Thymus spp.
planetary ruler: Venus
element: Water
associated deities: Ares, Mars, fairies
magical virtues: Purification, fairy magic,
courage, funerals, aphrodisiac, protection
During the hazy days of summer, the bees hum around the sweetly scented purple blossoms of the fragrant thyme plant. The ancient Greek writer Theophrastus observed that plentiful thyme blossoms meant a good harvest for the beekeeper, 219 while the Roman poet Ovid described the “purple hills of flowering Hymettos,” where the wild thyme produced honey that was considered the best in the world. 220 Such was this association that the very idea of sweetness was associated with thyme in the classical world.
The name “thyme” is generally thought to come from the Greek for incense, thymiama, with an incense burner being called a thymiaterion, and thuo meaning “perfume.” In both Greece and Rome, thyme was burned to produce a fragrant smoke that pleased the gods and dispelled evil. The scent of thyme was considered to be so agreeable that the phrase “to smell of thyme” meant that a person was sophisticated, self-assured, and attractive. The scent was considered to be an aphrodisiac, which is why Dionysius of Syracuse strewed his palace with wild thyme before throwing one of his extravagant parties. 221 In later centuries European girls wore sprigs of thyme in their hair to make them irresistible to prospective lovers. Use thyme in potions, incense, charm bags, and powders, or wear Thyme Infused Oil to attract a lover. Drink Herby Honeyed Rum with a partner.
Others think that the name “thyme” comes from the Greek thymos or thumus, meaning “courage” or “strength,” 222 because the herb seems to not only survive but thrive when it is crushed or cut. The plant was certainly believed to invigorate warriors, and Roman soldiers bathed in thyme to give them courage and vigour, while Greek athletes anointed their chests with thyme oil before taking part in games. In mediaeval Europe thyme was an emblem of bravery, energy, and activity. Ladies gave knights gifts that included thyme leaves or embroidered a bee hovering over a sprig of thyme on a handkerchief for their warriors. Scottish Highlanders used thyme to make a drink for strength and courage. Wild thyme is the emblem of the Drummond Clan. 223 Thyme is an important herb for those following the warrior path seeking to refine their courage and their will. Take Thyme Tea or thyme flower essence (see page 30), or add double-strength Thyme Tea to a ritual bath and use dried thyme in incense to help release stress, ground yourself, focus your personal energies, and find strength within.
Thyme is also associated with death. The ancient Egyptians used it in the embalming process as a powerful antiseptic and preservative. 224 Thyme accompanied the dead in Egyptian and Etruscan funeral processions. 225 It was also used as incense and placed on coffins during funerals. The use of thyme in funerals persisted for centuries. In Wales thyme is one of the traditional herbs planted on a grave. The Order of Oddfellows still carry bunches of thyme to the funerals of members, which are thrown into the grave. You can follow these customs by planting thyme on the graves of loved ones, carrying bunches of thyme to a funeral, or adding dried thyme to the incense used at funeral and memorial services.
In England thyme was very much associated with fairies. In Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Oberon tells Puck, “I know a bank where the wild thyme blows/Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,” because at midnight on Midsummer’s night the King of the Fairies was believed to dance with his followers on wild thyme beds. It was an ingredient of many magical potions, dating from around 1600, which allowed the user to see fairies. One simple charm was to make a brew of wild thyme tops gathered near the side of a fairy hill plus grass from a fairy throne. It was an ingredient of the fairy ointment that was applied to the eyes of newborn fairy babies to enable them to see the invisible. There are several stories of human midwives accidentally getting some of the ointment in their own eyes and afterwards being able to see the fairies coming and going. However, if the fairies discovered this, they would put out the woman’s eyes with a rush or stick. Like other fairy flowers, wild thyme is unlucky if brought indoors. It is one of the best herbs used to attract and work with the fairy wildfolk and in offerings, incense, and spells. When trying to make a connection with the wildfolk, drink Thyme Tea or thyme flower essence or anoint yourself with the Moon and Sun Oil. You can make an offering to the local spirits by baking some fresh thyme, rosemary, and white rose petals into a cake with oatmeal, milk, and honey, and place it in your garden or sacred place with these words: “I make this offering to honour you, spirits of this place; fill it with your power, nurture its growth, protect it, and keep it sacred.”
Thyme is also a herb of purification and protection, and an infusion can be used to purify the working area. It can also be used in the ritual bath and in cleansing incenses, hung around the house, laid beneath the pillow, and placed in sachets and charm bags. Wear thyme to ward off negativity and evil. A sprig beneath the pillow keeps away nightmares.
culinary uses
There are many varieties of thyme, including common or garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris), wild thyme, also called creeping thyme or mother of thyme (Thymus serpyllum), and the various lemon thymes, orange thymes, and lime thyme (Thymus citriodorus). The leaves can be dried or preserved in vinegar or oil.
The dried or fresh leaves and flowers can be used in stews, soups, stuffings, marinades, pasta sauce, egg dishes, and with bean dishes.
cosmetic uses
Antibacterial thyme infusion can be used as a hair rinse to combat dandruff and to stimulate hair growth. You can simply use double-strength Thyme Tea or try the Thyme Anti-Dandruff Hair Rinse.
Use in facial steams or use Thyme Tea as a wash for spots and acne and a natural treatment for oily skin.
Combine Thyme Tea with rose water or witch hazel and use as a skin toner to cleanse and tighten the skin.
medicinal uses
actions: antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, expectorant, secretolitic, spasmolytic
The ancient Greeks and Romans certainly used thyme medicinally. It appeared in Hippocrates’ materia medica as a healing herb, and Pliny listed twenty-eight disorders helped by thyme remedies.
There are many varieties of thyme, but most are interchangeable medicinally. The volatile oils in thyme make it strongly antiseptic, and before the advent of modern antibiotics, oil of thyme was used to medicate bandages. 226 In fact, thymol, one of its constituents, is twenty times stronger than carbolic. 227 You can just pulp fresh thyme leaves and apply them to insect bites, cuts, and small wounds, or use double-strength Thyme Tea or the Thyme Antiseptic Vinegar as a skin wash to clean and disinfect them. Because of these antiseptic qualities, thyme is an active ingredient in various commercially produced mouthwashes such as Listerine, 228 but you can simply chew the fresh leaves or use Thyme Tea as a breath-freshening mouthwash or gargle that also helps relieve inflamed gums, gum disease, gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and sore throats.
Thyme is a go-to herb for coughs, colds, flu, and bronchitis. As well as stimulating the immune system and strengthening the lungs, it is an expectorant and antispasmodic, which means it helps loosen mucus so you can cough it up, and it relaxes constriction in the lungs. 229 Use the Thyme and Lemon Tea or Thyme Oxymel, or have some Thyme Electuary ready for winter ailments and take a teaspoon as required. You can also add some double-strength Thyme Tea to your bath and inhale the scented steam.
The volatile oils of thyme are also antifungal 230 and have been shown to be effective against the various fungi that commonly infect toenails. 231 To treat fungal nail or athlete’s foot (a fungal infection that grows between the toes or fingers and on nails, causing white or scaly patches, redness, and itching) use the Thyme Antifungal Foot Soak and let your feet soak for twenty minutes. Dry them well afterwards, as fungal infections proliferate on damp feet. Follow with Thyme and Oregano Antifungal Foot Powder.
Like other aromatic herbs, thyme makes a good carminative for indigestion, flatulence, and irritable bowel syndrome. Eating the raw leaves helps with the digestion of fatty foods.
A cup of Thyme Tea may help relieve tension headaches and hangovers.
Caution: Thyme is thought to be safe for most people in food amounts and when taken medicinally over a short period of time. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should stick to food amounts to be on the safe side. Medicinal amounts should be avoided if you have a bleeding disorder, hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, or if you are on anticoagulant medication.
Recipes
Thyme Tea
½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
250 millilitres (1 cup) boiling water
Infuse together for ten minutes. Strain and drink, adding honey to taste.
Thyme and Lemon Tea
250 millilitres (1 cup) boiling water
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Pour the boiling water over the crushed thyme leaves and steep for ten minutes. Strain and stir in the honey and lemon. This is wonderful for coughs, colds, and sore throats.
Thyme Antifungal Foot Soak
300 millilitres (1¼ cups) cider vinegar
1 litre (4¼ cups) warm water
250 millilitres (1 cup) double-strength thyme tea
2 tablespoons salt
Combine in a foot bath or large bowl and soak your feet for about twenty minutes. Dry your feet thoroughly and follow with Thyme and Oregano Antifungal Foot Powder.
Thyme Oxymel
thyme leaves
honey
cider vinegar
Take a sterilised jar and quarter fill it with chopped fresh thyme leaves. Top up to half full with honey. Gently warm some cider vinegar in a pan until hand hot—do not boil or overheat. Pour the vinegar over the herbs and honey until the jar is full. Fit a non-metal lid (vinegar will corrode the metal and taint your oxymel). Put in a cool, dark place for two to three weeks. Now you will need to strain out the herbs, and it will help if you slightly warm the oxymel. It will keep up to one year in the fridge or six months at room temperature. Take two teaspoons for coughs, colds, and sore throats as needed, dissolved in warm water to taste.
Thyme Electuary
Put fresh thyme leaves in a glass jar to a quarter full and top up with honey. Leave in a dark place for three weeks. Strain well into a sterilised jar. Take a teaspoon as required for coughs and colds or dissolve a teaspoon of electuary into a cup of ginger tea.
Herby Honeyed Rum
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves
1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
450 millilitres (2 cups) dark rum
225 grams (⅔ cup) honey
Chop the herbs and cover them with the rum in a clean glass jar. Cover tightly and leave ten days. Strain, add the honey, and leave in a clean jar for another week or two before bottling. This is good for coughs and sore throats too!
Thyme Anti-Dandruff Hair Rinse
15 grams (7 tablespoons) dried sage leaves
15 grams (3 tablespoons) rosemary leaves
15 grams (3 tablespoons) dried thyme
60 millilitres (¼ cup) vodka
500 millilitres (2 cups) cider vinegar
Put the chopped herbs, vodka, and cider vinegar in a jam jar and leave for two weeks, shaking daily. Strain into a clean jar. Shampoo your hair as normal, and add a tablespoon to the final hair rinse.
Thyme Infused Oil
Pack fresh thyme into a clean glass jar and cover with vegetable oil. Leave on a sunny windowsill for two weeks, shaking daily, then strain your oil into a clean jar.
Thyme Antiseptic Vinegar
handful thyme leaves
handful rosemary leaves
handful sage leaves
cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar
Roughly chop the herbs and put into a large bottle. Pour on enough vinegar to cover. Keep in a cool, dark place for two months. Strain off the herb-infused vinegar into a spritzer bottle. Use to disinfect work surfaces or small cuts and grazes.
Thyme and Oregano Antifungal Foot Powder
4 tablespoons dried and powdered dried thyme leaves
4 tablespoons dried and powdered dried oregano leaves
½ teaspoon powdered cloves
7 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
7 tablespoons bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
20 drops tea tree essential oil
Grind up the herbs in a pestle and mortar and mix in the cornstarch and bicarbonate of soda. Add the tea tree oil and mix in with the back of a metal spoon. You can put the mixture in an old talcum powder tin or a salt shaker. Apply to the feet morning, evening, and night. Cloves contain eugenol, which is an antifungal agent, while oregano and thyme contain two powerful compounds, carvacrol and thymol, which fight fungal and bacterial infections. Tea tree oil is also a powerful antifungal.
Thyme and Peppermint Sore Throat Spray
1 tablespoon thyme tincture or glycerite
1 tablespoon peppermint tincture or glycerite
1 tablespoon vegetable glycerine
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
Blend together in a spray bottle. Spray into the back of your throat as needed. Will store for six months in the fridge.
Thyme and Sage Sore Throat Gargle
250 millilitres (1 cup) boiling water
2 teaspoons sage leaves
2 teaspoons thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
Pour the boiling water over the sage, thyme, and salt. Leave to infuse for thirty minutes. Strain very well through a double layer of muslin and use to gargle when you have a sore throat. Will keep two days in the fridge.
Moon and Sun Oil
At the first waxing of the moon, take thirteen white rose petals and put them in a glass jar. Cover them with almond oil. Place the jar outside each night for three nights. Do not let the light of the sun touch it at any point. Pour off the oil into a clean jar, and bury the rose petals beneath an apple tree. Now put into the oil three hollyhock flowers, three marigold flowers, nine young leaves from a hazel, and nine sprigs of thyme. Put the jar in the sun for three days. Do not let the moonlight touch it at any point. Strain off the oil into a clean jar. Bury the herbs under an oak tree. Dab a little oil onto the third eye position in the centre of your forehead when meditating on the fairies or otherwise working with them.
219 D’Andréa, Ancient Herbs in the J. Paul Getty Museum Gardens.
220 Ovid (Ars Amutoriu): Est prope purpureos collis florentis Hymetti, Fons sacer et viridi caespite mollis humus. “Near the purple hills of flowering Hymettos is a sacred spring and earth soft with green grass,” quoted in Burr Thompson and Griswold, Garden Lore of Ancient Athens.
221 D’Andréa, Ancient Herbs in the J. Paul Getty Museum Gardens.
222 Ibid.
223 James Logan, The Scottish Gael Or Celtic Manners as Preserved Among the Highlanders, Being an Historical and Descriptive Account of the Inhabitants, Antiquities and National Peculiarities of Scotland (London: Smith, Elder and Comp., 1831).
224 S. S. Tawfik, M. I. Abbady, Ahmed M. Zahran, and A. M. K. Abouelalla, “Therapeutic Efficacy Attained with Thyme Essential Oil Supplementation Throughout 
-irradiated Rats,” Egypt. J. Rad. Sci. Applic. 19, no. 1 (2006): 1–22.
225 Brunton-Seal and Seal, Kitchen Medicine.
226 Grieve, A Modern Herbal.
227 Brunton-Seal and Seal, Kitchen Medicine.
228 Andrea Pierce, American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines (New York: Stonesong Press, 1999).
229 Hoffman, Medical Herbalism.
230 Chown and Walker, The Handmade Apothecary.
231 Russel S. Ramsewak et al., “In Vitro Antagonistic Activity of Monoterpenes and Their Mixtures Against ‘Toe Nail Fungus’ Pathogens,” Phytotherapy Research 17 (April 2003).