Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

In antiquity, thyme was believed to instill courage. Today it is valued for easing coughs, bronchitis and whooping cough. Its essential oil is also used to soothe insect bites and stings.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has been used in folk remedies since ancient times, and modern research supports its effectiveness. Studies show that thyme flavonoids, methyl chavicol and thymol, have a beneficial effect on muscle relaxation. For that reason it is often used as an antispasmodic in digestive upsets such as abdominal swelling, vomiting, bloating, sluggish digestion, stomach cramps and low bile flow. It is therefore an excellent herb to season richer, hard to digest dishes.

Thyme also helps clear the nose during colds, hay fever and asthma. It acts on the bronchi by helping to open them and by inhibiting the growth of a broad range of bacteria. It is used with notable success for coughs, bronchitis and whooping cough, and it can also help relieve muscle pain.

Thyme essential oil has antiseptic properties, so it is often recommended for the care of minor cuts and other small injuries, especially insect bites and stings. Thyme is sometimes advised for gum issues and tonsillitis. Thyme teas are gentle in action and can be given to children, unlike the essential oil, which is very strong and not always suitable for the youngest. In aromatherapy it is used for fatigue, low mood, poor circulation, headaches, muscle aches and respiratory complaints. Add a few drops to hot water for inhalation or mix a few drops into massage oils, but do not apply it directly to the skin. The powerful antiseptic and preservative qualities of thyme were known to the ancient Egyptians, who used it as one of the ingredients in embalming preparations.

To the Greeks it embodied graceful elegance. To say that someone smelled of thyme was a refined compliment. After bathing, the Greeks would anoint themselves with thyme oil during massage. Its botanical name Thymus serpyllum derives from the Greek word thymon, which means courage.

Many traditions connect thyme with that virtue. Roman soldiers, for instance, bathed in thyme infused water to fortify themselves. In the Middle Ages, European women embroidered sprigs of thyme onto keepsakes for wandering knights. A soup recipe recorded in 1663 combined thyme and beer to overcome shyness, while Scottish Highlanders drank tea made from wild thyme for strength and courage and to ward off nightmares.

Thyme and its many subspecies grow wild in the Mediterranean on dry slopes. It is easy to cultivate from seed sown in early April or from cuttings. Choose a warm, sunny position and rich, light, well drained soil. It also thrives in containers. Harvest leaves and flowering tops at the beginning of the bloom and dry them carefully in the shade.

Warning!

Thyme is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Preparations containing thyme essential oil or thymol must never be applied to the face or under the nose of infants or young children. Use caution even when rubbing it on the chest and back.