Thyme - Thymus vulgaris
Thyme is a small shrubby plant
with a strong, spicy taste and odour. It grows numerous woody, quadrangular
stems which are finely haired and are 6 to 10 inches tall. The leaves are
slightly downy on top and are very downy underneath, and have slightly
rolled edges. The small flowers grow in head-like clusters and are
bluish-purple in colour. They bloom from May to September.
This
herb is anthelmintic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant
and sedative. The macerated oil, when blended with lavender and used in a
warm bath will ensure a good night's sleep. As a tincture, extract or
infusion, thyme can be used for acute bronchitis, laryngitis, whooping cough,
diarrhea, chronic gastritis and lack of appetite. A warm infusion will
promote perspiration and relieve flatulence and colic. The oil is used in
mouthwashes and toothpaste, are also effective against ascarids and
hookworms. It can be used externally to treat warts or to encourage the flow
of blood to the surface. Thyme baths can be helpful for neurasthenia,
rheumatism, paralysis, bruises, swelling and sprains. It is used to treat
skin, urinary and respitory infections because it is antimicrobial and
strengthens the immune response.
As with basil, undiluted thyme
oil may irritate sensitive skin.