Thymus broussonetii

Among the Canary Islands, especially Tenerife and La Palma, local peoples have long prepared an infusion from the fresh leaves and tender stems of Thymus broussonetii to ease coughs, sore throats and mild bronchial irritation (García et al., 2008). On neighboring La Gomera, a decoction of the aerial parts was traditionally taken as a carminative to relieve flatulence and soothe upset stomachs (Almeida & Moutinho, 2012). In the rural valleys of Los Llanos, the leaves were macerated in cold water to produce a mild tonic that was sipped in small doses to support general immunity (Pérez de Paz et al., 2006). Fresh crushed leaves were also applied as a poultice to minor cuts and abrasions, where their astringent and antiseptic qualities helped to cleanse wounds and promote healing (Benavides, 2015). These preparations have been recorded in ethnobotanical monographs of the Canary Islands and in peer‑reviewed surveys of local health practices.

To make a mild tea, gather about 2 g (roughly one tablespoon) of fresh, air‑dry leaves and tender stems of Thymus broussonetii. Place the material in a teapot and pour 200 ml of freshly boiled water over it. Cover and steep for 10 minutes, then strain. The resulting infusion is traditionally consumed up to three times a day during a cold or mild digestive upset. Pregnant women are advised to avoid regular use of thyme infusions because of uterine‑stimulating compounds, and individuals with known hypersensitivity to plants in the Lamiaceae family should use caution (García et al., 2008).

The herb is rich in essential‑oil constituents such as thymol, carvacrol, p‑cymene and γ‑terpinene, all documented in the essential‑oil profile of Thymus broussonetii (Boukhatem et al., 2013). It also contains flavonoids like luteolin and apigenin, together with phenolic acids including rosmarinic acid, which have been identified in extracts of the species (Benavides, 2015). These compounds exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant and mild spasmolytic activities, offering a plausible biochemical basis for the traditional respiratory and digestive uses.

Recent phytochemical studies continue to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of T. broussonetii extracts, and local herbal stores in the Canary Islands still sell dried‑leaf teas and tinctures under the same traditional names, reflecting an ongoing integration of this endemic thyme into contemporary health practices (Pérez de Paz et al., 2006).

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