Thyme is one of the classic herbs in Mediterranean cuisine that dates back to ancient times. It was used to both flavor food and prevent it from spoiling. The Greeks and Romans not only used this herb in cooking but also as a healing antiseptic. Thyme was an ingredient in a range of remedies and it was used to fumigate homes to avert infectious diseases. Sources differ on whether or not it was the Romans who took it over the Alps into the rest of Europe and Britain. At any rate, it did not take long for this herb to become a universal staple in gardens and medicine chests.
French emperor Charlemagne had thyme planted in all his gardens, and the German abbess Hildegard of Bingen extolled its use for skin problems. In addition to healing remedies, thyme was used as a strewing herb to freshen and disinfect rooms. During World War I it was used as an antiseptic on the battlefield.
Medicinal Uses
Acne, appetite stimulant, arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, bad breath, bloating, boils, chest congestion, colds, cough, cuts and scrapes, digestive system support, earache, eczema, expectorant, flatulence, flu, gingivitis, hangover, hay fever, headache, immune system support, indigestion, infection, inflammation, menopausal discomforts, menstrual cramps, migraine, muscle ache or pain, nasal congestion, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), psoriasis, scabies, sciatica, sinusitis, skin care, sore throat, sties, stomachache or pain, tonsillitis
Precautions and Contraindications
The herb: Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy; avoid with high blood pressure.
The essential oils: Herbal precautions also apply; use in moderation; may cause skin irritation or sensitization in some.
Parts of Plant Used
Herbal remedies: Leaves and flowers
Essential oils: Leaves, flowers, and buds
Culinary purposes: Leaves
Growing and Harvesting
Reaching six to twelve inches tall, thyme is a branching, shrubby herb with woody base stems. The stalkless, lance-shaped leaves are gray-green on top and lighter underneath. The small pink to lilac or bluish-purple flowers grow in little clusters at the ends of the stems. They bloom in midsummer.
|
Type |
Zone |
Light |
Soil |
Moisture |
Height |
Spacing |
|
Perennial |
5 |
Full sun to partial shade |
Sandy loam |
Moderately dry |
6–12" |
10–12" |
Thyme does well in sandy to average soil and makes a good edging plant. It grows quite happily in a container by itself or with other herbs. Propagate it by root division and stem cuttings or layering. Thyme is a good companion for eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes. It repels cabbage worms and whiteflies, and it attracts bees. Additionally, thyme can be used to make an insect spray for your plants. Place a handful of fresh leaves in a large container and pour in 1 quart of boiling water. Let it infuse for a day, strain, and spray on infested plants.
Small amounts of thyme can be harvested throughout the growing season or the entire plant can be cut down to two inches before it blooms. Don’t worry, it will grow back and give you a second crop. This herb freezes well or it can be hung or screen dried.
How to Use the Herb
I have to admit that this delightful herb is my favorite for culinary and medicinal purposes. Thyme is one of the Scarborough Fair herbs (parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme) that go well together in so many foods. Thyme is also one of the herbs in the bouquets garnis and herbes de Provence classic culinary combinations. Along with oregano and basil, thyme completes a great trio for pasta dishes as well as an herb butter. If you love root vegetables, thyme adds flavor and aids in digesting the starches. Also, infuse thyme with rosemary in olive oil for cooking.
In addition to great taste, this herb fights infection and provides support for the immune system. Classically combined with rosemary for culinary purposes, an infused oil made with these two herbs for cooking during the winter can help prevent colds and flu. Use equal amounts of rosemary and thyme in olive oil.
Thyme aids sluggish digestion, fights gastric and intestinal infections, and stimulates the appetite. It soothes indigestion and relieves stomach pain. A medicinal honey with thyme can be used in after-meal teas to aid digestion and reduce gas or bloating. A simple tea made with thyme works nicely. For variation, use 1 teaspoon of thyme and 1 teaspoon of Roman chamomile, lemon balm, or peppermint.
Thyme to Settle Tea
1–2 teaspoons dried thyme, crumbled
1 cup boiling water
Pour the water over the herb. Steep for 10 minutes and strain.
A tincture of thyme can also ease digestive complaints. Take one half to one teaspoon up to three times a day. The antispasmodic properties of thyme that aid digestive problems also make it useful to ease menstrual cramps. The following tea helps to reduce the discomforts of PMS, too. Because thyme contains a number of minerals including iron, it is beneficial at the end of a menstrual period as well as during menopause.
Soothing Thyme Tea for Women
1 teaspoon dried lemon balm leaves, crumbled
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crumbled
½ teaspoon dried marjoram leaves, crumbled
1 cup boiling water
Combine the herbs and pour the water over them. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes and strain.
Thyme is useful for a range of respiratory problems including chest colds, wet coughs, hay fever, sinusitis, sore throat, and tonsillitis. Its warming and drying properties aid in clearing congestion. For a respiratory tea, combine equal amounts of thyme and sage. Thyme medicinal honey can soothe the throat and help expel mucus. Brew a tea with just thyme to use as a mouthwash and gargle, which will fight throat infection as well as gingivitis and bad breath. Thyme soothes inflamed mucous membranes and brings relief from asthma attacks. Make a tea with equal amounts of marjoram and lavender to drink or to use for a warm compress for the chest. Not only does this herb fight infection, it also provides support for the immune system.
Like many herbs, thyme eases headaches as well as migraines. Make a mild tea with 1 teaspoon of thyme and 1 cup of water. The tea can also be used for a compress on the temples or neck to relieve a tension headache. Make a stronger infusion to relieve a hangover headache.
Thyme’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it useful in treating boils and sties. Brew a strong tea and carefully dab it on with a cotton swab. Add the tea to a foot soak to relieve athlete’s foot. It can also be used to make a warm compress to decrease discomfort and fight infection of an earache. A thyme tincture will disinfect and help heal cuts. Also, try an infusion for the bath to heal irritated or rough skin.
How to Use the Essential Oils
There are a number of thyme essential oils. The one discussed here is called Thymus vulgaris CT linalool. This essential oil ranges from clear to pale yellow. It has a herbaceous and slightly sweet scent.
It is important to know a little about thyme essential oils. The first distillation of thyme produces an oil called “red” thyme. This is because the color can be reddish, reddish-brown, or reddish-orange. Distilling the plant material a second time results in white thyme oil, which is clear or pale yellow. Also, the chemical constituents of thyme vary widely according to where it is grown, which is why you will find many types of thyme oils. They are designated with “CT” meaning chemotype. Thyme has about six or seven chemotypes, each with different therapeutic properties. I suggest using Thymus vulgaris CT linalool, which is known to be more gentle. Designated as one of the “white” thyme oils, it is often used for people who are sensitive to the stronger types.
During flu season, use the essential oil in a diffuser to disinfect a sickroom. Used as an inhalant, thyme can soothe the inflammation and ease the discomfort of sinus infections. Place a few drops of the essential oil in a clean bottle to use as a nasal inhaler, or increase the potency by mixing it with hyssop and peppermint. Without touching the bottle to your nose, take a couple of deep inhalations. Repeat in a half hour to an hour. The combination of these three herbs, or just thyme on its own, works well as a steam inhalation, too.
Clear the Congestion Thyme Inhaler
2 drops thyme essential oil
2 drops hyssop essential oil
1 drop peppermint essential oil
Combine the oils in a small bottle with a tight lid.
Thyme helps to reduce the inflammation and irritation of acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Mix it with a carrier oil to use on the skin or combine it with lemon balm to make a salve.
Healing Thyme Salve
½ cup jojoba or beeswax
1 cup sweet almond carrier oil
½ cup borage carrier oil
1 teaspoon lemon balm essential oil
1 teaspoon thyme essential oil
Place the jojoba or beeswax in a mason jar in a saucepan of water. Warm over low heat until it begins to melt; add the carrier oil. Stir gently for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, add the essential oils and stir. Test the thickness by placing a little on a plate and letting it cool in the fridge for a minute or two. If you want it firmer, add more jojoba or beeswax. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of oil. Let it cool and then store in a cool, dark place.
This herb’s anti-inflammatory properties also work well in a massage oil to reduce the muscle and joint pain of arthritis and the discomfort of sciatica. Additionally, try it as a bath soak with sea or Epsom salts.
Thyme can also be used to relieve scabies. Apply it on its own in a carrier oil or mix equal amounts of thyme and lavender and dab it on the affected areas.