About.....Thyme

  Garden Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), also known as Creeping Thyme, Mountain Thyme, and Wild Thyme, a small shrubby plant with a strong, spicy taste and odor, is extensively cultivated in Europe and the U.S. for culinary use. The numerous quadrangular, procumbent, woody stems grow from 6 to 10 inches high and are finely hairy. Slightly downy on top and very downy underneath, the opposite, sessile leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape and have slightly rolled edges. The small bluish-purple, two-lipped flowers are whorled in dense, head-like clusters, blooming from May to September. The common name Thyme includes the species Thymus serpyllum (Wild Thyme), which is used interchangeably with Thymus vulgaris (Garden Thyme).

Mother of Thyme is generally a smaller plant than Garden Thyme, but the two have characteristics in common, including similar leaves and flowers as well as quadrangular, hairy stems. Mother of Thyme, found in thickets and woods and along roadsides, is native to Europe and naturalized in North America. Its creeping stems have erect branches from 2 to 3 inches high, but some varieties under cultivation reach 3 feet in height. Its leaves are similar in shape to those of garden thyme, but they have short petioles and are not downy. The flowers, though smaller, are also similar in shape, color, arrangement on the plant, and time of bloom.

The genus name Thymus may be derived from the Greek word thymon meaning 'courage' as it was once used as a bath herb by Roman soldiers to help them be more courageous.  Thyme also helps people to speak up more courageously.  Or perhaps it was from the Greek thymon, 'to fumigate', as it has been used as an incense.  The species name serpyllum for Wild Thyme may be due to the plant's creeping snakelike appearance and in reference to the ancient treatment of snakebites and the bites of poisonous sea creatures with Thyme. The plant was burned in ancient Roman times to deter scorpions.

Known primary constituents of Thyme include essential oil (borneol, carvacrol, cymol, linalool, thymol), bitter principle, tannin, flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin), saponins, and triterpenic acids.

Properties and Historical Uses (Garden thyme): Anthelmintic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant, sedative. As a tincture, extract, or infusion, Thyme was commonly used in throat and bronchial problems, including acute bronchitis, laryngitis, and whooping cough, and also for diarrhea, chronic gastritis, and lack of appetite. For coughs and spasmodic complaints, the medication was made from the fresh plant. A warm infusion promoted perspiration and relieved flatulence and colic. Oil of Thyme (thymol) has a powerful antiseptic action for which it was used in mouthwashes and toothpastes. Thymol was also effective against ascarids and hookworms. As a local irritant, it was used externally for warts or to encourage the flow of blood to the surface. Also, Thyme baths were said to be helpful for neurasthenia, rheumatic problems, paralysis, bruises, swellings, and sprains. A salve made from thyme was once used for shingles. CAUTION: Excessive internal use of Garden thyme can lead to symptoms of poisoning and to over-stimulation of the thyroid gland.

Properties and Historical Uses: (Mother of Thyme): Antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, rubefacient, tonic. Mother of Thyme was beneficial for respiratory problems, helping to clear mucous congestion from the lungs and respiratory passages. It made a good tonic for the stomach and nerves, and was used for gastrointestinal problems such as mild gastritis, enteritis, stomach cramps, and painful menstruation. A bath additive made from the decoction stimulated the flow of blood toward the surface of the body and alleviated nervous exhaustion. An infusion of leaves was said to relieve the headache of a hangover. Used externally, alcoholic extracts were helpful for stab wounds, bruises, and symptoms of rheumatism. Mother of Thyme was also reputed to be useful in breaking the alcoholic habit by causing vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, thirst, and hunger, along with a revulsion for alcohol. This "folk cure" was probably repeated several times, but usually at longer and longer intervals. Mother of Thyme has also been recommended in the past for chlorosis, anemia, and insomnia.

Small amounts of Thyme are a sedative, whereas larger amounts are a stimulant.  Thyme is used against hookworm, roundworms, and threadworms problems.  Thyme warms and stimulates the lungs, expels mucus and relieves congestion. Both thymol and carvacrol have a relaxing effect upon the gastrointestinal tract's smooth muscles.

Known topical uses of Thyme have included the following: as a gargle & mouthwash for dental decay, laryngitis, mouth sores, plaque formation, sore throat, thrush, tonsillitis, and bad breath; as a compress for lung congestion such as found with asthma, bronchitis, colds and flu; as a poultice for wounds, insect bites and stings; as a wash for fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm, and use against parasites such as crabs, lice and scabies; as a douche for Candida; and as a compress for bruises. Thyme has also been used as an eyewash for sore eyes and as a hair rinse for dandruff; as a salve on acne, blemishes, burns and wounds; as a bath herb for sore muscles, arthritis, and colds; and as an essential oil added to soaps and antidepressant inhalations. 

As a culinary additive, Thyme was even used as a strewing herb in the Middle Ages, being added to soups, stews, vegetables, chicken, jams, fruit salads, bouquets garni, gumbos, and Benedictine liqueur. Thyme aids in the digestion of high fat foods, and is used to preserve meat. Thyme honey, made when bees collect pollen from thyme flowers, is excellent.

Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy. As with most essential oils, it must be diluted before applying to the skin.

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Last modified: December 12, 2006