Thyme - November 2008

BOTANICAL NAME:

Thymus vulgaris ct. phenol, Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool

FAMILY:

Lamiaceae

HERBAL APPLICATIONS:

Dried herb: Classic culinary herb for meats, poultry, soups and stews. Strong germicidal tea or gargle. Used historically as one of the strewing herbs scattered on dirt floors to disinfect the air as the herb was crushed underfoot.
Essential oil: Strong germicide. Used in air purification blends. Milder linalool type used in skin care applications.

Thyme’s antibiotic, antiviral and antiseptic qualities make if perfect for a sickroom diffuser or as a disinfectant spray for air and surfaces. It stimulates the respiratory system and can be used to relieve asthma and mucus conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, colds, flu and emphysema.

Thyme is a fortifying oil that is useful for strengthening the immune system as we go into winter. One of the best ways to enjoy the regular benefits of thyme is to use the fresh and dried herb regularly in cooking. If you want to enjoy the benefits of thyme in a tea, you will probably want to blend it with other herbs and possibly even sweeten with a little agave or stevia unless you like a strong medicinal taste.

Help prevent illness in your home or business with a weekly diffusion of a blend of thyme oil and eucalyptus oil (three parts eucalyptus to one part thyme). This will help keep the air in your home clean during the shut-in days of winter. If there has been illness in the home, the same blend can be added to a spray bottle of water with just a little dish soap. This is a highly germicidal spray cleaner for phones, doorknobs, and other hard surfaces.

Skin is another organ assisted by the use of thyme, but it is important that you obtain the milder types of thyme. It increases circulation, clears congested skin and is useful for acne, scalp problems and wound healing. For skin care use the skin friendly linalool chemotype, it is excellent for this purpose. The hotter phenol chemotype of thyme is a skin irritant and should not be applied externally.

Thyme is a charming plant that thrives in a variety of garden and windowsill conditions. It is an herb to include in even your first herb garden.