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Thyme
There are over 60 species of thyme and just walking down the herb aisle at the local nursery you get a little sampling of the varieties. Common garden thyme (vulgaris) is the most aromatic, hardy and medicinal of the varieties.
Thymus vulgaris
Family: Lamiaceae - mint
Parts used: leaves and blossoms
Antibacterial
Antibiotic
Antifungal
Antioxidant
Antimicrobial
Anti-Spasmodic
Antiseptic
Anthelmintic
Anti-Viral
Astringent
Carminative
Diaphoretic
Diuretic
Emmenagogue
Expectorant
Germicide
Nervine
Preservative
Vulnerary
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Waring
Drying
Digestive
Respiratory
Immune
Uses
Sore throat and inflamed tonsils.
Stuffy noses, coughs, cold, and flu.
Aids the respiratory system helping with bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, chest colds, etc.
Respiratory infections and support.
Hay fever
Stimulates the immune system which aids the body in fighting colds, flu, and illness.
First aid; antiseptic and disinfectant properties cleanse wounds, prevent infection and aid in healing.
Mild anesthetic
Infection of all kinds including bacterial such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and other fungal infections.
Skin infection, sores, cankers, mouth ulcers.
Eye infections, conjunctivitis (pink eye), sties.
Gum inflammation and infection.
Digestive complaints; cramps, gas, colic, tummy ache, indigestion, vomiting, etc.
Food poisoning
Headaches and minor pain
Worms and parasites
Gout discomfort
Strengthens and supports the glandular system.
Strengthens and supports the nervous system.
Supports good skin health and aids body in healing skin conditions.
Liver and gall bladder support.
Stimulates the appetite and helps fats digest more readily.
Sleeplessness, nightmares, and dizziness.
Full of trace minerals, including iron; helps with anemia.
Use as a natural food preservative to keep dishes from spoiling.
Disinfects, sterilizes, and deodorizes - use in all your household cleaners.
Repels gnats and mosquitoes.
Skin care; cleanses and deodorizes the skin, tones and firms the skin, acne, herbal steam, toner, cleanser, cream, soap, and deodorant.
Mouth wash, toothpaste
Hair care; stimulates hair growth, strengthens fragile hair, helps with alopecia and hair loss.
Head lice
Tea
Herbal oil
Bath, foot soak, steam inhalation compress/fomentation
Extract, vinegar, liniment.
Honey, syrup
Salves, ointments, balms
Herbal pillow
Essential oil (make sure to use a carrier oil if applying directly to the skin)
Food; Use a lot of thyme in cooking preparations during cough and cold season. You can also make thyme butter, thyme honey, thyme oil and herbal salts and sprinkles.
Best started from a root division or nursery plant.
Plant in full sun, with well-drained soil, even sandy soil would be good.
Likes it dry so water lightly. Too much moisture will rot the roots.
Grows well in a container, it can then be brought in for the winter months.
Mulch in the fall to protect from frost.
Separate and replant every three years to keep it growing strong and healthy.
Trim plants back in the spring and summer to contain woody growth and keep bushy. Do not trim in the fall or frost could harm the plant during the winter.
Remove and replace areas that die out.
Plant thyme with cabbage to deter root fly and cabbage moths.
Harvest any time by cutting leaves as needed or cutting branches from the base and hanging to dry.
Blossoms are at their medicinal best when first opening.
Use fresh in recipes or dry for future use. Once dried run your fingers down the stalk to remove the leaves.
References
Breverton's Complete Herbal
Essential Herbal Wisdom
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs A Beginner's Guide
