Thyme
Appearance and Location
Thyme, also known as “common thyme” or “garden thyme“, is a flowering, dwarf shrub with over 350 species in the Thymus genus. This small, grey or green-leaved plant is considered a perennial, producing white, pink, and even light purple flowers in late spring through summer. While Thyme is typically native to the Mediterranean regions, it’s also commercially cultivated in Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, other continental European states, as well as in North Africa, Canada, and the USA. The most common type of Thyme used medicinally is known as Thymus vulgaris, although Spanish Thyme, known as Thymus zygis, can also be used interchangeably.
The word “Thymus” may derive from the Greek word “thyo” meaning “perfume.” In fact, the ancient Greek phrase, “to smell of thyme” was often used in admiration of those deemed stylish. “Thymus” was also believed to be derived from the Greek word “thumus”, signifying courage and strength. Back in medieval times, ladies would adorn their knights with a scarf sporting an embroidered bee hovering over a twig of thyme to help encourage and instill bravery. Furthermore, religious leaders and common folk would often burn sage in their temples or homes to purify the space, as well as instill a feeling of strength and bravery. Traditionally, the oil from the flowers and leaves was
extracted for medicinal purposes. However, the ancient Romans also used fresh or dried
Thyme in their cooking to give flavor to cheeses and liqueurs. Alternatively, the ancient
Egyptians used thyme as an embalming fluid, due to its ability to kill bacteria and fungus.
Functions and Properties Throughout History
The earliest recorded use of Thyme dates back to the beginning of written records, over 3,000 years ago. Besides the use of flavor in cooking, Thyme oil was often used as an antiseptic, antiviral, and antimicrobial agent in folk medicine. It was also used in treating heartburn, gastritis, respiratory diseases, and even to help stimulate menstrual flow. Today, red and white thyme essential oil is extracted from the flowers and leaves and produced commercially for use in cough drops, mouthwashes, toothpaste, detergents, and even perfumes.
Back in medieval times, the Black Death plagued much of Europe, killing millions of people. As a result, Thyme was used for strength and protection, as well as its medicinal purposes. Knowing what we do now about Thyme, we know it has powerful antiseptic, antiviral, and antimicrobial agents. It is believed that the compound, thymol, is responsible for most of the therapeutic aspects of Thyme, especially when used in conjunction with other herbs.
In addition, dried Thyme was often used in teas to relieve intestinal gas, help expel intestinal parasites, and relieve coughs. On the other hand, due to its antiseptic and antimicrobial nature, it has often been used topically with bandages to promote the healing of minor wounds, sores, and scars. There is one more well studied compound found in Thyme, carvacrol, which is also believed to increase serotonin and dopamine production in the body, helping to regulate mood and promote feelings of relaxation.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Resources:
Medical News Today | Thyme PDF | PlantSnap | Healthline | ScienceDirect
Appearance and Location
Appearance and Location
Thyme, also known as “common thyme” or “garden thyme“, is a flowering, dwarf shrub with over 350 species in the Thymus genus. This small, grey or green-leaved plant is considered a perennial, producing white, pink, and even light purple flowers in late spring through summer. While Thyme is typically native to the Mediterranean regions, it’s also commercially cultivated in Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, other continental European states, as well as in North Africa, Canada, and the USA. The most common type of Thyme used medicinally is known as Thymus vulgaris, although Spanish Thyme, known as Thymus zygis, can also be used interchangeably.
The word “Thymus” may derive from the Greek word “thyo” meaning “perfume.” In fact, the ancient Greek phrase, “to smell of thyme” was often used in admiration of those deemed stylish. “Thymus” was also believed to be derived from the Greek word “thumus”, signifying courage and strength. Back in medieval times, ladies would adorn their knights with a scarf sporting an embroidered bee hovering over a twig of thyme to help encourage and instill bravery. Furthermore, religious leaders and common folk would often burn sage in their temples or homes to purify the space, as well as instill a feeling of strength and bravery. Traditionally, the oil from the flowers and leaves was extracted for medicinal purposes. However, the ancient Romans also used fresh or dried Thyme in their cooking to give flavor to cheeses and liqueurs. Alternatively, the ancient Egyptians used thyme as an embalming fluid, due to its ability to kill bacteria and fungus.
Functions and Properties
Throughout History
Functions and Properties Throughout History
The earliest recorded use of Thyme dates back to the beginning of written records, over 3,000 years ago. Besides the use of flavor in cooking, Thyme oil was often used as an antiseptic, antiviral, and antimicrobial agent in folk medicine. It was also used in treating heartburn, gastritis, respiratory diseases, and even to help stimulate menstrual flow. Today, red and white thyme essential oil is extracted from the flowers and leaves and produced commercially for use in cough drops, mouthwashes, toothpaste, detergents, and even perfumes.
Back in medieval times, the Black Death plagued much of Europe, killing millions of people. As a result, Thyme was used for strength and protection, as well as its medicinal purposes. Knowing what we do now about Thyme, we know it has powerful antiseptic, antiviral, and antimicrobial agents. It is believed that the compound, thymol, is responsible for most of the therapeutic aspects of Thyme, especially when used in conjunction with other herbs.
In addition, dried Thyme was often used in teas to relieve intestinal gas, help expel intestinal parasites, and relieve coughs. On the other hand, due to its antiseptic and antimicrobial nature, it has often been used topically with bandages to promote the healing of minor wounds, sores, and scars. There is one more well studied compound found in Thyme, carvacrol, which is also believed to increase serotonin and dopamine production in the body, helping to regulate mood and promote feelings of relaxation.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Resources:
Medical News Today | Thyme PDF | PlantSnap | Healthline | ScienceDirect