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Thyme: The Ultimate Guide





Thyme

Thyme has a long history of medicinal, culinary, and spiritual uses.  The ancient Egyptians used it in embalming the dead, and the ancient Greeks and Romans used it before going into battle.  It was supposedly used to line the manger of the infant Jesus, and is still a symbol of innocence.  In the Middle Ages it was used to combat the Plague, and it is now a staple of French, Greek, Creole and Cajun cuisines.  Read on to find out everything you ever wanted to know about this lowly but beneficial and widely celebrated plant!



The name Thymus comes from the Greek and may mean "courage", which would be in keeping with its use by soldiers there before going into battle.  But it may derive from the verb meaning "to fumigate", as thyme was often burned in homes to rid houses of stinging insects.  However, it is likely that the courage meaning was the preferred one as there are many instances where thyme denotes courage throughout history.

Embroidered Thyme
Not only did Greek soldiers bathe in water infused with thyme before going off to war, but Roman soldiers did the same thing.  The Romans believed it gave them vigor and courage for the battle ahead.  Years later, during the Middle Ages, or the Age of Chivalry, ladies embroidered thyme motifs on the scarves of their knights to inspire courage before jousting tournaments.  Thyme is also believed to be one of the herbs that Joseph picked to line the Manger with for Jesus' birth.  It was used as a symbol of courage and endurance for Christ's reign.

Thyme Among Gravestones
Thyme has long been associated with death.  The ancient Egyptians used thyme oil in the mummification process and it is still an ingredient in embalming fluid.  It was once planted on graves in Wales and sprigs of thyme were once carried at the funerals of members of the British secret benevolent society known as the Oddfellows.  It was thought to ease one's passage into the afterlife, and the souls of the dead were thought to rest among its flowers. The faint smell of thyme has even been detected at the sight of several supposedly "haunted" places.

Can You Smell the Thyme?
One of the more interesting legends about thyme is that its tiny branches were a home to fairies and gardeners used to set aside a patch for them.  This was expected to bring fairies and good luck to the home, or enable the gardener to see them.

Thyme Fairy Garden



Thyme is a member of the mint family (Labiatae).  It is native to the western Mediterranean region and southern Italy.  It was introduced in many other places and is now widely cultivated, especially in Hungary and Germany.  It was carried to the New World by the first European settlers and now grows wild in a few areas of North America.  One such place is in an area of the Catskill Mountains of New York where it was supposedly introduced in the fleece of sheep imported from Greece.  Another naturalized area is in western Massachusetts.  Mostly it is found in the wild in dry, rocky, well-drained soils.

Large Thyme Bush
Thyme is a small aromatic perennial evergreen shrub with thin, many branched stems that become woody after the second growing season.  Upright versions of thyme attain a height of about one foot, while the creeping varieties don't usually get over 3 or 4 inches tall. These creeping types are an excellent ground cover, and will fill in the cracks between flagstones of a patio or path.  An old Herbal claims, "the more it is trodden upon, the faster it grows."  At any rate, it makes a lovely outdoor carpet that smells heavenly!

Creeping Thyme:  "The more it is trodden upon . . ."
Thyme stems are thin, square, gnarled, and greenish brown.  Snipping them off encourages branching and bushiness of the plant.  Thyme leaves are oval, pointed, stalkless or nearly stalkless and covered in fine hairs.  They grow opposite one another and are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch long with edges that are slightly rolled under.  The leaves are a gray-green in color and somewhat paler on their undersides.

Thyme Leaf Close Up
Flowers of thyme are quite small and very numerous. They are tubular and under 1/4 inch long.  They appear in small terminal clusters in spring through mid-summer.  They are pale lilac to pink in color.  Sometimes the flowers are so pale in color that they appear to be white.  The tiny flowers are extremely fragrant and are a favorite of bees.  In fact, thyme honey is quite a delicacy in some regions.  Each flower bears tiny, brown, shiny seeds that are spherical in shape.

Thyme Flowers Close Up



Growing thyme is fairly simple.  To start it from seed, use a "cluster" sowing method.  Place about 20 seeds in a 4 inch clay pot filled with a mixture of sand, peat moss, loam, and perlite, topped with a covering of fine sand.  Mist the plants daily until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about a week.  After germination, water at the base of the plants when the soil is dry to the touch.  Watering at the base makes sure no water gets on the leaves, which can slow or stop essential oil production.  About two weeks after germination, you can feed the new plants with fish emulsion or skim milk, and then move them to a sheltered, sunny outdoor spot when they are 3 or 4 inches tall.  A week later, they can be moved out to their permanent homes in either larger pots or in the garden.
Thyme Sprouts




Thyme can also be propagated by division, cuttings, or layering.  For a complete description of layering, click HERE.  Division is simply uprooting the plant, being careful not to harm the roots.  The original plant is then separated into two or three sections (divided), and then the new pieces are transplanted into their new locations.  They should continue to grow and behave much in the same way the parent plant did, since they are actual portions of that original plant.  The plants should be divided in the spring for best results.

One of My Thymes--The center section of this one died and I clipped it back.  The smaller bright green stems in the center is all new growth since mid-September.  The plant is an excellent candidate for dividing in the spring.
Propagation from cuttings is my favorite method for obtaining new plants.  I prefer to start them in a small vase of water, with no soil at all, but you may use soil if you prefer.  To do this, take 3-inch pieces from established plants.  You should only use the new green growth, not woody older growth.  Place the cuttings in wet sand and keep it moist for two weeks until new roots appear.  You will know they have rooted because they will resist a gentle tug and should show new top growth, too.  Don't go tugging on them for at least two weeks, though, so as not to disturb them and so you don't break any of the tiny nodules where the new roots will form.  Once the roots have grown, they can be transplanted to new pots or into the garden.
Thyme Seedlings
Basically, thyme grows best in hardiness zones 5 - 9.  It can, however, be grown as an annual in areas with colder winters.  Thyme prefers a soil pH of around 6.3, but will do its best in relatively poor soil that contains few nutrients.  As long as the soil is light, dry and well-drained, thyme requires very little care and maintenance.  Just avoid wetting the leaves when you water it, as mentioned above.  By reducing essential oil production, wetting the leaves significantly reduces the fragrance of the plant.

Frost Damaged Thyme
Thyme prefers full sun, but will tolerate a little shade.  I live in the desert region of west Texas, where I grow both upright and creeping thyme varieties.  Both types grow in full blazing sun where ground surface temperatures can reach well over 120 searing degrees on a daily basis for about three months each year.  They don't get a lot of water, but seem to be absolutely blissful in my little herb garden!
One of My Thymes
Just make sure you don't overwater thyme and that the soil it grows in is well-drained. Thyme is susceptible to root rot if left standing in water.  The leaves of the plants especially can be damaged by winter wetness, and will benefit from a layer of gravel and mulch to protect the foliage from contact with wet soil.  They can also become infested with spider mites, so keep a look-out for indications of this pest.  Aside from these two issues, thyme is essentially maintenance free and pretty much takes care of itself.  This makes it one of the easiest herbs to grow.

Spider Mite Damage to a Holly Bush
Once your thyme is growing, what do you do with it? Harvesting it would be the next step. To do this, you simply snip off the tips as needed.  You can harvest the entire plant in the spring by cutting it back to about 2 inches above the ground.  The plant will grow back by the end of the growing season, but it will be less hardy over the winter because it is now a weaker plant.  You can harvest thyme year-round, as it is an evergreen herb.  Even if you grow it outside in your garden, thyme can be harvested from under the snow.  It continues to produce oil and maintains its flavor, even in the middle of winter.

Thyme Sprigs
Once you have harvested the sprigs you need, use them fresh, or hang them up to dry.  You can also strip the fresh leaves off the stems and dry them on thin screens or freeze the fresh sprigs to use later.



I'm sure you are aware of the use of thyme in cooking, but did you know that it also has a bunch of medicinal and magical uses, as well?  In magic, thyme is said to hold several magical powers.  Its powers arise from traditional medicinal and folkloric uses through history.  These include health, healing, sleep, psychic powers, love, purification, and courage.  Thyme is burned to attract good health and can also be worn for this same purpose.  It is used in healing spells. 


Thyme Smudge Stick
The Greeks burned thyme in their temples to purify them, so it is often burned prior to magical rituals to purify the area.  In the spring, a person can take a magical cleansing bath composed of marjoram and thyme to ensure that all the sorrows and ills of the past are removed from the person.  If thyme is carried, it can be smelled to give courage and energy. Placed beneath a pillow, it ensures restful sleep and banishes nightmares.
Dried Thyme
Thyme can be worn, too.  In doing so, it will aid in the development of psychic powers.  It will also allow you to see fairies.  Women who wear a sprig of thyme in their hair are said to make themselves irresistible to men.  This stems from the ancient use of thyme to symbolize innocence, when maidens wore it in their hair to indicate that they were available to marry.



Did you know that flowers and plants have meanings all their own and that you can send messages with them?  In Victorian times, this was a common practice.  In this "language of flowers", thyme means thriftiness, happiness, and courage.  It can also mean activity. Thyme is said to stimulate the brain and is understood to be very wholesome to elderly people whose energy it seems to restore. 

Silver-Leaf Thyme
Other varieties, besides common thyme, have different meanings. Lemon thyme means enjoyable activity, or "My time with you is a pleasure."  Nutmeg thyme indicates sincere devotion, while silver-leaf thyme says to its receiver:  "Remember our happiness."  



Some of the aromatic uses for thyme include its use in potpourri and sachets.  The leaves and flowering tops are used in sachets, while all parts of the plant can be used in potpourri. Dried flowers can be used to preserve linen from insects and moths.  Thymol, the primary active essential oil produced by thyme, is used in colognes, aftershave lotions, soaps, and detergents.  Thyme has antiseptic and stimulating properties that make it useful in herbal lotions and baths.   It is also added to disinfectants, toothpastes, perfumes, toiletries, and liqueurs.

Thyme Essential Oil
In museum sciences, thyme is used as a natural preservative.  Its antibacterial and antifungal properties are very useful for this purpose.  It is used to preserve anatomical and herbarium specimens.  It also is used in document conservation as it will protect paper from mold and mildew by killing the organisms that cause it.

Golden Lemon Thyme
The dried leaves of lemon thyme are more often used in potpourris and herb pillows than those of common or creeping thyme.  This is because lemon thyme has a bit different kind of essential oil that is less irritating than other thymes.  Lemon thyme is often used in aromatherapy, too, as the thymol in common thyme can be very irritating to mucus membranes and nasal passages.



Along with all its household uses, thyme has been utilized for medicinal purposes since ancient times.  Thyme pillows were thought to relieve both epilepsy and melancholia.  In the Middle Ages, it was used to combat the Plague, and as recently as World War I, the essential oil of thyme was used as an antiseptic on the battlefield.  Thyme was even thought to have a psychological effect on people.  It was used to treat nervous disorders, including nightmares.  People who were very shy were often given a soup of beer and thyme to rid them of their shyness.  One has to wonder, though, if it was the thyme that dispelled the shyness, or if it was the beer that lowered the person's inhibitions!

Beer for Beer and Thyme Soup
The Greeks used thyme as a treatment for nervous conditions, an antiseptic and a fumigator.  It has been used in cough medicines, as a carminative (relief of flatulence), a vermifuge (eliminator of parasites), a rubefacient (causing redness to the skin), to quiet gastrointestinal complaints, to cure shortness of breath, and to clear congested lungs. Thyme has antispasmodic qualities that make it effective in treating asthma, whooping cough and stomach cramps.



Just be certain that you consult a doctor or your healthcare practitioner before taking any kind of herbal supplement.  The information provided in this blog is only meant to be a source of information and inspiration--not a substitute for licensed, individualized medical care provided by a physician.

Thyme Infusion
A cold infusion of the entire plant was used for dyspepsia (upset stomach), while a warm infusion could be used to treat hysteria, flatulence, colic, headache and dysmenorrhea (painful periods or menstrual cramps).  Inflammation and sores were treated by a poultice of a paste made from the mashed leaves.

Paste of Thyme for Poultice
Creeping thyme and common thyme each have specific uses, due to their respective concentrations of thymol (the active ingredient in thyme essential oil).  Creeping thyme actually contains serpolet oil, which has similar effects as thymol, but can cause allergic reactions.  Common thyme contains thymol, which is more effective than serpolet oil, but can also cause some allergic reactions, as well as skin irritation and irritation of the mucous membranes.



There are a few other toxicity issues to be aware of if using thyme oil.  If taken in its pure form, thymol can cause such adverse symptoms as diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, headache, vomiting and muscular weakness.  It may have a depressing effect on the respiratory system and on the heart.  It can effect body temperature and can overstimulate the thyroid gland.  It was once used to rid the body of parasites, especially hookworms, however, the strong dose needed to expel the worms was often fatal.

Hookworm--Nasty Little Critter!
Both creeping thyme and common thyme have some similar uses and properties, but they have some distinct differences as well.  Both can be used as and expectorant to expel excess mucus from the body and lungs.  They each improve digestion and reduce muscle spasms.  Each one is strongly antiseptic.  Internally, both can be taken for whooping cough, bronchitis, laryngitis, and flatulent indigestion.  Externally, each one is regarded as a treatment for rheumatism.

Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme is thought of as a sedative herb that is diuretic (eliminates excess water from the body), and promotes healing.  In contrast to common thyme, it can be taken internally for painful menstruation, colic and hangovers.  It has even been touted as a treatment for alcoholism.  It should not be taken by pregnant women.  Applied externally, creeping thyme is used to treat minor injuries, mastitis (inflammation of the breast), sciatica, and mouth, gum and throat infections.

Common Thyme
Common thyme is more of a warming herb than creeping thyme.  It is strongly antiseptic, as well as being an effective antifungal.  Dried leaves of common thyme are used in moth-repellent sachets.  It can be used internally for dry coughs, asthma, gastritis, diarrhea and enuresis (bedwetting) in children.  Common thyme should also not be given to pregnant women.  It can be applied externally for tonsillitis, gum disease, arthritis, and fungal infections.  The oil of common thyme is used in aromatherapy to treat aches and pains, exhaustion, depression, upper respiratory tract infections, and skin and scalp complaints, although, as mentioned earlier, lemon thyme may be better suited for this purpose.



Unlike many herbs, many of the claims made about thyme over the years have actually been proven to be true and effective over the years by the scientific and medical communities.  Much of that has to do with research into the efficacy of thymol.  Thymol belongs to a naturally-occurring class of compounds known as "biocides" (substances that destroy harmful organisms).  It has strong antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, and antimicrobial attributes.

Thymol
Thymol has been shown effective in killing the Tiger Mosquito.  The Tiger Mosquito is the principal carrier of many of our most deadly and vicious diseases of the last 30 years.  It is a carrier of West Nile Virus, Yellow Fever Virus, St. Louis Encephalitis, Dengue Fever, and Chikungunya Fever.  Thymol kills the mosquito and it may be effective in killing the viruses and bacteria that cause the illnesses, too.

Tiger Mosquito
Studies have shown that thyme preparations may be more effective against acne than prescription creams designed to eliminate this skin disorder.  Thymol actually has a greater antibacterial effect than the standard concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, which is the active ingredient found in the majority of creams and washes aimed at people suffering from acne. This has been proven in the lab, but it has yet to be tested on human skin.  There is a potential for thymol to be irritating to the skin, so further testing is necessary to ensure its safety.

Acne
Thymol has been shown to reduce blood pressure in laboratory rats.  Rats have similar responses to humans in hypertensive situations, so the testing team is hopeful that human trials will confirm their findings.  Thyme oil has showed potential as a natural food preservative against several common foodborne bacteria that cause human illness. It has also been proven effective against candida albicans, a common cause of mouth and vaginal yeast infections.  Laboratory test showed significantly enhanced intracellular killing of this fungus.

Mastic Thyme
A separate species of thyme, called Mastic Thyme, may be effective in protecting against colon cancer, whereas another species, known simply as Wild Thyme, may be effective against breast cancer.  Wild Thyme Oil induced widespread cell death of breast cancer cells in the lab.  Other species of thyme may also be effective against other forms of cancer.

Wild Thyme
Wild thyme generally has a higher concentration of volatile oil than cultivated thyme, which makes it more effective at virtually everything than common thyme.  Unfortunately, there is a distinct danger of wild thyme being wiped out completely to extinction, due to over-harvesting in some areas of Europe.  Efforts are being made by farmers and seed collectors to preserve the heritage of wild thyme and to conserve it through careful cultivation.
Mortar and Pestle and Thyme
There are several other health benefits of thyme.  Most of these have been proven to be effective.  Thyme is a powerful detoxifying agent which can cleanse your entire system.  It is also a great immune system booster that encourages white blood cell formation, while increasing resistance to foreign organisms.  It can be taken for infections of the vagina, including thrush, and for infections of the fallopian tubes.  Thyme enhances the appetite, while stimulating and detoxifying the liver.
Ready to Make Thyme Oil
Thyme can be used to combat tooth decay, and it has antifungal properties that treat athlete's foot.  Its antiparasitic properties are useful against lice, scabies, and crabs.  You can use a dilution of thyme oil externally as a deodorant, or as an antiseptic that will prevent mildew.  Warts can be treated with an ointment made from thyme.  And it may be helpful in expelling the afterbirth for new mothers.
Thyme Oil on Towel
A government commission in Germany has approved both common and wild thyme for some medicinal uses.  For external use, both have been approved as a bath additive as a supporting cure of diseases of the upper respiratory tract.  Both have been approved for internal use to combat catarrhal infections of the upper respiratory tract, as well.  In addition, common thyme is also approved in Germany for external use against the itching associated with various skin disorders and for internal use against symptoms of bronchitis and whooping cough.



Of course, aside from all its potential medicinal uses, thyme is best known for its culinary uses.  Thyme has a leafy-green flavor, with a slight clove aftertaste.  It is one of the commonly known "fines herbes" of French cuisine.  This is a combination of finely chopped herbs that may include thyme, parsley, chervil, chives and other herbs that are used for flavoring soups, sauces, and other foods.  Fines herbes can also be used as a garnish. 


Fines Herbes
Thyme is often found in "bouquets garnis", which is another herbal flavoring device utilized in French cuisine.  In a bouquet garni, a small bundle of herbs that may include thyme, parsley, bay leaf, and other herbs are tied together in a cheesecloth bag and suspended in various dishes during the cooking process to flavor them.  This bag is removed prior to serving the dish.
Bouquet Garni

Leaves and sprigs of thyme can be used in salads and garnishes and is a staple ingredient of many clam chowder recipes.  Thyme works well with many foods, including meats such as veal, lamb, poultry, fish, poultry stuffing, pates, and sausages.  It combines well with other flavors, too, and is great in stews, soups, stocks, breads, herbed butters, herbal mayonnaise, flavored vinegars, mustards, and bean and lentil casseroles.
Dried and Fresh Thyme
The flavor of thyme blends well with lemon, garlic, and basil.  It works great with many vegetables and cheese, too, including tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, carrots, eggplant, parsnips, leeks, mushrooms, asparagus, green beans, broccoli, sweet peppers, potatoes, spinach, corn, peas, and rice.  It is a chief flavoring in many French omelets and pairs well with eggs in other dishes, too.  Thyme is also one of the flavorings of Benedictine liqueur.
Benedictine Liqueur
Culinary thyme is generally the upright varieties, including common thyme and lemon thyme.  All thymes are edible, though, so any can be used in cooking.  Some thyme varieties that you may wish to experiment with to see if they impart unique flavorings to your dishes include nutmeg thyme, caraway thyme, and silver-lemon thyme.  
Celery and Thyme Soup
Throughout history, thyme is an herb that has played a significant role.  It represented style and elegance to the early Greeks, chivalry in the Middle Ages, and the Republican spirit during the French Revolution.  For us today, it is a wonderful flavoring agent with an interesting past.  No matter how you choose to use thyme in your home, this simple herb packs a bunch of punch.

Be sure to let me know how you use thyme in your home and feel free to share any recipes that call for thyme!

Peace and Love Always,









Butterfly on Thyme

Sources:
Bremness, Leslie. RD Home Handbook: Herbs. Pleasantville: Reader's Digest Association, 1990. Print.

Brown, Deni. The Herb Society of America Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1995. Print.

Clevely, Andi, and Katherine Richmond. The Complete Book of Herbs. New York: Smithmark, 1994. Print.

Cunnningham, Scott. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 1992. Print.

Gips, Kathleen. Flora's Dictionary: The Victorian Language of Herbs and Flowers . Chagrin Falls: TM Publications, 1995. Print.

"Health Benefits Of Thyme: Medicinal Uses Of A Favorite Herb". Natural Society. N. p., 2012. Web. 20 Nov. 2016.

Kowalchik, Claire, and William H. Hylton, eds. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs . Emmaus: Rodale, 1987. Print.

Kruger, Anna. An Illustrated Guide to Herbs. Stamford: Longmeadow, 1993. Print.

"Medicinal Thyme - History And Modern Uses". NaturalNews Blogs. N. p., 2016. Web. 20 Nov. 2016.

"Medicinal Uses Of Thyme | Off The Grid News". Offthegridnews.com. N. p., 2016. Web. 20 Nov. 2016.

Shaudys, Phyllis. The Pleasure of Herbs. Pownal: Storey Communications, 1986. Print.

Shaudys, Phyllis V. Herbal Treasures. Pownal: Storey Communications, 1990. Print.

"Thyme Leaf Benefits ". Anniesremedy.com. N. p., 2016. Web. 20 Nov. 2016.

"THYME: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions And Warnings - Webmd". Webmd.com. N. p., 2016. Web. 20 Nov. 2016.

"What Are The Health Benefits Of Thyme?". Medical News Today. N. p., 2016. Web. 20 Nov. 2016



Photo Credits:

Variegated Thyme for Graphics:   Photo credit: ms.lume via Visual hunt / CC BY

Thyme:   Photo credit: poppet with a camera via Visual hunt / CC BY

Embroidered Thyme 2:  Photo Credit:  Thyme Embroidered Brooch by Sidereal on Etsy


Can You Smell the Thyme?  Photo Credit:  http://www.all-nationz.com/archives/1027353386.html

Thyme Fairy Garden:  Photo Credit:  http://herbgatherings.com/fairygardens.html

Thyme in Flower:  Photo Credit:  Thyme by Barry Cornelius via Attribution Engine. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA.


The more it is trodden upon . . .:  Photo Credit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/125950601/creeping-thyme-ground-cover-1000-seeds

Thyme Leaf Close Up:   Photo credit: ZenKitty /Babushka via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC

Thyme Flowers Close Up:  Photo Credit:  http://flowers.pearljewelryusa.com/flower-thyme-florist/

Thyme with no Flowers in a Pot:   Pardon Me, Do You Have The Thyme? by Michael_lehet via Attribution Engine. Licensed under CC BY-ND.


One of My Thymes:  Photo Credit:  Angela Fox-Thompson

Thyme Seedlings:  Photo Credit:  http://www.flickriver.com/photos/megz/tags/growroom/


One of My Thymes:  Photo Credit:  Angela Fox-Thompson

Spider Mite Damage to Holly Bush:  Photo Credit:  http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20150618/NEWS/150616235


Thyme Smudge Stick:  Photo Credit:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/449227606/thyme-smudge-stick


Silver-Leaf Thyme:  Photo Credit:  http://adopt-a-plant.com/wordpress/2015-plants/herbs


Golden Lemon Thyme:  Photo Credit:  http://www.keyword-suggestions.com/bGVtb24gdGh5bWU/






Common Thyme:  Photo Credit:  http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/432/


Mastic Thyme 2:  Photo Credit:  "Thymus mastichina"  by Manuel M. Ramos on Flickr   (used this one)

Wild Thyme:  Photo Credit:  http://www.hotel-r.net/nz/wild-thyme

Mortar and Pestle and Thyme:  Photo Credit:  https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/thyme.html

Ready to Make Thyme Oil:  Photo Credit:  https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-make-thyme-oil/

Thyme Oil on Towel:  Photo Credit:  https://draxe.com/thyme-oil/





Butterfly on Thyme:  Photo Credit:  http://susherbsbg.eu/en/medicinalplants/

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