By Maryann Readal

Thyme, Thymus vulgaris, The Herb Society’s Herb of the Month for June, is an herb that should be in our diet. Thyme’s small leaves are packed full of A, K, E, C, and B-complex vitamins. In addition, the tiny leaves are an abundant source of potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and selenium—all minerals that are good for our health. If that does not convince you to add thyme to your daily diet, the fact that it is a rich source of antioxidants may. There are at least 60 antioxidant compounds in thyme essential oil that help stop the cancer-causing processes that damage or destroy cells in our body (Nieto, 2020).  Recent research documents the effectiveness of thyme’s use in treating breast and colon cancers, high blood pressure, acne, and bacterial and yeast infections (Felman, 2018). Today, the thymol in thyme essential oil is used to make hand lotions, mouthwashes, and acne preparations.

The ancients knew that this unassuming little plant was a powerhouse for good health and was good for happiness, too. Thyme, like many other herbs, has a long history of use. In 3000 BCE, the Sumerians used it to clean wounds and to energize the mind. Due to its antibacterial and antioxidant chemicals, Egyptians used thyme to preserve food and bodies with their embalming practice. Greeks believed that thyme could boost the courage of soldiers going into battle, and they also burned it to cleanse their temples. The Romans also believed that thyme could build courage, and they spread that belief throughout Europe. The Romans also felt that eating thyme would protect one from being poisoned. Perhaps thyme was merely an antidote for eating meat that was past its prime. Romans, like the Greeks, added thyme to their wine and cheeses. Of course, during the plague years, people wore thyme sprigs on their clothing and placed it around their doors to keep the plague out of their homes. Medieval ladies embroidered thyme on their knight’s clothing, who also wore a sprig of thyme on their armor to instill bravery. During the Middle Ages, sachets of thyme were placed under pillows to ward off nightmares and ensure a good night’s sleep. The Victorians believed that fairies lived wherever thyme grew, and it became popular for children to camp out where thyme grew in hopes of spotting a fairy (It’s about thyme, 2018). 

Woven through many of the historic uses of thyme, there is the idea that it can make you feel confident and can chase away melancholy. Still today, some people use an oil containing thyme to bring good luck in gambling, good fortune in finance, and even love (It’s about thyme, 2018). Here again is the idea that thyme boosts self-confidence, which may lead to success in love and money matters.

Thyme is an easy-to-grow perennial herb in the mint (Lamiaceae) family. It is native to the southern region of Europe and northern Africa. There are nearly 500 varieties (Nieto, 2020)  of the herb—all of them having culinary and medicinal value. Thymus vulgaris is the most commonly used variety with lemon thyme (Thymus citriodora), following close behind. Thyme thrives when grown in a sunny, well-draining spot. It is a good ground cover in a sunny area and can be a nice addition to a rock garden. Bees love its tiny purple, pink, or white blossoms.

Of course, thyme is a staple in the kitchen. Its tiny leaves can be tossed into salads, soups, and sauces. It is equally at home sprinkled on roasts, fish, and poultry. Some varieties of thyme are perfect for breads and desserts. Its light, earthy flavor does not overshadow other herbs and spices and can be used in almost any dish. It is an herb that is included in herbes de Provence, bouquet garni, and in the Middle Eastern herb blend, za’atar. According to Nieto (2020), “a diet rich in spices not only enhances the taste of food but also makes it healthier.” Because of its value for good health, thyme should be used liberally and often.

For recipes and more information about thyme, please visit The Herb Society’s Herb of the Month webpage.

Medicinal Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.

Photo Credits: 1) Thymus vulgaris in bloom (M. Readall); 2) Bundle of thyme stems (Ramas_de_Tomillo, Wikimedia Commons); 3) Variegated lemon thyme (Thymus citriodora) (M. Readall); 4) Thyme in a rock garden (Jean Marsh); 5) Cooked carrots with thyme sprigs (M. Readall).

References

Dauqan, Eqbal and Aminah Abdullah. 2017. Medicinal and functional values of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) herb. Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology, 5(02), March-April 2017. Accessed 5/16/24. Available from https://jabonline.in/abstract.php?article_id=188&sts=2

Felman, Adam. 2018. What are the benefits of thyme? Accessed 5/16/24. Available from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266016

Herbal Academy. n.d.. Thyme. Accessed 5/16/24. Available from https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monograph/thyme/

It’s about thyme. 2018. Accessed 5/14/24. Available from https://www.provenceparadise.com/post/it-s-about-thyme. 

Nieto, Gema. 2020. A review on applications and uses of Thymus in the food industry. Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 9(8), 961. Accessed 5/14/2024.  Available from  https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9080961

Sedgwick, Icy. 2022. Thyme to find romance? Meet the herb of love & courage. Accessed 5/10/24. Available from https://www.icysedgwick.com/thyme/folklore

Maryann is a member of The Herb Society of America’s Texas Thyme Unit in Huntsville, TX. She is a Texas Master Gardener and a certified Native Landscape Specialist with the Texas Native Plant Society. She lectures and writes about herbs and plants and does the herb training for several Master Gardener programs. She gardens among the pines in the Piney Woods of East Texas.