THYMUS (Thyme)

(Labiatae/Lamiaceae)

Some 350 species of small, evergreen, aromatic, mostly woody-based perennials and sub-shrubs belong to this Eurasian genus. They have typical labiate flowers, with 5 sepals fused into a 2-lipped tube, a bearded throat, and a broad, 3-toothed upper lip.

Thyme has inspired poetic praise from Virgil to Kipling, who wrote of "wind-bit thyme that smells of dawn in Paradise.' Its fragrance is particularly strong on the hillsides of Mediterranean lands.

To the Greeks, thyme denoted graceful elegance "To smell of Thyme" was an expression of stylish praise. After bathing, the Greeks would include oil of thyme in their massage. Thymus may derive from the Greek word thymon, meaning "courage," and many traditions relate to this virtue. Roman soldiers, for example, bathed in Thyme water to give themselves vigor. In the Middle Ages, European ladies embroidered a sprig of thyme on tokens for their Knights-errant.

Thymus may also derive from the Greek word for "smoke";, as the Greeks burnt it both when making sacrifices to the gods and also as incense to dispel insects and contagion. Thymus is the original Greek name used by Theophrastus for both Thyme and Savory.

The Romans slept on thyme to cure melancholy, and in the 16th century John Gerard said thyme was "profitable for such as are ferful melancholic and troubled mind." It was considered a strengthening tonic to the brain and an aid to increased longevity.

A soup recipe of 1663 recorded the use of thyme and beer to overcome shyness, while the Scottish highlanders drank tea made of wild thyme for strength and courage, and to prevent nightmares.

The powerful antiseptic and preservative properties of thyme were well-known to the Egyptians, who used it for embalming.

It is still an ingredient of embalming fluid, and it will also preserve anatomical and herbarium specimens, and protect paper from mold.

Sprigs were included in judges' posies and clasped by nobility to protect themselves from disease and odor.

Thyme is the first herb listed in the Holy Herb Charm recited by those with "Herb cunning" in the Middle Ages, and it is featured in a charming recipe from 1600 "to enable one to see the Fairies."

In common with many pleasant-smelling plants, Thyme came to symbolize death, because the souls of the dead were thought to rest in the flowers; the smell of time has apparently been detected at several haunted sites. It is also associated with various rituals once carried out by young women to reveal their true love.

Thyme was praised by the English Herbalist Nicholas Culpeper (1616-1654) as "A notable strengthened of the lungs, as notable a one as grows; neither is there a better remedy growing for that disease in children which they commonly call chin-cough [whooping cough]."

Thyme is an excellent antiseptic and tonic, and today is still used as a respiratory remedy, as well as being important for a variety of other ailments.

It makes a good remedy for colds, sore throats, flu, chest infections and, when taken hot, for fevers and catarrh.

It can be taken for diarrhea, gastro-enteritis, cystitis, and infections in the fallopian tubes and vagina such as thrush.

It has a relaxant effect on the muscles in the bronchi, relieving asthma and dry hacking coughs, and in the digestive system, helping colic, wind, spastic colon and irritable bowel.

It makes an excellent digestive herb, enhances appetite and digestion & stimulates the liver; it has a strengthening effect on the nervous system.

It has an antioxidant effect, protecting the body against the effect of the aging process.

Thyme can be taken for menstrual problems such as period pain, and as a cleansing diuretic to detoxify the body.

Externally it can be used in liniments and lotions to relieve aching joints and muscular pain, to disinfect cuts and wounds and as a gargle for sore throats.

The volatile oils in Thyme are highly antiseptic and, taken internally, support the immune system's fight against infections of all kinds, particularly in the respiratory, digestive and genito-urinary systems.

PROPAGATION:  By seed in spring (species only), by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by division in spring or late summer, or by layering older plants by mounding. Thin or transplant to 9-15 inches apart.

CULTIVATION:  Well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun. T. cilicicus thrives in stony situations. T. herba-barona is one of the best thymes to grow in crevices. T.x.. citriodorus, T. praecox, T. serpyllum, T. vulgaris, & T. pseudolanuginosus are hardy to 5`F (-15`C), others to at least 14`F/10`C.

Thymes dislike winter wet and benefit from a layer of gravel to protect the foliage from contact with wet soil. Established plants may be pruned quite hard in early spring, or lightly after flowering; remove dead flower heads to encourage bushiness. Remove green shoots of variegated cultivars to maintain variegation.

HARVEST:  Whole plants and flowering tops are collected in summer as flowering begins and distilled for oil or dried for elixirs, liquid extracts (T. vulgaris), and infusions. Sprigs are picked during the growing season and used fresh, or dried for infusions.

DECORATIVE:  Grow shrubs for low hedging and creepers for aromatic carpets.

CULINARY:  (T. vulgaris): Mix with Parsley and Bay in "Bouquet garni." Add to stocks, marinades, stuffings, sauces and soups, using cautiously as thyme is extra pungent when fresh. Aids digestion of fatty foods. Suits food cooked slowly in wine-particularly poultry, shellfish and game. Flavors benedictine liqueur.

(Lemon-scented thymes): Add to chicken, fish, hot vegetables, fruit salads and jams. (T. herba-barona): Use to flavor beef.

HOUSEHOLD:  Bees love Thyme. Its honey is esteemed. Make a strong decoction of the leaves for a household disinfectant. Mix essential oil with alcohol, then spray on paper and herbarium specimens for mold protection.

COSMETIC:  Make a decoction to stimulate circulation; use in baths, facial steams and ointments for spots. Infuse with Rosemary as a hair rinse to deter dandruff. Use essential oil as an antiseptic in toothpastes and mouthwashes.

AROMATIC:  Use in potpourri.

MEDICINAL:  English Wild Thyme is believed to have the strongest medicinal qualities.

Infuse as a tea for a digestive tonic and for upset stomach.

Infusion is sweetened with honey for convulsive coughs, colds and sore throats.

Infused thyme oil is applied in massage for headaches.

Essential oil is used in an antiseptic air spray. Thought to relieve insomnia, poor capillary circulation and muscular pain, and stimulate production of white blood corpuscles to resist infection.

The taxonomy of Thymes is complex, with numerous synonyms and invalid names. Many thymes are good garden plants, with a neat habit, fragrant foliage, and colorful flowers. They are ideal for rock gardens, walls, and containers. Although tiny, the numerous flowers produce copious nectar, and make many species important as bee plants.

Thymes vary in aroma, but the majority can be used to flavor food. Most widely used are T. vulgaris, T.x.. citriodorus, and their cultivars. The main Medicinal thymes are rich in volatile oil, which consists mainly of thymol, a powerful antiseptic. The oil varies considerably in composition between species and from plant to plant. Commercial thyme oil is largely derived from T. zygis (Spanish sauce thyme), a white-flowered species found in Spain and Portugal. Oil from P. serpyllum (sometimes known as "Serpolet oil") differs from T. vulgaris in being lower in Carvacrol and higher in Linalol and Cymol, and thus having a sedative effect. Red and white thyme oil refers to the color of the oil, which turns red when oxidized by contact with metal, but remains clear otherwise.

T. serpyllum

(Wild Thyme, Creeping Thyme, Mother of Thyme)

Tuft-forming evergreen herb growing to a height of 3 in. (7 cm.). Has square stems, small aromatic oval leaves, and spikes of bright mauve flowers.

Native to Europe, Thyme prefers heaths, moorland, and barren places. The herb is collected when in flower in summer.

The 17th-century Herbalist Nicholas Culpeper advised taking Wild Thyme to treat internal bleeding, coughing, and vomiting. He noted that "It comforts and strengthens the head, stomach, reins [ureters] and womb, expels wind and breaks the stone." Carolus Linnaeus, the 18th-century Swedish botanist, used the plant to treat headaches and hangovers.

Like its close relative Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Wild Thyme is strongly antiseptic and anti-fungal. It may be taken as an infusion or syrup to treat flu and colds, sore throats, coughs, whooping cough, chest infections, and bronchitis.

Wild thyme has decongestant properties and helps clear a stuffy nose, sinusitis, ear congestion, and related complaints. It has been used to expel threadworms and roundworms in children, and is used to settle gas and colic. Wild thyme's antispasmodic action makes it useful in relieving period pain.

Externally, it may be applied to treat mastitis (inflammation of the breast), and an infusion may be used as a wash to help heal wounds and ulcers. Wild Thyme is also used in Herbal baths and pillows.

CAUTION:  For worms in children, use only under professional supervision.

Variable, prostrate perennial with slender, creeping stems and tiny, ovate to oblong, hairy leaves. Clusters of pink to purple flowers appear in summer. Height: 1/2-3 in. (1-7 cm.), Spread: 3 ft. (1m).

PARTS USED:  Whole plant, leaves, oil.

CONSTITUENTS:  Wild Thyme contains volatile oil (with thymol, carvacrol, and linalool), flavonoids, caffeic acid, tannins, and resin. The volatile oil's properties are similar to, but less potent than, those of Thyme oil (from Thymus vulgaris).

PROPERTIES:  An aromatic, sedative herb that is diuretic and expectorant, reduces spasms, and improves digestion. It is strongly antiseptic and promotes healing.

CULINARY:  Leaves may be used as for T. vulgaris in cooking.

MEDICINAL:  Internally for bronchitis, excess mucus, whooping cough, laryngitis, flatulent indigestion, painful menstruation, colic, and hangovers. Reputedly effective in treating alcoholism.

CAUTION:  Not given to pregnant women. Externally for minor injuries, mastitis, rheumatism, sciatica, and mouth, gum and throat infections. Combined with Prunus serotina and Marrubium vulgare for whooping cough; and with astringent herbs, such as Rubus idaeus and Commiphora myrrha for throat infections.

Source of serpolet oil, which has similar effects to thyme oil from T. vulgaris for stress-related conditions, but may cause allergic reactions.

Strong lavender scent. Creeper forming dense, furry mats; lavender-purple flowers.

Thymus vulgaris

(Common Thyme, Garden Thyme)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is related to Mother of thyme, also known as Wild Thyme (T. serpyllum), which is native to Southern Europe. Now cultivated world-wide, it is grown from seed or by root division in spring. It prefers light, chalky soils. The aerial parts are harvested in mid-to-late summer.

There are many Thymus species, each with a different volatile oil content. Wild thyme is often used in the same way as thyme.

The antiseptic and tonic properties of thyme make it a useful tonic for the immune system in chronic, especially fungal infections, as well as an effective remedy for chest infections, such as bronchitis, whooping cough, and pleurisy. The pleasant-tasting infusion can be taken for minor throat and chest infections, and the fresh leaves may be chewed to relieve sore throats.

Thyme is prescribed with other herbs for asthma, especially in children. Its invigorating qualities balance the sedative effect of many herbs used for asthma. The herb is also helpful in hay fever.

Thyme is often used to treat worms in children.

External uses:  Applied to the skin, Thyme relieves bites and stings, and helps sciatica and rheumatic aches and pains. It helps ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, and other fungal infections, as well as scabies and lice. The infusion may be added to bath-water as a stimulant.

Variable shrub with gray-green leaves, and white to pale purple in summer.

HEIGHT: 12-18 in. (30-45 cm.),  SPREAD: 24 in. (60 cm.).

PARTS USED:  Whole plant, leaves, flowering tops, oil.

CONSTITUENTS:  Tannins, bitters, volatile oil with variable content (thymol, methylchavicol, cineole, borneol), terpenes, flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin) and saponoids.

KEY ACTIONS:  Antiseptic, tonic, relieves muscle spasms, expectorant, expels worms.

PROPAGATION:  By seed in spring (species only), by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by division in spring or late summer, or by layering older plants by mounding.

CULTIVATION:  Well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun. Thymes dislike winter wet and benefit from a layer of gravel to protect the foliage from contact with wet soil. Established plants may be pruned quite hard in early spring, or lightly after flowering; remove dead flower heads to encourage bushiness. Remove green shoots of variegated cultivars to maintain variegation.

COMPANION PLANTING:  T. vulgaris is used in companion planting to control flea beetles, cabbage white butterflies, and other cabbage pests.

HARVEST:  Whole plants and flowering tops are collected in summer, as flowering begins, and distilled for oil, or dried for elixirs, liquid extracts (T. vulgaris), and infusions. Sprigs are picked during the growing season and used fresh, or dried for infusions.

PROPERTIES:  An aromatic, thyme-scented, warming, astringent herb that is expectorant, improves digestion, relaxes spasms, and controls coughing. It is strongly antiseptic and anti-fungal.

AROMATIC:  Dried leaves are added to potpourris and moth-repellent sachets.

ECONOMIC:  Thymol is an important ingredient of toothpastes, mouthwashes, and topical anti-rheumatic preparations.

CULINARY:  Thyme is an essential ingredient of "Bouquet garni" and many classic French dishes. It is also used to flavor soups, marinades (especially for olives), stuffings, casseroles, and baked or sautéed vegetables (especially mushrooms and zucchini); it retains its flavor well in slowly cooked dishes.

MEDICINAL:  Internally for dry coughs, whooping cough, bronchitis, excess bronchial mucus, asthma, laryngitis, indigestion, gastritis, and diarrhea and enuresis in children. Not given to pregnant women.

Externally for tonsillitis, gum disease, rheumatism, arthritis, and fungal infections. Combined with Lobelia inflata and Ephedra species for asthma; and with Marrubium vulgare, Prunus serotina, and Drimia maritima for whooping cough. Oil is used in aromatherapy for aches and pains, exhaustion, depression, upper respiratory tract infections, and skin and scalp complaints.

CAUTIONS:  Not given to pregnant women. Oil may cause irritation to skin and mucous membranes, and allergic reactions.

RESEARCH:

Thyme volatile oil strongly antiseptic - the constituent thymol, in particular, is a most effective anti-fungal. The oil is also expectorant, and it expels worms.

Thymol, methylchavicol, and the flavonoids relieve muscle spasms.

Research in the 1990s in Scotland suggests that Thyme and its volatile oil have a markedly tonic effect, supporting the body's normal function and countering the effects of aging.

KEY PREPARATIONS & THEIR USES:

CAUTIONS:  Do not take the Essential oil internally. Do not use the essential oil externally during pregnancy.

Infusion: For colds, take 50 ml 3 times daily.

Essential oil:  For scabies, dilute well and dab on the affected part.

Syrup:  Is a traditional cough remedy. Take 20 ml 3 times a day.

Tincture:  For vaginal thrush, apply 40 drops, 2-3 times daily.

For back pain, make an infusion using 25g of herb to 750 ml of water and strain into a bath. Soak for 20 minutes.

For minor bites, stings & swellings, apply freshly squeezed juice from the leaves.

For colds & flu, make an infusion using 1/2 tsp. of each of Thyme and Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) with 1 cup of water and drink 3-4 cups a day. NOTE: This remedy is very effective if thick green mucus and nasal congestion occur.

For flu with muscle aches & pains, make an infusion using 5 g each of Thyme, Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), and Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) with 750 ml of water. Brew for 10 minutes and drink up to 5 cups a day.

For allergic rhinitis with mucus, take 1 tsp. of equal parts of each tincture of Thyme, Echinacea, Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis), and Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) 3 times daily with warm water.

NOTE:  Use this remedy especially for thick yellow/green mucus and sinus congestion.

For dry coughs in the throat & chest, make an infusion using equal parts of Thyme, Balm of Gilead (Populus x candicans), and Licorice powder (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Take 1/2 cup 6 times a day, or mix equal parts of each tincture and take 1 tsp. up to 5 times a day with water. Reduce the dosage as the cough eases. CAUTION: Do not take licorice if pregnant.

For chesty coughs & bronchitis, mix 5 drops each of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and Thyme Essential oils with 2 tsp. of Olive or Sunflower oil. Massage over the chest and back, up to twice a day. Alternatively, burn 5-10 drops of one of the oils in a burner for 30 minutes. CAUTION:  Do not apply Thyme oil during pregnancy.

For earache due to chronic congestion, mix equal parts of each  tincture of Thyme, Echinacea, Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis), and Elderflower (Sambucus nigra), and take 1 tsp. 3 times a day with water.

For fungal skin infections, mix 5 drops of Thyme essential oil with 1 tsp. of Calendula ointment (from Calendula officinalis). Apply 1-2 times a day.

For maintaining vitality, make a standard infusion. Take 2-3 cups a day.

For mild asthma, wheezing & shortness of breath, make an infusion using 15g of Thyme and 15g of Nettle (Urtica dioica) to 750 ml of water and drink throughout the day.

For tired & aching muscles, make an infusion with 25g of thyme to 750 ml water. Brew for 10 minutes. Strain into a bathtub; soak for 20 minutes.

VARIANTS:

T.v. "English Thyme"

(German or Winter Thyme)

Most popular variety. Broad, dark green leaves. Robust growth habit.

T.v. "French Thyme"

(Summer Thyme)

Narrow leaves, distinctly grayer and sweeter than English thyme. Preferred by the French. Needs some winter protection.

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