Thyme, (Latin name Thymus vulgaris) has been grown for centuries. Thyme originally came from the Mediterranean area, and has been adapted to many different climates around the world. It came to North America with the first immigrants, being used primarily as a food preservative and for health needs.
Uses of Thyme
Thyme is a spicy, warm herb, and a powerful antiseptic. It is used in cases of anemia, bronchial ailments, and intestinal problems. Thyme infusion is also used as a mouth wash antiseptic against tooth decay, and destroys fungal infections in athlete’s foot and skin parasites such as crabs and lice. It is good for colic, flatulence, sore throats, and colds, as well as a digestive aid and a hangover remedy. Infusions of thyme are said to be good for headaches, and has been shown to be beneficial for coughs related to colds and flu as well as whooping cough, as the active constituents are known to loosen and expel mucous. This plant contains a constituent that is helpful for preventing blood clots.
Make a strong thyme infusion and use it as an effective antiperspirant. Thyme is anti-parasitic, and safe enough to be used on pets and children. It effectively destroys and repels lice and fleas when used externally, and intestinal worms when used internally. Taken internally, thyme prevents and relieves gas and nausea, and can effectively relieve many germ-carried ailments of the digestive system. It also produces a germ-killing effect throughout the entire body. Also a cough remedy, make tea using 1 tsp. of dried thyme per cup of hot water. Adding honey makes it more effective. Drink this tea up to three times a day.
There are no known contraindications at this time.
Spiritual Uses of Thyme
Thyme is burnt to cleanse spiritual rooms and spaces, as well as to bring good health and courage to the home.
Culinary Uses of Thyme
The leaves and stems are used. Thyme is often used in bouquet garni, which is tying small sprigs of fresh herbs together and simmering them in various dishes. Since it is an herb that helps the body to digest fatty foods, it is often used as an ingredient in those kinds of dishes. It is very good with meat, poultry, and game. Add fresh or dried to egg or cheese dishes, roasted meats, vegetables, soups, stews, stuffing. Use small amounts, as the taste is strong, taste your dish and add more if needed.
Other Uses of Thyme
The fragrant dried leaves are often used in potpourris and in sachets to repel insects. You can make a Thyme flavored vinegar and herbal wreathes or other crafts using thyme, and other herbs.
Growing Thyme
Common thyme is bushy 6-12 inch tall plant and is a hardy perennial to zones 4-9. Grow in sunny location in light, well-drained soil. Set 6 to 12 inches apart.
There are many different varieties, ranging from sub-shrub size to a creeping ground cover.
Lemon thyme is a bushy, strong lemony scent herb.
Mother of thyme is a creeper. .
Trim it back after flowering to prevent it from becoming woody, and prune more frequently in summer, when it is growing best. The flowers range from purple to lilac to white. It prefers well drained, somewhat alkaline soils. Thyme can be sown from seed, or propagated from stem cuttings. It may not tolerate temperatures below 10° Fahrenheit, so if this is a possibility, you will want to either protect it over winter, or bring some indoors to grow on a sunny windowsill. (I have mine in a cold frame all year) Thyme leaves can be dried easily, and it freezes well. To dry, cut the whole plant to 2 inches above the ground, just as the flowers begin to bloom in late spring to early summer.
Bibliography
The Herbal Encyclopedia Rev. Dr. Lisa Waltz, ND, DD, CNC
A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs by Dr. James A. Duke
The Complete Herbal by Culpeper
Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs and Spices by John Heinerman
The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevalier
The Green Pharmacy by Dr. James A. Duke
Wikipedia
Disclaimer: All information from Garden Thyme Herbs is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor. I will not be liable for any complications, or other medical accidents arising from the use of any information given.