Thyme is a Mediterranean herb with different culinary and medicinal uses, tough it’s mostly cultivated to spice up dishes. It’s a member of the mint family and has more than 400 subspecies. The herb is so much more than just a spice. It’s medicinal abilities slowly gain popularity and the use has considerably increased. The different parts of the flower and the essential oil can treat a variety of conditions. If you’re suffering from acne or high blood pressure, thyme can be an effective natural remedy to treat those complaints.
History & Folklore
Thyme has a long history as an antidote, spice and a symbol of bravery. The herbs reputation as a natural remedy goes back thousands of years to ancient Roman times. Before meals it was eaten as an anti-poison remedy. Back then poising emperors to overthrow them was a pretty common move. Therefore it was a daily routine for emperors to eat the herb and add a couple of drops of thyme oil into their baths. For ancient Greeks thyme was a source of courage, bravery and strength. They burned the herb in their temples and homes as an incense to purify the area. For those who smelled the incense, a spirit of bravery would awake in them. This belief persisted into the Middle Ages. For soldiers the herb was a badge of honor. It was gifted to them when going into a battle. The ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming the death. Sometimes it was placed under pillows to encourage a good nights sleep and ward off nightmares. Today thyme is still a popular herb and probably one of the world’s favourite cooking spice.
Habitat & Cultivation
Native to the Mediterranean area and southern Europe thyme is now grown worldwide. The plant is propagated by division or cuttings in spring. The herb also grows from seed but it takes up to four weeks for the seeds to germinate. It prefers a sunny place and chalky soils. Thyme can grow up to 40 cm high depending on the species. Thyme is best harvested from late spring into early fall.
Uses
Infections Due to thyme’s antiseptic and tonic actions the herb is a good remedy for chronic, specially fungal, infections. It boosts the immune system and can be an effective natural remedy dir throat and chest infections as well.
Asthma & hay fever Doctors often prescribe the herb as a medicine against asthma. It relaxes the bronchial spasms. Hay fevers can be treated with thyme as well.
Worms Worms can be treated with thyme.
External uses Many skin conditions can be treated with thyme. Applying the herb to the skin can treat bites and stings, sciatica and rheumatic pains. Not just skin conditions, but also fungal infections like ringworms, athlete’s foot, thrush, scabies and lice can be treated with thyme. Messaging a thyme infusion or the essential oil into the scalp can prevent reverse hair loss and can even encourage hair growth.
Parts used
Aerial parts are harvested in summer. They can be used fresh or dried.
Fresh leaves
Key Actions
Antiseptic
Tonic
Relieves muscle spasms
Expectorant
Expels worms
Antioxidant
Constituents
Volatile oil (mostly thymol and carvacrol)
Flavonoids
Phenolic acids
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 143.
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