Thyme is a highly potent medicinal plant, already prized in antiquity by the Greeks, the Egyptians (who used it in the embalming of corpses) and the Etruscans, who cultivated it for its varied properties. The name derives from the Greek thymos (spirit, vital principle, courage). According to one legend, thyme was brought to earth by Jesus Christ to help mankind alleviate suffering. In the Middle Ages, peasants would have sprigs of it blessed, believing it could ward off witches.

It is commonly grown in kitchen gardens, and grows here and there in sunny, arid spots across Italy from the coast to mountain regions, among rocks and gravel; it is harvested between May and July by cutting the flowering stems 5–10 cm below the flowers.

It is customary to think of thyme as a culinary seasoning for its aromatic and antiseptic qualities, which extend the shelf life of food. Its medicinal properties should not be underestimated, however: they make it one of the best natural antiseptics, useful for disinfecting the respiratory tract and intestines. It combats intestinal fermentation and infections. Thanks to its balsamic properties, it acts as a catarrhal expectorant and is beneficial for whooping cough and asthma. Thyme teas and syrups tone the body, stimulate the appetite and digestion, support liver function and combat cold-related illnesses. For external use, it is a stimulant for peripheral circulation and a skin disinfectant. Mouthwashes are effective against bad breath.

Therapeutic properties of thyme

Thyme has expectorant, antispasmodic, disinfectant and soothing properties in cases of cough. It can be used for asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. It has antiviral and tonic action. It is a valuable aid in cases of depression, as it rapidly improves mood. It should be avoided in cases of hypertension.

Thyme in the kitchen

Ravioli di zucca al rosmarino e timo

Bouillabaisse di uova con timo

How to use thyme

The entire flowering plant can be used in all its parts. Thyme has countless properties:

• flavouring
• antiseptic
• depurative
• balsamic
• digestive
• cough-suppressant
• revulsive
• anticatarrhal
• stimulant
• diuretic
• purifying

Internal use of the flower

Thyme can be used for intestinal fermentation and catarrhal conditions of the respiratory tract.
Infusion: 1–1.5 g in 100 ml of water. Two to three cups a day (sweetened with honey).
Wine tincture: 2.5 g in 100 ml of white wine (macerated for 5 days). Take in small glasses.

External use of the flower

Thyme can be used to cleanse sores and wounds and to purify the mouth and throat. Infusion: 5 g in 100 ml of water. Use for washes, rinses and gargles.

Cosmetic use of thyme

Thyme can be used for a de-fatiguing effect on the face.

A handful of thyme in a basin of boiling water, for brief facial steams, keeping the eyes firmly closed to avoid redness.

Thyme essential oil

Thyme essential oil is obtained by steam and water distillation from the flowering thyme plant; it has a very powerful antiseptic and antibiotic effect.

• Just 2–3 drops in half a litre of culinary oil are enough to flavour salads, soups, roasts and to perfume herbal teas. It is an effective disinfectant for the digestive, urinary and respiratory tracts, and very useful against intestinal parasites as well.
• 5 drops in a glass of massage oil: it soothes rheumatic and arthritic pain and improves circulation.
• 3 drops poured onto a cloth, first dipped in very hot water and then wrung out, to make compresses: it speeds up the healing of wounds.
• Simply add one drop to shampoo, conditioner or other cosmetics for a stimulating effect.
• Would you like a truly aseptic kitchen, or do you need to disinfect a sick person's room? Pour a few drops of thyme essential oil into a bottle of detergent, or into hot water (together with a small amount of alcohol).
• On warts, apply one pure drop, but protect the surrounding skin to avoid redness or irritation.

Thyme essential oil helps to strengthen the immune system and in particular the respiratory tract. It can be used to prevent seasonal complaints and to shorten their duration. Thyme in Greek means courage; use this essential oil for states of anxiety and fearfulness, as well as for insomnia when caused by agitation and excessive worry.

Contraindications: excess use may be toxic. Do not use in cases of hyperthyroidism or epilepsy during pregnancy.