Breckland thyme Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 2,689 found this helpful

No confirmed toxicity to cats, dogs, or horses is documented in available toxicology data

It is classified as a safe fodder herb for livestock when consumed in small quantities

It may be easily confused with other Thymus species that could have differing safety profiles

FAQ

Is Breckland thyme toxic to Humans?

No toxic symptoms reported from normal small-quantity consumption; very large intake may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (Non-toxic)

Is Breckland thyme toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; excessive intake may cause mild digestive discomfort (Non-toxic)

Is Breckland thyme toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; excessive intake may cause mild digestive discomfort (Non-toxic)

Is Breckland thyme toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; small quantities are considered safe as supplementary feed (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms reported from normal small-quantity consumption; very large intake may cause mild gastrointestinal upset

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; excessive intake may cause mild digestive discomfort

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; excessive intake may cause mild digestive discomfort

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; small quantities are considered safe as supplementary feed

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo parts are confirmed toxic in small amounts; the whole plant contains tannins and volatile essential oils, and is categorized as a medicinal and fodder herb

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion; skin contact with concentrated essential oil extracts may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsTannins; Volatile essential oils

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water if a large quantity of the plant or its concentrated extract is ingested
• Monitor for signs of gastrointestinal discomfort including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Record the quantity ingested and plant identity for reference if adverse symptoms develop

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or livestock exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after ingesting large amounts of the plant
• If concentrated thyme essential oil products are ingested by pets or livestock

Prevention

• Store concentrated thyme essential oil products out of reach of children and pets
• Confirm plant identity before use as fodder or for medicinal purposes to avoid mixing up with related species
• Limit intake to small quantities when used as a culinary or feed additive

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer supportive care including fluid supplementation and gastrointestinal protectants if adverse symptoms occur after large ingestion
• Wash affected skin with mild soap and water for essential oil-related irritation, and apply soothing topical creams if needed

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameThymus serpyllum aggr.

AliasesWild thyme、Creeping thyme

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract (potential mild irritation at extremely high intake levels)

Mechanism of Action

• No confirmed toxic mechanism at low exposure levels; high concentrations of essential oils may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation at very high intake doses

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, goats (ruminants): No confirmed toxicity; small quantities are considered safe as a supplementary fodder additive

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Small amounts are generally safe; excessive intake may cause mild digestive upset

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other thyme species Thymus spp.

Visually similar in leaf shape, growth habit, and flower appearance; key differences include varying essential oil profiles across species that may lead to different safety thresholds

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Related Toxic Plants

Perilla mint

Perilla frutescens

Moderate to High toxicity for ruminants, horses, and dogs

Ground ivy

Glechoma hederacea

Low to Moderate toxicity for horses and cattle

Concentrated lavender oil

Lavandula angustifolia

Low toxicity for cats and dogs if ingested in large quantities

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

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