Thyme and Curcumin (Turmeric) Reduce Inflammation
Vioxx (the heart-disease cover-up scandal drug that killed thousands) selectively inhibited an inflammation-causing thing called “COX-2”. It turns out that thyme significantly inhibits it also (but clove, rose, eucalyptus, fennel, and bergamot - also part of herbal remedy folklore - do not) - study. I assume thyme doesn’t kill people like Vioxx does, but large doses of any herb might at least upset your stomach. Thyme is also useful in treating acne.
Also, curcumin (naturally in turmeric, but maybe not enough to help) is one of the better treatments for rheumatoid arthritis - study.