Tag: Thyme toxicity

While commonly used in cooking, excessive consumption of thyme, particularly in concentrated forms like essential oils, can lead to adverse health effects. This herb, a member of the mint family, contains compounds like thymol and carvacrol, which can become toxic in high doses. Understanding the difference between moderate culinary use and potentially harmful overdose is crucial for safe consumption.

A case report documented a patient developing toxic hepatitis after ingesting a large amount of concentrated thyme essential oil, underscoring the risk of high-dose exposure. For many, this raises a crucial question: what happens if you have too much thyme, particularly beyond the small quantities used in cooking?