The Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming, whereas the Ancient Greeks used it in baths and burnt it as an incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage. The Romans spread the use of thyme throughout Europe during their conquests. They used it to purify rooms and to give an aromatic flavor to cheeses and liqueurs. The Middle Ages in Europe, it was placed underneath their pillows to aid in sleep and to ward off nightmares. Women would give knights a gift that included thyme leaves, as it was believed to bring courage to the bearer. It was used an incense and placed on coffins during funerals, as it was supposed to assure passage into the next life.


Thyme (Genus Thymus Family Lamiaceae) is a Mediterranean herb, requiring dry, sunny conditions and sandy, loamy soil. It is a low growing, woody perennial, with fragrant, flavorless pink, lavender, or white tubular flowers. Thyme attracts bees and can be harvested at any time. It requires very little maintenance. Ants like to build their nests in thyme beds and can disrupt the roots. Mould and rot can become a problem if the soil is too wet. To harvest, just snips a few stems.


Thyme is used both fresh and dried to flavor jellies, breads, vinegar, marinades, sauces and to complement tomato sauce, cheeses, eggs, and vegetables. Red thyme oil is used in perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, and toothpastes.


The flowers, leaves, and oils can be used as medicine. Essential oils of Thyme can be used as an antiseptic. Before modern antibiotics, oil of thyme was used to medicate bandages. It is effective against various fungi that commonly infect the toenails. It is the active ingredient in all-natural, alcohol-free hand sanitizers. It is taken by mouth for bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat, colic, arthritis, upset stomach, stomach pain, diarrhea, bed wetting, dyspraxia (a movement disorder in children), flatulence, parasitic worm infections, and skin disorders. It is used as a diuretic, to disinfect urine, and as an appetite stimulant. It can be applied directly to the skin for laryngitis, tonsillitis, sore mouth, and bad breath. It can be applied to the scalp to treat baldness and to the ears to fight bacterial and fungal infections.


In some people, thyme can cause digestive upset and skin irritation. It is safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women if consumed in normal food amounts. People who are allergic to oregano may be allergic to thyme. Thyme is to be discontinued two weeks prior to surgery, as it will slow blood clotting, and increase the risk of extra bleeding during and after surgery. Medications that slow blood clotting interact with Thyme. Taking thyme along with medications that slow clotting may increase bruising and bleeding.


Thyme tea is rich in volatile oils, minerals, beneficial phenols and flavonoids. It has antioxidant properties. It increases omega-3 fatty acids, or healthy fats, in the brain cells. A cup of thyme tea will help treat bronchitis and relieve coughs. It promotes good digestion and relieves gas and bloating. The volatile oils in thyme give carminative properties, while phenols allow it to work as an antispasmodic, to help relieve intestinal cramping. Two teaspoons of dried thyme, the amount one would use to make a cup of thyme tea, gives you 19.8 percent of the recommended daily allowance of iron. This tea is an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, and calcium.