Spiral Leaf

A Healing Herb (Thyme)

Sue Cartwright • 18 January 2025

Thyme is a powerful aromatic herb with many healing properties

A Healing Herb (Thyme) by Sue Cartwright, Spiral Leaf

A Healing Herb Guide


Thyme is the second herb to feature in my new Healing Herb Guide.


Thyme has an instantly recognisable fragrance that is bright, sweet and earthy with notes of Pepper, Mint, Pine and Eucalyptus. Lemon Thyme has a pronounced citrus flavour and other varieties of Thyme mimic the flavours that they are named after.


Thyme belongs to the Mint family and is a relative to Oregano with similar shaped oval lanceolate leaves with rolled edges. Thyme is a classic garden herb that thrives as well in a pot on a windowsill as it does in a garden flower bed. Thyme is an evergreen herb used for medicinal, cleansing, culinary and ornamental purposes.


I hope you enjoy discovering the life-giving and healing benefits of Thyme as part of a healthy lifestyle and diet for your good health and wellbeing.


A Healing Herb (Thyme) by Sue Cartwright, Spiral Leaf

Folklore

Thyme originates from the Mediterranean where it has always been an important addition to the Winter kitchen when other herbs are less readily available.



Thyme once provided an entrance into the Fairiy Realm. It was the key ingredient in a potion the Fairies made to enable the user to see them, especially when taken during the Summer Solstice on Midsummer's night.



The aromatic scent of Thyme was known to have cleansing properties, both physically and spiritually. It was used to purify the air in homes and places of worship across the land.



Thyme has long been associated with Bees, especially some of the more solitary ones like the Blue Mason Bee. No Bee-friendly garden should be without Thyme which flowers from June through to October.



Nutrition

Thyme provides a rich source of essential vitamins such as A, E, C, K, B-complex and folate. It is also one of the best sources of calcium, iron, manganese, selenium and potassium. 



Thyme contains antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, carminative, diaphoretic and expectorant properties which support healing throughout the entire body. 



Thyme is a good source of pyridoxine which is known to play an important role in manufacturing GABA levels in the brain, aid in regulating sleep patterns, and benefit neurotransmitter function and mental function. GABA is an active ingredient and one of the best natural defenses against stress damage. 



SOURCE: Medical Medium - Thyme


A Healing Herb (Thyme) by Sue Cartwright, Spiral Leaf

Remedies

Thyme aids digestion by helping to break down fatty foods often eaten more frequently in the colder months when other herbs are not so readily available. 



Thyme is a key component of Bouquet Garni which, together with Sage, Bay and Parsley, is tied into bundles to add to casseroles and soups, adding flavour and helping with digestion.



Thyme has strong antiseptic properties and makes a powerful herbal tea (see below) for inner cleansing and to ease a sore throat. 



Thyme placed under the pillow ensures a restful night’s sleep and burning Thyme helps to purify rooms and buildings. Bathing in bathwater infused with Thyme helps to relieve sadness, anxiety and tension.



SOURCE: Herbal Haven - Thyme


Recipes 


Rosemary Herbal Tea


Fresh (or dried) Rosemary makes a powerful healing herbal tea and a perfect pick-me-up if you are feeling tired or unable to focus. 


Ideally, steep a handful of fresh sprigs in hot filtered water for at least 10 minutes or soak overnight in a pitcher of filtered water to sip throughout the day. 


Add organic Raw Honey and fresh Lemon juice for added nutrients, sweetness and flavour.


Rosemary Roasted Vegetables 


A delicious main meal or side dish made with carrots, parsnips, beets, potatoes, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, onions and bundles of fresh Rosemary.


COMING SOON!


Featured healing herbs to start the collection ...

Stay tuned!


I hope you enjoyed the first in an ongoing series of posts about the healing powers and health benefits of herbs that  can be grown in any sized garden - and in pots too!


There is much more to come with three new herbs to be published on the directory every month with three introductory blog posts like this one.


Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey of herbal delights and discovery. I hope it will become a helpful resource that you can rely on for well-researched information and as a starting point for further learning.


It's another wonderful year for Nature lovers to enjoy and I look forward to seeing you again soon.


Much love

Sue Xx


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