The main active ingredient of thyme is an essential oil with thymol as the main component, which is found in the flowers and has a disinfecting, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. The herb is an important medicinal plant for the treatment of respiratory diseases, especially for dry coughs, coughs caused by colds or spasmodic coughs, chronic and acute bronchitis, catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract and asthmatic attacks. It is also used as a gargle for sore throats and hoarseness. When applied externally, thyme oil also helps to alleviate cold symptoms. Thyme stimulates digestion and the appetite and is effective for digestive weakness, stomach complaints and heartburn. That is why thyme is often used in the kitchen to season fatty dishes. In addition, folk medicine uses the medicinal plant to treat acne and as a tonic and stomachic, as a diuretic and for headaches. A spirit can be made from the essential oil, which is used to rub in cases of pruritus senilis and to disinfect wounds.