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Original Article
- A Survey-Based Cross-Sectional Study of Traditional Knowledge and Contemporary Use of Macedonian Wild Thyme Within Integrative Medicine
- Denis Arsovski
- Perspect Integr Med. 2026;5(2):108-117. Published online June 19, 2026
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2026.06.004
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Graphical Abstract
Abstract
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Supplementary Material 
- Background
Thymus serpyllum (wild thyme) is an important ethnobotanical species in North Macedonia, where it is widely used in traditional medicine.
Methods
This descriptive cross-sectional survey study explored patterns of thyme usage, knowledge sources, and collection practices amongst 182 participants from all eight regions of the country. Statistical analyses included the χ² test, Kruskal-Wallis, and exploratory cluster analysis.
Results
Most of the participants reported using thyme as a tea (89.6%) to treat respiratory conditions (57.7%), followed by stress-related complaints (24.7%), and preventive purposes (22.0%). Family traditions were the main source of knowledge (37.4%), whilst internet resources and combined sources were more common amongst younger and highly educated participants. Nearly half of the participants (47.8%) reported collecting thyme themselves mainly from mountainous areas, with regional differences in collection behavior (p < 0.05). Statistical analyses showed a heterogeneous user of wild thyme profile which ranged from traditional self-collectors relying on intergenerational knowledge to urban consumers influenced by digital information and acquisition through markets. Qualitative responses confirmed the persistence of word of mouth and various therapeutic applications, especially for respiratory and gastrointestinal complaints.
Conclusion
Whilst the use of thyme remains culturally ingrained and widely accepted as a complementary remedy, reliance on wild harvesting raises sustainability concerns and clinical validation for several indications remains limited. These results show the continuing relevance of wild thyme in contemporary ethnomedicine and point to the need for integrative approaches combining cultural heritage preservation, ecological sustainability, and evidence-based evaluation.
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