“I can appreciate
thyme because of its antiseptic qualities. It contains thymol and its smell
destroys viruses and bacteria in the atmosphere as it destroys infectious germs
in the body. I do not know any infection that cannot be mitigated if treated
with this precious herb. It is an excellent weapon against epidemics and much
cheaper than other means of controlling them. From boils to typhoid and
whitlows to tuberculosis, it is excellent beyond compare!” – Maurice Messegue
(French herbalist)
Our first attempt at growing thyme was not very successful.
The little seed babies sprouted quickly and grew their beautiful first true
leaves just like they were supposed to before the bug and bird monsters got to
them. We’ve since taken to keeping our herbs and seedlings in a screened box
frame when they are young to protect them from critters and that seems to be
working out well, which means we now get to enjoy our fresh thyme! I’m glad,
too, because I love thyme. It is one of the most powerful and versatile healing
herbs. Thyme has been used for centuries for cooking, healing, in the home, and
in the medical industry.
HISTORY
We know people have been using thyme since at least the
first century A.D. and many believe thyme was used in the manger where Mary placed her son, Jesus. It is believed to have been grown
in gardens in America since the very early 1800’s.
ESSENTIAL OIL EXTRACTION METHOD: usually water or steam
distillation*
PROPERTIES
-
Antibacterial
-
Antibiotic
-
Antifungal
-
Antimicrobial
-
Antiparasitic
-
Antiseptic
-
Antiviral
-
Antioxidant
-
Deodorizer
-
Disinfectant
-
Germicide
-
Healing
-
Pest repellent
-
Purifying
-
Refreshing
USES
-
Skin care products, soaps, mouthwashes, and
cosmetic steaming mixtures
-
Treatment and prevention method for
sleeplessness and nightmares
-
Treatment for headaches, migraines, muscle
tension, stress, cramps, and other aches and pains
-
Season fatty foods with thyme to help prevent
acne
-
Beneficial for the nervous system, digestive
system, circulatory system, immune system, and respiratory system
-
Helps to loosen congestion and ease coughs
-
Effective treatment and prevention method for
colds and flu
-
Calms nerves and dispels anxiety
-
Relieves mental fatigue, stimulates memory and
concentration, lifts the spirit
-
Useful for skin conditions like ringworm, burns,
cuts, eczema, bruises, acne, insect bites, etc.
-
Used in veterinary medicine
-
Treat/prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and other
signs of compromised oral health
-
Cleaning in the home
TIDBITS
-
The medical industry used pillows made with
thyme because of thyme’s disinfecting, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
-
It was once common for women who were giving
birth to be placed on a bed of fresh herbs, including thyme, to ease labor and
reduce the risk of developing an infection.
-
In many cultures, thyme has long been believed
to be an herb that instills courage.
CAUTIONS
-
Thyme essential oil should be diluted for
external use. Failure to dilute thyme essential oil can result in blistering of
the skin.
-
You should only take Thyme essential oil
internally under the supervision of a doctor and only if the oil is USDA and
ECO-CERT certified 100% organic (DoTerra and Young Living oils do NOT meet
these standards). It is a powerful herbal medicine and, if used improperly, can
prove to be lethal. Children and women who are pregnant should avoid using
Thyme essential oil. Thyme should only be used medicinally under supervision of
a doctor or a certified herbalist or aromatherapist.
TO TRY:
TO TRY:
-
Make a cosmetic steaming mixture of equal parts
thyme, chamomile flowers, and lavender flowers.
-
During flu season, or when you are exposed to
the flu or colds, eat foods with a lot of thyme, sage, garlic, and onion. It’s
an easy, tasty, and effective flu prevention method!
-
Some communities use thyme to keep chicken lice
away from their hens and out of their coop.
*you should always verify extraction methods with your
essential oil provider
RECIPE IDEAS FROM OTHER BLOGGERS:
Blueberry Lemon Thyme Ice Cream // Garlic Thyme Parmesan Popcorn // Toasted Almonds with Thyme, Rosemary, and Lemon // Herbal Wreath // Thyme & Onion Crackers (grain free and nut free) // Homemade Poultry Seasoning // Fig & Thyme Jam // DIY Thyme Clear Complexion Toner
Information Sources: Natural
Health Complete Guide to Medicinal Herbs – Penelope Ody, MNIMH / The Complete Illustrated Guide to
Aromatherapy – Julia Lawless / Heinerman’s
Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs and Spices – John Heinerman / National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs
by Rebecca L. Johnson and Steven
Foster, Tieraona Low Dog, MD & David Kiefer, MD / Essential Herbal Wisdom – Nancy Arrowsmith /
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and none of the
above information is meant to be considered as medical advice. The information above
is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any illness or disease. I am
just a natural health and pure, organic living enthusiast, sharing what I have learned. I encourage you to
always do your own research. Please check with your naturopathic physician or a
certified herbalist or aromatherapist before introducing anything new into your
home.
