Common Thyme, Garden thyme, Wild Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Physical Characteristics

Thymus vulgaris is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

S. Europe.

Habitats

Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Leaves and flowering tops - raw in salads, used as a garnish or added as a flavouring to cooked foods, going especially well with mushrooms and courgettes[2, 4, 21, 46, 183, 238]. It is an essential ingredient of the herb mix 'bouquet garni'[238]. It retains its flavour well in long slow cooking[200]. The leaves can be used either fresh or dried[183]. If the leaves are to be dried, the plants should be harvested in early and late summer just before the flowers open and the leaves should be dried quickly[200]. A nutritional analysis is available[218]. An aromatic tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves[21, 183]. Pungent and spicy[183].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antiseptic Antispasmodic Aromatherapy Carminative Deodorant Diaphoretic Disinfectant Expectorant Sedative Tonic Common thyme has a very long history of folk use for a wide range of ailments[218]. It is very rich in essential oils and these are the active ingredients responsible for most of the medicinal properties[218]. In particular, thyme is valued for its antiseptic and antioxidant properties, it is an excellent tonic and is used in treating respiratory diseases and a variety of other ailments[254]. The flowering tops are anthelmintic, strongly antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, deodorant, diaphoretic, disinfectant, expectorant, sedative and tonic[4, 7, 21, 200, 218]. The plant is used internally in the treatment of dry coughs, whooping cough, bronchitis, bronchial catarrh, asthma, laryngitis, indigestion, gastritis and diarrhoea and enuresis in children[238]. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238]. Externally, it is used in the treatment of tonsillitis, gum diseases, rheumatism, arthritis and fungal infections[238]. The plant can be used fresh at any time of the year, or it can be harvested as it comes into flower and either be distilled for the oil or dried for later use[238]. Thyme has an antioxidant effect, thus regular use of this herb improves the health and longevity of individual body cells and therefore prolongs the life of the body[254, K]. The essential oil is strongly antiseptic[4]. The whole herb is used in the treatment of digestive disorders, sore throats, fevers etc[4]. The essential oil is one of the most important oils used in aromatherapy[7, 210]. Its keyword is 'Bacterial'[210]. It is used especially in cases of exhaustion, depression, upper respiratory tract infections, skin and scalp complaints etc[238]. The oil can cause allergic reactions and irritation to the skin and mucous membranes[238].

Known Hazards

A comment has been made in one report on medicinal uses that the plant should be used with caution[21]. No explanation was given. It quite possibly refers to overuse of the essential oil. All essential oils, since they are so concentrated, can be harmful in large doses[K]. Avoid if inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Internal use contraindicated especially in pregnancy. Caution if sensitive to grasses [301]. Dilute oil in carrier oil before topical use.