Spanish Thyme Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 2,489 found this helpful

Coleus ampoinicus

Coleus ampoinicus is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA data

Its primary toxic active component is naturally occurring plant essential oils

Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal distress, including occasional bloody vomiting or diarrhea

FAQ

Is Spanish Thyme toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity data available; casual culinary use is generally safe, while excessive ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (Non-toxic)

Is Spanish Thyme toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, occasional bloody diarrhea or vomiting (Moderate)

Is Spanish Thyme toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, occasional bloody diarrhea or vomiting (Moderate)

Is Spanish Thyme toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, occasional bloody diarrhea or vomiting (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed human toxicity data available; casual culinary use is generally safe, while excessive ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset

Cats

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, occasional bloody diarrhea or vomiting

Dogs

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, occasional bloody diarrhea or vomiting

Horses

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, occasional bloody diarrhea or vomiting

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll aerial parts including leaves, stems, and flowers contain toxic essential oils

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion; dermal contact with concentrated essential oil extracts may cause localized irritation

Toxic CompoundsEssential Oils

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the affected animal's mouth immediately
• Rinse the animal's mouth thoroughly with clean, cool water
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a licensed veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• The animal has ingested any quantity of Spanish Thyme
• Symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or loss of appetite appear after exposure
• Bloody diarrhea or vomiting is observed, or existing symptoms worsen rapidly

Prevention

• Keep potted or planted Spanish Thyme out of reach of cats, dogs, and horses
• Avoid feeding forage or table scraps containing this plant to susceptible animals
• Clearly label potted Spanish Thyme plants to prevent accidental exposure

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed toxins in the gastrointestinal tract as directed by a vet
• Provide supportive care including IV fluids and anti-emetics to control vomiting and prevent dehydration
• Deliver targeted symptomatic treatment for bloody diarrhea or vomiting based on clinical presentation

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameColeus ampoinicus

AliasesIndian Borage、Bread and Butter Plant、Coleus、East Indian Thyme、Stinging Thyme、Country Borage

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCentral nervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Essential oils in the plant irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to vomiting, diarrhea and potential bleeding

• Systemic absorption of essential oil compounds may cause mild central nervous system depression in susceptible animals

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: No confirmed toxicity data available; large quantity ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation due to essential oil content

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal distress and depression, similar to symptoms reported in cats and dogs

Companion birds: No specific toxicity data available, but essential oil exposure is not recommended for birds due to their sensitive respiratory systems

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Garden Thyme Thymus vulgaris

Both are small, aromatic culinary herbs with oval green leaves; Spanish Thyme has thicker, fuzzier leaves and a stronger oregano-like scent than common thyme

Common Oregano Origanum vulgare

Both have fragrant broad green leaves used in cooking; Spanish Thyme leaves have a distinct fuzzy texture and lighter green hue compared to oregano

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Low to Moderate toxicity to cats, dogs and horses

Garden Sage

Salvia officinalis

Moderate toxicity to cats, dogs and horses when ingested in large quantities

Peppermint

Mentha × piperita

Low toxicity to cats, dogs and horses when ingested in large amounts

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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