25 Consulting Thyme
Reflection
There is an innate wisdom in the Earth. Our kinship with plants can enlighten and empower us. As we consider and consult the greens that grow so near to us, what do we learn— what Earthly gifts are they so freely offering to our body and soul?
What do we know about thyme?
It’s beautiful. Evergreen, low growing (only 6 to 16 inches tall), grey-yellow-silver -green, and woody, this aromatic shrub has tiny and thick, pointed leaves that whorl around the square stems in opposite pairs. It blooms tubular clusters of tiny white-pink-yellow—rose-lavender blooms, depending on the variety. There are many varieties of this plant, 400 or more, that are categorized as ornamental, such as the creeping time that grows beautifully in rock gardens or culinary such as the lemony lemon thyme, the flavor packed German winter thyme, or the productive common thyme.
It’s growable. A hardy perennial herb, thyme is easy to grow. Of the mint family thyme grows abundantly. Thyme likes a sunny location; however in hotter regions, partial shade may be best. It also likes water. While it is good to let the soil dry out, this plant needs a regular water supply and will die off during a draught. While it has been naturalized around the world in temperate areas, today it is mostly grown in Spain and France. It’s great to pair with lavender as they favor the same growing conditions.
It’s got roots. Thyme is native to the Mediterranean. People have written about thyme for ages. In 2750BC, its use was described on cuneiform tablets in Sumeria: it was pulverized with fruits and water and used it as a poultice. In Egypt, it was used for embalming the dead. In Greece, it was used as temple incense and Greek men would rub in on their chests because they liked the smell of it. In Rome, thyme was strewn on floors to deter venomous creatures, added to baths to impart energy, and placed in bed sheets to chase away melancholy and to prevent nightmares. Benedictine monks added thyme to their elixirs for health and happiness. In England, Shakespeare referred to it in his Midsummer Night's Dream. And throughout time, this herb has been used as a spice and is a kitchen staple.
It’s got a name. Common names for thymus include thyme, silver edge, and mother of thyme. There is a debate around the origin of the name of this plant. Some believe the name thyme is derived from the Greek thumos which means smoke. This meaning could allude to its use as incense or its burning when sacrifices were made, and as a fumigation for insects. Curiously, the name of this plant, thymus, is very close to the Greek word for courage, thumus, and people came to believe that thyme would impart courage to those who carried the herb. It was often given to soldiers as they left for battle. Even in mideveal times, ladies would embroider onto scented scarves a bee hovering above a spray of thyme to present to their protector knight as a way to say, take courage.
It’s edible. Used in kitchens for centuries, to season sauces, stuffings, and soups, both the flowers and the leaves are edible, but most people utilize the leaves. Along with sage, parsley and marjoram, thyme is a component of a classic French garnish. To get the best tastes out of this herb, put a handful in a smoothie, dice it into a salsa mix or avocado blend, or toss it on a salad. The white or pale pink asymmetrical flowers are beautiful on salads. Fresh or dried, the leaves are a great addition to salads, soups, dips. They go well as a topping for just about any dish. I simple love to top my salads with a tablespoon of it. I like how it boosts my iron intake! If you cook, try sautéing a T of it with veggie broth, garlic, mushrooms, and onions, and rice, and then add more broth to cook the rice as you would do normally. Fresh thyme also makes a beautiful and healing herbal tea. Soak it in water placing it in the sun or leave it in the refrigerator overnight, or steep a handful of fresh sprigs in hot water for ten minutes or more. Sip it throughout your day and imbibe the benefits!
It’s nutrient dense. Nutritionally, this herb contains vitamins A,B, C, E and K. It also has significant amounts of calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, pyridoxine, and potassium. Thyme has very high levels of antioxidants levels and is packed with bioflavonoids. It is rich in folate and fiber.
It’s medicine. With its powerful ability to kill off bacteria and viruses, thyme wards off illness and fights colds. Its antioxidant compounds work to detox the body by eliminate free-radicals and other substances that produce disease. Thyme is antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial and supports healing throughout the entire body. This herb is great for the brain; it stimulates the mind and memory. It is calming to the entire nervous system. It eases headache and muscle tension, soothes coughs, and relieve fevers. It helps to regulate sleep. It prevents nightmares and melancholy. This herb cleanses the digestive tract by destroying certain intestinal parasites. It aids in digestion. The essential oil of thyme is very powerful. Used as a local antiseptic and antimicrobial throughout time, it also supports the immune system, and eases fatigue and weakness after illness. Thyme oil can also improves the circulation of blood to the scalp and because of this, help to stop hair loss and stimulates hair growth. It also great for mouth wash. To enjoy its benefits, eat it, drink it, bath in it, rub it on your body. Use it in tooth paste and moth wash, put it into your cosmetics.
A wild note: Wild thyme is loved by fairies, often referred to as the dance floor of fairies, and because of this, bringing it into your home may encourage carries into your home as well. Be aware.
What Advise for living does this plant give?
Grace the world with your delightful presence. With humility, stay grounded. From head to toe, be useful. With clarity, enjoy the rocky hillsides; thrive in the sun. Be fragrant. Instill courage. Remain evergreen; be beautiful.
Sources
Reynolds, Gail. “The Garden: It’s about Thyme.” Countryside & Small Stock Journal, vol. 90, no. 1, Jan. 2006, pp. 60–63. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=19311413&site=eds-live.
TROTH, MILLIE. “Is It Time for Thyme? Thyme Essential Oil.” Countryside & Small Stock Journal, vol. 95, no. 2, Mar. 2011, pp. 64–67. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=58454130&site=eds-live.
“Thyme.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition, Mar. 2021, p. 1. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lfh&AN=134498741&site=eds-live.
“Thyme.” Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, Jan. 2018, p. 1; EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=funk&AN=th052500&site=eds-live.
William, Anthony. “Thyme.” https://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/thyme. Assessed 25 June 2021.