THYME
Thymus vulgaris
COMMON NAMES: Garden or common thyme, tomillo, mother of thyme, serpyllum.
FEATURES: Originating in the Old World, thyme is recognized around the world as an aromatic, flavoring
herb, or for ornamental decor. The small shrubby perennial herb Thymus vulgaris is an erect or somewhat
decumbent plant, 1–3 feet high, has sessile linear lanceolate leaves with revolute margins. The pale lilac
flowers are small, in interrupted, whorled spikes at the end of the branches. It has a strong, pungent, spicy
taste and odor. In preparing the herb for out-of-season use, it should be collected in the summer when in
blossom and thoroughly dried in the shade. Thyme is favored by bees, and the honey is a superior
replacement for sugar.
MEDICINAL PART: The whole herb.
SOLVENTS: Boiling water, alcohol.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Tonic, carminative, emmenagogue, antispasmodic.
USES: Culpepper states: “It is under the domination of Venus and under the sign of Aries and therefore
chiefly appropriated to the head.” Astrology or not, we agree with Culpeper, as we use thyme for hysteria,
headache, nervous disorders of giddiness, and weakening nightmares. This unsuspecting herb is
admirable for strengthening the lungs and for children’s colic, colds, irritable stomach, dyspepia,
flatulence, and ill disposition. To sooth the throat of bronchial irritation and in spasms of whooping
cough, thyme has been most reliable; it induces free perspiration, important to the beginning of a cold and
in ordinary fever. (Make sure the person is free from draft and is kept warm.) Also of use in suppressed
menstruation. Use the cold tea freely in small amounts for stomach complaints.
DOSE: Infusion of 1 teaspoonful of thyme to 1 cupful of boiling water; steep ½ hour. Of the tincture, 20–50
drops in hot water.
EXTERNALLY: The oil of thyme is used for toothache, neuralgia, and painful swellings.
RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE: This plant’s name is easily recognizable in three languages: Thymus is Latin,