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Information about the herb Thyme
Thymus vulgaris, also known as Garden Thyme is part of the Labiatae plant family.
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General Information
There are many varieties of Thyme (Thymus spp.) including:
- Caraway Thyme
- Garden Thyme
- Lemon Thyme
- Orange Thyme
- Silver Thyme
- Wild Thyme
However, here we are only dealing with Garden Thyme:
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
Plant Family: Labiatae
Common Names: Garden Thyme, Common Thyme, Tomillo
Origin: Native to Southern Europe, but widely cultivated as a garden herb
History: There are different versions of where the name Thyme comes from. Some say it is derived from a Greek word, meaning 'to fumigate'. Others derive the name from the Greek word 'thumus' signifying 'courage'.
In ancient Greece the fine flavor of the honey at Mount Hymettus near Athens was said to be due to the Thyme that grew there. Pliny tells us that 'when burnt it puts to flight all venomous creatures'.
The ancient Romans used it to give an aromatic flavor to:
- cheese
- liqueurs
Thyme was commonly cultivated in England before middle of the 1500's.
Tradition:
- An old tradition says Thyme was one of the herbs that formed the fragrant bed of the Virgin Mary
- In some areas it was a custom for girls to wear a sprig of Thyme when looking for a sweetheart
- In the Middle Ages, ladies sewed sprigs of Thyme into Knight's uniforms when going to war to keep them brave and strong
- Thyme in a sleeping pillow was thought to repel nightmares
- Thyme is sometimes associated with death, especially in Wales, where it is planted on graves
- Thyme was burnt to purge and fumigate magical rooms and spaces
- Thyme was burnt to bring good health
Contains:
Oil of Thyme, which has two commercial varieties:
- the 'red' (crude distillate) *
- the 'white' or 'colorless' (red oil redistilled)
*The 'red' oil is sometimes called Oil of Origanum, however, true Oil of Origanum is extracted from Wild Marjoram and other species of Origanum.
It contains 20-25% phenols:
- Thymol
- Carvacrol
- Cymene
- Pinene
- Methone
as well as
- bitters
- flavonoids
- saponins
- tannins
Medicinal Parts Used: Whole Herb
Thyme is used for:
Blood Conditions
- anemia
- purifies blood
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- insomnia
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- all stomach discomfort
- colic
- diarrhea
- flatulence
- intestinal disturbances
- intestinal irritation
- stomach cramps
Genitourinary Conditions
- gout
- urinary tract infections (combined with Agrimony, Golden Rod and Hawthorn)
- uterine disorders
Inflammatory Conditions
- catarrh
Respiratory System
- asthma
- bronchial ailments
- colds
- eliminates excessive mucous discharge
- loosens tight phlegm
- eases a dry, barking cough
- promotes perspiration at the start of a cold
- shortness of breath
- strengthens the lungs
- whooping cough
As a gargle or mouthwash for:
- mouth and gum infections
- sore throat
Other
- fevers
- hardness of the spleen
Externally Thyme Ointment/Oil/Tincture is used for:
- easing rheumatic pain (bath) 2 drops Thyme Oil, with 3 drops Eucalyptus Oil, 2 drops Clary Sage Oil
- hot swellings
- sciatica
- warts
Other Uses:
- Bees love Thyme so it is helpful planted near beehives.
- In companion gardening Thyme belongs with Lavender
- Neutralize unpleasant odors by placing 3 drops Thyme Oil on a radiator or room burner
Action:
- Anti-bacterial [an agent for destroying bacteria]
- Antiseptic [an agent for destroying or inhibiting pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- Antispasmodic [an agent that relieves or checks spasms or cramps]
- Carminative [an agent for expelling gas from the intestines]
- Cordial [invigorating, stimulating medicine, food or drink]
- Expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- Tonic [an agent that strengthens or invigorates organs or the entire organism]
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Thyme without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
- None indicated
Global Herbal Supplies has Thyme available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
