Red Hawk Ridge

Thyme, Thymus vulgaris, is an easy-to-grow herb that thrives in both containers and the ground. It pairs well with Rosemary and has many of the same cleansing properties as well. She has long been used medicinally and belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is a relative of Origanum, or the Oregano genus.

In the time of Rome, Thyme was consumed to prevent and treat poisoning.

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Back before modern refrigeration, Thyme was used to protect against food-borne illness from spoiled meat and is a potent antibiotic used for treating bandages to prevent infection.

…a notable strengthener 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].

Nicholas Culpeper (1616-1654)

Thymol, the most active ingredient in Thyme, can be found in Listerine and Vicks Vaporub!

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T. vulgaris is a cultivated version of T. serpyllum, or wild thyme, from southern Europe. It can now be found worldwide, grown from seed or propagated from root division in the spring. This lady likes light, chalky soil. Being a native of the Mediterranean, she grows well alongside Rosemary, Sage, and Lavender.

Thyme’s pink flowers attract bees in profusion and give a distinctive flavor to the honey.

-Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, pg. 143

Thyme Contains:

• Volatile oil (thymol and carvacrol)
• Flavonoids
• Phenolic acids

Key Actions Include:

• Antiseptic
• Tonic
• Relieve muscle spasms
• Expectorant
• Expel worms
• Antioxidant

The tonic effect of Thyme’s volatile oils supports normal body functions and can even counter the effects of aging. Antioxidants can help maintain essential fatty acids in the brain, which may prevent cognitive diseases later in life.

Because of its antiseptic qualities, Thyme can be used to treat both fungal and bacterial infections. As mentioned earlier by Culpeper, it is fantastic at treating whooping cough and other respiratory problems like bronchitis and pleurisy. But that’s not all!

Thyme can be applied externally to relieve both bites and stings AND relieve sciatica and rheumatic pain. Ringworms, athlete’s foot, thrush, scabies, and lice can all be treated with Thyme! This lady is amazing.

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Although not usually found in mainstream recipes for Thieves Blends, Thyme is a great addition to Thieves Oil and Vinegar to supply an extra punch. For my personal recipe and more information on Thieves, check out the Premium Content in this post.

Thyme is a culinary herb, and in the kitchen is where she is most widely known these days! She goes great with meat and potatoes, again, a lot like Rosemary. As a strong herb, it doesn’t take much to flavor a dish.

Thyme is a good source of vitamins A and C and minerals such as potassium and manganese.

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Many blessings,
Emma Lee Joy