, in particular, to the essential component thymol.

The spicy properties have long been used by cooks; the spice is added to various products and dishes to facilitate digestion.

Thyme during early pregnancy

The use of thyme during pregnancy depends on the period. At the beginning of pregnancy, when the most important organs of the future child are being laid, it is advisable for the mother not to catch a cold or get sick in general.

But if a cold does happen, it is advisable to treat it with natural remedies, without using pharmaceutical products. It is time to remember about thyme tea: during early pregnancy, this plant can suppress infection, remove toxins with sweat, eliminate phlegm, and strengthen the immune system. The drink has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, smoothing out mood swings, and relieves gastrointestinal disorders.

However, such tea drinking should not be made a rule; on the contrary, it should be an exception. Especially if it is a new product in the diet, from which an individual reaction is quite possible, especially during pregnancy.

In this regard, some nutritionists claim that thyme should not be drunk at all during pregnancy. Only external use is allowed, for example, as a means for gargling or an infusion for compresses. And, in any case, all procedures are recommended to be agreed upon with a gynecologist.

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Thyme during late pregnancy

Unlike the first trimester, thyme during late pregnancy can be dangerous, especially if the mother's body is prone to hypertension. The danger is due to the fact that increased blood pressure creates a risk of miscarriage.

It would seem that hypotensive mothers are out of the risk zone. But if we follow the rule that God protects those who protect themselves, then pregnant women, even with low blood pressure, should not consume controversial drinks or products unless absolutely necessary.

Thyme tea during pregnancy can be replaced with products intended for external use, such as an infusion for compresses and rinses or essential oil. Steam inhalations based on thyme decoction are useful for colds.

Cooking recipes

Thyme is used during pregnancy as an internal remedy (in the form of tea, infusion, oil, syrup) or externally - for rinsing, douching, baths and compresses.

The recipes for making the drink are common: pour boiling water, let it brew, strain. The nuances lie in the purpose for which thyme is used during pregnancy. We offer recipes for making various remedies.

Tea is most often used for colds. To prepare one serving, a teaspoon of raw material per quarter cup of boiling water is enough. Drink fresh, after infusion.

For cough, prepare a larger portion: take 1 tbsp. of dry grass per glass of hot water, leave for an hour, then drink 2 tbsp. three times a day. Tea from a mixture of herbs effectively eliminates cough, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Fans of water treatments will love thyme baths. They are prepared in the proportion of 100 g of the herb per standard bath, pre-steamed for half an hour.

  • A tasty medicine from thyme, allowed during pregnancy, is syrup. The recipe includes sugar or honey, the method of preparation depends on the chosen sweet ingredient.

Syrup with sugar is made as follows: thyme in bloom, cut into strips, covered with sugar (alternating layers) and placed in a dark place. A glass jar should be used. After 2 weeks, strain and keep in a closed container. Use as an additive to tea for stomach problems.

Syrup with honey is prepared differently. First, a decoction is made from the dry plant, in a proportion of 20 g per 200 ml. Boil until half the liquid boils away, after cooling and straining, mix with 200 g of honey. This remedy is suitable for pregnant women and even children.

Thyme tea during pregnancy

Thyme during pregnancy can bring benefits and pleasure if it is prepared correctly and used in doses. The drink has a unique aroma and pleasant taste, and most importantly - numerous advantages, in particular, anti-cold. Disinfects the respiratory tract, helps to eliminate phlegm from the bronchi. It is no coincidence that the herb is a component of the popular children's drug "Pertusin".

Thyme tea during pregnancy is prepared according to a standard recipe: brew in a cup, leave for 10 minutes and drink after straining. In addition to its medicinal properties, the product can eliminate unpleasant odor from the mouth.

Thyme tea during pregnancy is often combined with regular tea and other herbs. This enriches the aromatic and flavor bouquet of the drink and increases its beneficial properties. Simple recipes for colds:

  • make a brew of black tea and thyme in a ratio of 3:2, leave for 2 minutes;
  • brew a mixture of thyme, lingonberry and St. John's wort in equal proportions, leave for 15 minutes.

Antitussive tea is a medicine, so it is consumed 2 spoons 3 times a day. Prepare as usual, in the ratio of 1 tbsp. spoon per glass of boiling water. The drink is effective for tonsillitis, asthma, colds and upper respiratory tract infections.

A healthy woman carrying a child can also drink tea if she is used to enjoying the drink before pregnancy. But drink it occasionally, with restrictions related to the influence of active substances on fetal development. Passion for thyme in the second half is fraught with termination of pregnancy.

Thyme and Linden during Pregnancy

Thyme and linden during pregnancy are used as a medicine for cough caused by colds or bronchitis. Linden tea with added thyme during pregnancy serves to prevent seasonal diseases, strengthens the immune system, and gives taste pleasure. It has diaphoretic, antipyretic and diuretic properties.

If two portions are consumed within an hour at the first symptoms of illness, the expectant mother will be able to avoid the development of the disease. A spoonful of honey increases the healing and taste properties of the aromatic drink.

At the same time, tea will help to cope with stomatitis and sore throat. In such cases, it is not only drunk, but also used for rinsing the mouth. It is easy to prepare the drink: you need to pour boiling water over a mixture of linden blossom and thyme (take a spoonful).

Are there any contraindications? Considering the diuretic properties, it is better not to drink this tea at night, so as not to get out of bed once again. With prolonged use, the drink can have a negative effect on the kidneys and heart. To avoid unwanted consequences, all products should be dosed, even such seemingly harmless ones as this one.

Thyme and mint during pregnancy

Considering the strong effect of the plant, thyme and mint during pregnancy are ideal in cases when "you can't, but you really want" thyme. A pinch of the herb added to mint tea will add a thyme note and quench a woman's thirst without harming her body. Pure mint tea, in small quantities, is recommended to eliminate morning sickness and swelling, and improve digestion.

  • However, indulging the capricious tastes of a pregnant woman, you can’t let them go completely out of control. To avoid trouble, it is recommended to savor thyme drinks during pregnancy no more than twice a week.

A high-concentration infusion with added mint is used to rinse the mouth for toothaches. The effect is double, since both plants have pain-relieving properties. The procedure is possible as a temporary measure, because if the tooth is sick, a visit to the dentist is inevitable. Only a specialist can eliminate the source of infection in the mother's mouth, which is dangerous for the fetus.

Thyme and oregano during pregnancy

Oregano has a positive effect on women's health: it restores the cycle in case of disturbances, relieves unpleasant sensations during menopause. Hence its second name - motherwort.

However, in most sources, oregano, along with chamomile, St. John's wort, aloe and parsley, is listed as a plant prohibited during pregnancy. They are credited with abortive properties or increased blood supply to the pelvic organs, which is extremely undesirable during this period.

Therefore, thyme and oregano are not combined during pregnancy: if the first is permissible with restrictions, then the second is strictly prohibited, even with a short delay in menstruation and suspicion of pregnancy. Where does such categoricalness come from? The fact is that oregano contains phytohormones that can instantly detach a fertilized egg. The plant tones the uterine muscles and provokes bleeding regardless of the gestational age.

Moreover, even the aroma of a small bouquet of oregano flowers can cause great trouble in a pregnant woman, especially in the first trimester. In later stages, the use of oregano is permitted - but only externally and in the absence of any deviations in the course of pregnancy. For this, an infusion is prepared for washing; it evens out the complexion, eliminates puffiness and an unhealthy appearance of the face.

It is useful to wash your hair with oregano decoction, especially if you suffer from headaches. And powder from dried raw materials is an excellent remedy for aromatherapy: it cleanses the respiratory tract, destroys accumulated pathogenic microflora.

Lovers of oregano tea will make up for it after childbirth. During this period, it is useful for both the child and the mother, as it increases lactation and prevents allergies.

Melissa, Thyme and Fennel During Pregnancy

The combination of lemon balm, thyme, and fennel during pregnancy is very successful and can be useful if used correctly. A mixture of these herbs is used even for children from 5 months - to reduce the intensity of gas formation, relieve intestinal spasms, anxiety, and colic.

  • Melissa is an effective remedy against infections and intestinal spasms.
  • Thyme – soothes, contains anti-inflammatory and expectorant substances.
  • Fennel seeds - relax intestinal muscles, reduce gas.

Melissa contains essential oils that produce a surprisingly pleasant aroma, vitamins B and C, macro- and microelements. It has a whole range of useful properties: antiviral, sedative, antiseptic, laxative, antispasmodic, etc. Melissa during pregnancy can eliminate headaches and insomnia, calm nerves, improve appetite during toxicosis, help in solving dental and allergic problems.

The leaves are brewed for tea in a mixture with regular tea or other herbs, such as thyme and fennel, added to salads, used for inhalation for pain and spasms. The expectant mother can wipe her face with frozen cubes from the decoction: this procedure helps to maintain the youth of the skin.

Fennel's popularity is due to its properties, used from an early age for infants; fennel effectively eliminates flatulence and intestinal spasms. There is disagreement regarding pregnancy: some strongly advise against it and put it on a conditional "black list", while others believe that fennel is indicated and even useful in moderate doses, especially in the first trimester.

The indication applies to women suffering from severe toxicosis: half a portion of the drink is enough for morning sickness to pass, and appetite to replace it. But you should not drink fennel tea without a doctor's recommendation, since it affects the muscles of not only the gastrointestinal tract, but also the uterus, which is extremely undesirable when carrying a child. There are other contraindications that should be discussed with a specialist.

If in doubt, it is better to use thyme tea during pregnancy or other herbal drinks that have no contraindications.

Contraindications

Any chronic ailments during pregnancy tend to worsen, which creates a certain risk for the mother's body and the fetus. The following contraindications for thyme during pregnancy have been studied:

  • Hypertension: the plant increases blood pressure, which then decreases very slowly.
  • Problems with the heart and blood vessels: atrial fibrillation, cardiosclerosis, decompensation of cardiac function.
  • Kidney disease.
  • Predisposition or pathologies of the thyroid gland are a categorical contraindication for thyme during pregnancy.
  • Heart failure.
  • Endocrine diseases.
  • Excessive tea may cause nausea or an allergic reaction.

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Reviews

Reviews from women who use thyme during pregnancy are quite positive. Those who know about the risks only theoretically and have not experienced the effects themselves warn of possible danger and call for moderation.

Based on contraindications, thyme should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially internally. The plant can cause an increase in uterine tone, especially in the last trimester. External use of thyme is not dangerous, since it has only a local effect.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Thyme in early and late pregnancy" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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