|
DESCRIPTION
Thyme
Family: Labiatae /
Mint
Names: Thymus, There
are more than 400 varieties of thyme. A partial
list of the different varieties of thyme
includes: lemon thyme, lime thyme, lavender
thyme, caraway thyme, silver thyme, red creeping
thyme, German thyme, French thyme, Pennsylvania
Dutch tea thyme, elfin thyme and wooly thyme.
Properties:
antimicrobe, antirheumatic, antiseptic,
antispasmodic, antiputrefactive, antivenomous,
aperitif, aphrodisiac, bacteriacide, bechic,
cardiac, carminative, cicatrisant, diuretic,
emmenagogue, expectorant, hypertensive,
insecticide, stimulant, tonic, vermifuge.
Characteristics: Strong, pungent.
History: Thyme is a
perennial from the Mediterranean and is a member
of the mint family. Thyme was grown during the
Middle Ages in monastery gardens in southern
France, Spain and Italy. During that time the
plant was used as a cough remedy, digestive aid
and treatment for intestinal parasites. Medieval
knights considered thyme as a symbol of courage
and had the herb embroidered on their scarves.
Thyme was brought to North America as a food
preservative and medicine. Thyme was used in
Egypt to keep mummies fresh for the afterlife
because of the plant's antiseptic
characteristics. Ancient Greeks considered the
herb a symbol of style, elegance and courage.
Description: Most
thyme grow 6-12 inches in height. The leaves are
a dark gray-green colour with pale pink flowers
at the tips of the stems in the summer. Many
thymes make thick groundcovers once established.
Chemical constituents:
bBorneol, linalool, carvacrol, thymol,
caryophyllene, cymene, terpinene.
Cultivation: Thyme is
a hardy perennial and can survive up to zone 3,
depending on the variety. Thyme grows best in a
hot dry location. The plant requires sandy,
well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. When
harvesting, remember the leaves have the best
flavour just before flowering. Cut the stems
just as the flowers begin to open and hang the
thyme in small bunches. Thyme, thankfully, can
be grown indoors during winter. The plant needs
loose, nutrient rich soil. If the inside growing
conditions are warm and dry, the plant may need
to be sprayed with water occasionally. Place the
plant in an area where it will receive full
sunlight.
Medicinal Use:
Thyme's most active ingredient is thymol, which
is used, in a diluted form in over the counter
products such as Listerine mouthwash and Vicks
Vaporub. Thymol seems to have a therapeutic
effect on the respiratory system and helps to
loosen phlegm and relax the respiratory tract
muscles. In Germany, thyme is prescribed for
coughs resulting from bronchitis and emphysema.
Thyme is used in herbal teas used to treat colds
and flu. Strong thyme tea can be used as a
mouthwash or treatment for sore gums. Thyme has
antifungal properties and has been used to treat
athlete's foot. The Food and Drug Administration
regards thyme to be safe, but large doses may
cause intestinal problems. If this condition
occurs, simply decrease the amount of thyme
used.
Magical Properties:
Basic powers of thyme are clairvoyance and
purification. It is burnt as Incense to purge
and fumigate magical rooms. A pillow stuffed
with thyme cures nightmares. Wear a sprig to
funerals to protect yourself from the negativity
of the mourners.
Homeopathy: Thyme
leaf tea is used for various gastrointestinal
and respiratory complaints.
Culinary: Thyme has a
strong flavour and for this reason, should be
used sparingly. Thyme can be used to: enhance
the flavour of meat, fish or poultry, flavour
herb butters and cottage cheese. It works well
with asparagus, beans, beets, carrots, onions,
peas, potatoes, tomatoes and rice. Marinade
chicken or fish by using bruised fresh sprigs
combined with red wine vinegar and olive oil.
Thyme is also used as tea.
|
