Thymus Vulgaris
Thyme was already used as a medicinal plant 4,000 years ago. Old records show that the pharaohs of ancient Egypt were already embalmed with the aromatic thyme oil. Thyme is native to the Mediterranean region, its sensitivity to frost means that it is not found in the wild in northern countries.
Most people are familiar with thyme from the kitchen; its bittersweet and spicy aroma supports the flavour of chicken, lamb and fish. When seasoning, always bear in mind that dried thyme has 3 times the seasoning power of fresh thyme. Vegetarian dishes are particularly delicious with thyme. Tomatoes, courgettes, olives, aubergines, potatoes or goat's cheese benefit from the spicy aroma of thyme.
However, the small-leaved plant, or rather the half-shrub, can do much more:
Thyme is used as a medicinal herb for
Respiratory disease
such as coughs. Thyme is antibacterial, expectorant and antispasmodic
Colds
A 10-15 minute bath with fresh thyme can help with colds.
Inflammation
Gargling with thyme helps with inflammation of the mouth and throat.
Headaches
Cold thyme tea is used as a compress for headaches.
Women's Health
Thyme is also known as "Women's Herb" and helps with
- cycle problems,
- menopausal problems and
- menstrual cramps
Digestive Complaints Thyme provides relief for digestive complaints such as
- stomach upset,
- heartburn,
- diarrhoea or
- flatulence
Sleep Thyme helps with difficulty falling asleep and nightmares.
Side effects and precautions
- Do not use during pregnancy
- Do not inhale the essential oil if you suffer from asthma.
- Thyme oil that is too concentrated may irritate the mucous membranes.
- Do not use if you are allergic to birch pollen or celery.
- Long-term use may cause thyroid problems.
- Do not use thyme essential oil on infants and young children under 4 years of age.
Recipes for you
Organic cough syrup for small and big
- At least 1 bunch of fresh or dried thyme
- 250ml boiling water
- Juice of 1 organic lime
- 250ml of organic honey
Put the thyme in a pot with the water and boil for 30 minutes with the lid closed. Allow to cool slightly. Strain the brew, preferably with a very fine sieve or a nut milk bag or cloth. Add the lemon juice and the honeyug slowly, stirring. Pour into a clean bottle and store in the refrigerator.
For colds, coughs, sore throats or hoarseness, take a teaspoon several times a day or use to sweeten a cup of tea. This cough syrup makes it easier to cough and can be used for children from the age of 2.
Time for a cup of Thyme tea
- 1-2 teaspoons of leaves
- 250ml boiling water
- Brewing time: 10 minutes
Drink a cup of tea several times a day. If you like, add some organic and cold extracted honey for sweetness. Be sure to relax, to take your time and consciously taste and inhale the aroma of the healing oil.
Take a relaxing bath and breathe in
- 500g of leaves
- 4 liters boiling water
- Let boil for 20 minutes
Add to the bath water and inhale the essential oils. Relax and enjoy. Helps with colds, colds and coughs.
Gargle
- 2 Tablespoons of leaves
- 250ml water
- Infusion time: 10 days
Let the mixture sit in a glass jar or glass bottle, stir or shake occasionally. After 10 days you can use it to gargle in the morning and evening.
Ant Repellent
Plant thyme together with lavender close to your terrace or keep them in a pot on your balcony. Ants don't like the aromatic plant scent.
Herbal Pillow
- Dried herbs with the stems removed, such as thyme, hops, camomile, lemon balm, lavender, sage or valerian.
- Organic certified cotton fabric, linen or hemp fabric, or:
- Old cushion covers to fill, or fabric to sew yourself.
The soothing scents of these plants make it easy for you to fall asleep - without any chemical preparations. If you also like to sew, you can make and fill small figures instead of the cushion.
Cleaning Power
- 2 Tablespoons of Thyme leaves
- 500ml boiling water
- infusion time: 10 minutes
Thyme has an antibacterial and antiviral effect. With this decoction for cleaning, you can do without chemicals altogether.
Medicinal herbs are used to gently support your body in healing and/or to prevent illness.
Medicinal herbs do not replace a visit to a doctor or alternative practitioner.
