Serpol: properties and remedies with this mountain thyme

In some areas of the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian the only thyme that can be found is serpol (Thymus serpyllum), also known as mountain thyme and by other names such as moongrass, serpolio or blood thyme.

This aromatic plant shares with common thyme many of its medicinal and culinary propertiesalthough attenuated.

The serpol is a low, prostrate bush, sometimes tangled, with woody and creeping trunks. The leaves are oval, with a short petiole, and their pink flowers They appear in dense terminal glomeruli. Flowering tops are harvested for medicinal purposes.

Serpol properties

The serpol or mountain thyme contains an essence, pale yellow in color, with 18% pineol, as well as thymol, carvacrol, geraniol and linalool; phenolic acids; bitter principles like serpilina; flavonoids such as luteol and diosmetol; tannins, and small amounts of resin.

Due to this composition, he is attributed above all antiseptic, bactericidal, expectorant and antitussive propertiesbut also digestive and carminative.

What is the serpol for?

Although its antiseptic power is somewhat less than that of common thyme, it is also indicated in respiratory conditions such as flu and colds with cough, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis and bronchitis.

the serpol It also helps combat spring allergies caused by pollen of poplars, ash trees, hazelnuts and willows, among other trees.

It also favors peripheral blood supply and return circulation, and is Highly recommended against varicose veins, hemorrhoids and numbness in the feet and hands.

In external usethe serpol works to disinfect and heal wounds, scratches, burns and abrasionsand in bathrooms, for rheumatic pain, low back pain and muscle tension.

How is serpol used?

Serpol can be found in herbalists as dry plant for infusion or decoctionin tincture, fluid extract, capsules and suppositories.

With the decoction they make mouthwashes, capillary friction and inhalations or vapors.

He serpol essential oil It is used as a relaxant and antiseptic, although it can irritate sensitive skin.

In case of abdominal swellingdyspepsia, gastrointestinal spasms, meteorisms and gases, serpol is taken like common thyme: in infusion, if you want with digestive plants like lemon balm and fennel.

It is also used as urinary antiseptic gentle together with related plants such as bearberry, lingonberry or heather.

herbal formulas

Here are two serpol infusions, one to take against allergies to pollen and another to apply as a bath as a circulatory tonic:

Balsamic tisane against pollen: The serpol, combined in infusion with plants that reinforce its action, can relieve allergies to pollen. Serpol is mixed with perpetual, nettle and licorice in equal parts. How to prepare it: Boil two level tablespoons of the mixture per half a liter of water for 2 minutes, let it rest for another 8 and strain. As a precaution, hypertensive people can substitute green anise for licorice. It is drunk throughout the day.circulatory tonic: For this, a bath is prepared with serpol, horse chestnut, lion’s foot and cypress galbules, in equal parts. How to prepare it: Boil six tablespoons of the mixture in two liters of water between 5 and 8 minutes, rest and strain. The bath, hands or seat, is done with warm water, not hot.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”