Thyme is the common name of Thymus vulgaris species, from Labiatae family.
Also known as: common thyme.
Thyme is a dwarf shrub
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Features of Thyme
Height to 6-15 inches. Spread to 4-16 inches. Zone 4-8. Evergreen hardy perennial
gray-green, lance-shaped, scented, small leaf.
clustered, small, white or purple flower in summer.
Growing Thyme
- by cutting during summer.
- by layering during spring and autumn.
- by root division during spring.
- by seed during spring. Not all thyme species can be grown from seed.
- growth: Suitable as a pot-plant.
- pest: aphids may attack the plant sometimes.
- protection: Protect from wet and cold winter.
- protection: Protect from cold winter.
- transplant: 10 to 15 inches apart.
- trimming: Trim lightly after flowering.
Using Thyme
Culinary
Drink
Use in benedictine liqueur. (Use leaf)
Marinade
Add to marinades. (Use leaf)
Meat
Rub onto fatty meat. Add flavour to pates. Good with lamb, poultry, and rabbit. (Use leaf)
Sauce
Add to sauces, stews, and casseroles. Combines well with wine sauces. (Use leaf)
Soup
Add to New England clam chowder and other soups. (Use leaf)
Household
Cleaning
Boil to make a disinfectant cleaning solution. (Use leaf)
Fragrance
Add to potpourri. (Use leaf)
Medicinal
Essential oil
Dilute as a massage oil for muscle and joint pains. (Use leaf)
Medicine
Use an infusion as a gargle for sore throats. (Use leaf)
Supplement
Thyme has a high level of antioxidants that may slow the aging process of the body. (Use leaf)
Tea
A tea for coughs, cold symptoms, and bronchial infections. It also aids digestion and relieve hangover. (Use leaf)
Other Use
Other use
Attract bees and make thyme honey. (Use flower)
Traditional Remedies
- Respiratory » cough, sore throat, cold and flu
- Digestive » indigestion
- Disorder » headache
- Muscle And Joint » tendinitis, arthritis, joint pain, muscle pain
- Other » circulation, hangover
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Conditions » Do not use large medicinal doses during pregnancy.
- Please consult with your doctor before using thyme for health related purposes.
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