Thyme - English

From the family Lamiaceae.

A native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, this is a genus comprising numerous species that are very diverse in appearance and come from many different parts of the world. Thymus is derived from the the Greek word 'thymon', meaning courage. Roman soldiers bathed in thyme water to give themselves vigour. They also used it to purify and fumigate their rooms. In the Middle Ages, European ladies embroidered a sprig of thyme on tokens for their knights errant. It was also said that drinking it was part of a ritual to enable one to see fairies. The powerful antiseptic and preservative porperties were well known to the Egyptians, who used it for embalming.

Pick fresh leaves all year round. For preserving, pick before it is in flower. Trim back after flowering to promote new growth and to stop the plant from becoming woody.

Thyme is an aid to digestion and helps break down fatty foods. Mix with parsley and bay in bouquet garni. Use to flavour vinegars, herbal butters, tea, poultry, game, fish, stuffings, stews, stocks, soups, bread, mayonnaise, mushrooms, broccoli and added to salads.

Infuse to make a tea and mix with honey to sooth coughs and sore throats. Use the dried flowers and leaves in sachets and pot pourris.