Thymely Information
The Holiday Season is upon us . Our winter featured herb has a Christmas connection , comes in 35 plus species , is loved by bees and chefs , and has culinary , household , cosmetic , aromatic and medicinal uses . It has been valued for centuries and its praises are sung by many . This common but beloved herb is thyme . To the Greeks , thyme denoted graceful elegance and “ to smell of thyme ” was high praise . In the culinary world , thyme is versatile and chefs are quoted as saying , “ When in doubt , use thyme .” Thymus or Thymus vulgaris is grown and used in many parts of the world . It has a rich history and many uses .
Most of us grow and use common thyme . Although I have grown a couple of special varieties — lemon thyme and orange thyme — I was unaware of the multiple varieties and their fantastic names . I would love to grow a plant named Thymus pseudolanuginosus ( woolly thyme ) or Thymus pulegioides ( Mother-of-Thyme ), or even one named ‘ Pink Chintz ,’ ‘ Annie Hall ’ or ‘ Lemon Curd ’!
Plain old thyme may take its name from thymon , the Greek word for courage , or from the Greek term “ to fumigate .” Either would be understandable because thyme is invigorating to the senses and was once burned to chase stinging insects from the house . Roman soldiers bathed in thyme water to give themselves vigor and in the Middle Ages , ladies embroidered a sprig of thyme on tokens for their knightserrant . Even the tough Scottish Highlanders drank tea made of wild thyme for strength and courage .
We most often think of thyme as a culinary herb , but its first claim to fame was as a medicinal herb . Through the centuries thyme was used in “ simples ,” a medicine made from one herb , to treat a variety of complaints including stomach ailments and lung congestion . According to herbalist Lesley Bremness , thyme “ may relieve insomnia , poor capillary circulation , muscular pain , and stimulate production of white blood corpuscles to resist infection .” Although any variety can be used , English wild thyme has the strongest medicinal qualities . In earlier times , thyme tea with honey was used for coughs and shortness of breath . Even today ’ s cough syrups sometimes contain thyme as do mouth washes and toothpastes . From the fifteenth to the seventeenth centuries , thyme was used to combat the European plagues and thyme oil was used as a battlefield antiseptic during World War I . Because of its powerful antiseptic and preservative properties , the Egyptians used it for embalming and it is still an ingredient of embalming fluid today . Thyme oil is strong and may irritate
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~ Submitted by Fran Hedeman , Herb Society of Dubuque
sensitive skin , but infused in a carrier oil it can be used as a massage for headaches . And speaking of headaches , according to herbalist Jekka McVicar , thyme tea is also good for hangovers !
As with any herbal concoction a word of warning is in order . A medicinal infusion or decoction made from the whole plant is generally safe , but the volatile oil is toxic and should not be taken internally except by prescription . Pregnant women should avoid the oil . Never apply pure oil directly to the skin . Always mix it with a carrier oil , such as almond or olive oil .
Thyme has several household uses . The dried flowers can be used to protect clothing from insects and both the leaves and flowers can be used in sachets or potpourri . Because of its strong antiseptic properties , judges once used it , mixed with rosemary , to ward off jail fever and the nobility carried it to protect themselves from disease and odor . Today you might brew a strong tea and use it to spray down kitchen and bathroom counters and sinks . Or make a thyme vinegar and use it for the same purposes .
Common thyme is easy to grow and preserve . You can start thyme from seed and the DABG Green team has done that for the herb garden . However , if you lack their skill and patience , I would suggest beginning with a purchased plant . Plant in full sun in well-drained soil . In the spring , prune back the plants and by May or June you should have lush growth . Plants will appreciate a little organic compost in the spring and a trim after blooming . For the best flavor , harvest the leaves before the blossoms open . You can take small amounts anytime , or harvest the entire plant by cutting it back to about two inches . The plants will grow back before summer ’ s end , but if you take a second harvest the plants will be less winter hardy . Tie small bunches and hang to dry in a warm , dry place or strip the leaves off and dry on screens . They can also be frozen in airtight containers . The more exotic species are less hardy . I have had some success with lemon thyme surviving the winter but it is also a good container plant and I often bring the pot in and enjoy the lemony fragrance in the winter . If you grow one of the special varieties in your garden , try adding a winter mulch around the roots .
As a culinary herb , thyme is most useful . Sprigs can be added to salads or they can serve as garnishes . Thyme works well with virtually all vegetables and meats . It is an ingredient in bouquets garnis and is one of the French fines herbes . Thyme
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“ Thyme is native to the western Mediterranean region and widely cultivated . The plant is said to grow wild in an area of the Catskill Mountains of New York State , where it was introduced in the f leece of sheep imported from Greece .” --Rodale