Despite its common name, cat thyme belongs to the same genus as the mint family. This highly aromatic plant has long been used by herbalists because it is astringent and acts as a stimulant. The homeopathic remedy is given for conditions with excess mucus and polyps (growths in the mucous membranes). Dr. Stapf, a close friend of Hahnemann, proved the remedy in 1846. This remedy is mainly used where polyps are present, for example, in the nose, ear, bladder, or rectum. It is effective for threadworms. It is also used to treat chronic, excessive nasal discharge and a blocked nose with a poor sense of smell and frequent discharge of green crusts, which makes the nostrils feel raw. Blowing the nose or sneezing fails to relieve the sense of obstruction.