In the early days of my herbal studies, thyme was probably the culinary herb I was most blown away by. Sure, I was familiar with thyme in recipes but learning about the many powerful health benefits of thyme made me realize what an incredible herbal ally I had right in my pantry!
So, let’s get to know some of thyme’s health benefits and a few easy ways to start using this unassuming little herb.
The information in this post is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is always best to work with a qualified healthcare professional before incorporating herbs into your diet.
Health Benefits & Ways To Use Thyme
Thyme Monograph
Botanical name: Thymus vulgaris
Properties: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, aromatic, carminative, decongestant, emmenagogue, circulatory stimulant, antispasmodic, expectorant, antiseptic,
Energetics: Warming, drying
Taste: Pungent
- My tasting notes: Tastes much like it smells – aromatic, spicy
Parts Used: Leaves
Habitat/Growing/Harvesting
Thyme is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, where it grows wild on hard, rocky soil. However, it has been domesticated and is grown in gardens all over the world.
Thyme is an herbaceous perennial and grows well in zones 5-9. It prefers a hot, dry climate with full sun to partial shade. Thyme also needs well-drained to somewhat dry soil that isn’t too rich. It grows well alongside hyssop, garlic chives, and rosemary.
You can harvest the aerial parts of thyme throughout the growing season. It’s best to harvest no more than ⅓ of the plant at a time, though. At the end of the season, let it die back naturally. Then, in spring when the new growth begins to come through, trim back and clear away any dead plant matter. Other than that, it’s a super low-maintenance plant that requires minimal effort (at least in my Zone 6 garden).
Health Benefits & Common Uses of Thyme
Thyme is a very powerful remedy for all kinds of infections, particularly of the lungs and digestive tract. It can be useful for calming an upset stomach, soothing intestinal cramps, or fighting off a gut bug. It can also be a useful antifungal herb to help treat gut dysbiosis. Can be used to calm an upset stomach, soothe intestinal cramps, or help fight a gut bug.
Its aromatic properties of thyme make it helpful in supporting proper digestion and treating symptoms of stagnant digestion like bloating, belching, and flatulence.
It helps soothe spasms in the respiratory system (think coughing fits) and has been widely used as an antitussive, which is an herb that prevents or relieves coughs. It can be used effectively for dry and wet coughs, but it is most useful for those dry, lingering coughs that are deep in the chest but also tickle the throat.
Thyme leaves are very effective as a steam to treat bronchitis as it helps open up the bronchia and the lungs to make breathing easier.
It can be used as a tea or a tincture in mouthwashes to treat sore, inflamed gums and minor mouth infections. A gargle made from tea or infused honey can soothe a sore throat.
An infusion of thyme can be applied topically to soothe insect bites, stings, and minor pain. It can also be used to treat infections like ringworm or vaginal yeast infections.
Thyme Folklore & Magical Uses
In the Middle Ages, women gave thyme sprigs to knights and warriors to bring them courage in battle.
Thyme is said to be particularly inviting to fairies and is a plant that opens the gates between worlds.
It is a very protective herb and can be used to help clear any negative energy attached to you.
The essential properties of thyme are protection, courage, and new beginnings.
Thyme Cautions/Contraindications
Thyme is an incredibly safe herb. It is suggested to avoid large doses during pregnancy, but culinary use and standard dosages are fine.
Easy Ways To Experience The Health Benefits Of Thyme
Thyme Honey
One of the easiest and most versatile preparations for just about any herb is making an herbal honey. Thyme-infused honey is a great way to experience the health benefits of thyme and it’s also delicious! You can stir it into tea, drizzle it on dishes, or take it by the spoonful.
Get the recipe for thyme-infused honey here!
Lemon Thyme Salt
Another fun kitchen use of thyme (that’s more on the culinary side rather than therapeutic) is by making an herb salt. And a simple but delicious combination is lemon thyme salt.
Making herb salt is super easy. You’ll just mix 1 part herb blend—in this case, thyme and lemon zest—with 1 part or less of salt. I tend to use sea salt because that’s what I have on hand but, really, any salt works.
Mix everything together and then spread it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a couple of days until the herbs are completely dry. Then store your herb salt in an airtight container.
Thyme Tea
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably never really thought of sipping on a thyme tea. But it’s actually surprisingly tasty, especially with a bit of honey.
Steep a teaspoon in 8-12 ounces of freshly boiled water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and enjoy! This is a great way to really get to know a single herb and how it affects your body.
Thyme Oxymel
Oxymels are another great, easy herbal preparation that are often used specifically for respiratory support. And given thyme’s affinity for the respiratory system, a thyme oxymel is a great herbal remedy to have on hand during cold and flu season.
Get the recipe for an immune-boosting thyme oxymel here!
Use Liberally In Cooking
You’ve likely got a little jar of dried thyme in your pantry already. And while herbal remedies using thyme are great to have, using this herb liberally while you’re cooking is a great way to get small, regular doses of its immune-boosting, digestion-supporting benefits every day! I rarely make a batch of soup in the winter where I don’t add at least a couple of teaspoons of thyme.
Thyme pairs amazingly with most savory foods but chicken and rice might be my favorite. Check out this Baked Herb Chicken and Wild Rice recipe for a little inspiration!
As you can see, you don’t need to seek out exotic or rare herbs to experience the amazing health benefits herbs can provide. Our classic culinary herbs are classic for a reason. They’ve been supporting overall health for as long as humans have been cooking!
Thyme is an easy-to-find herb that everyone could benefit from paying more attention to. It offers powerful infection-fighting properties, boosts immune function, supports healthy digestion, and is particularly useful for supporting healthy respiratory function.
I don’t know about you but I plan on planting a few more thyme plants so I never run out.
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References
- The Modern Herbal Dispensatory by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne
- The Gift of Healing Herbs by Robin Rose Bennett
- Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Foret
- The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra
- Plant Witchery by Juliet Diaz
- Homegrown Herbs by Tammi Hartung
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