Thyme: Elegance Drifting Through the Ages of Time

Thyme is a herb that has been cultivated for centuries for both its medicinal and culinary uses.

History

The use of thyme has been recorded since 3000BC when the Sumerians used it as a medicinal ingredient while the Egyptians used it in the mummification process.

The word ?thyme" comes from a Greek word meaning ?to fumigate". It was used in Greek temples as incense and both the Greeks and the Romans use it for its healing properties. Among the Greeks, thyme denoted graceful elegance, to smell of thyme? was meant as praise to those with admirable style.

During the Middle Ages, thyme was considered a symbol of courage and women made scarves with embroidered sprigs of thyme on them to be worn by their knights who marched into battle.

Ecology

Thyme can be found growing on dry banks and heaths, Greece hillsides and throughout the Mediterranean, Europe and the British Isles. The plant has numerous 6 to 10 inches tall woody stems covered in fine hair and flattish round leaves that grow in pairs. Its flowers are bluish purple, two-lipped and bloom in clusters from May to September.

The oil of this small garden herb is a clear, pale yellow liquid with a sweet, fresh scent like that of greenery.

Health Notes

The highly antiseptic properties of thyme make it a common ingredient in antibacterial mouthwash, antiseptic lotions, commercial disinfectants and toothpastes. Due to its healing virtues, thyme was used by the British army to treat wounded soldiers during World War Two.

Thyme is good for relieving respiratory problems, colds, flu, cough and sore throat. It may also be used to clear congestions caused by sinus and alleviates asthma.

Recent research has found thyme to relax the smooth stomach muscles to aid digestion.

Thyme is soothing to the nerves, which is rejuvenating to mind, making it ideal for treating depression or lethargy.

Although thyme is a favourite of bees, it is also a good insect and moth repellant. Caution Use thyme oils in moderation and to avoid during pregnancy because it is a uterine stimulant.

Latest News


Romney's Alternative Auto Rescue Plan
FOXNews - 1 hour ago
This is a rush transcript from "Your World With Neil Cavuto," November 19, 2008. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. ...

Boston Globe (registration)

UPDATE 1-W.House backs Republican alternative on auto aid
Reuters - 23 hours ago
WASHINGTON, Nov 19 (Reuters) - The White House said on Wednesday it supported an alternative Republican proposal for aid to the auto industry that would ...
Video: Senate Cancels Vote on Doomed Auto Bailout AssociatedPress
Senate Republicans drafting alternative $25 billion aid package DetNews.com
A Rational Alternative to the Auto Industry Bailout Blogcritics.org
CNNMoney.com - MLive.com
all 4,994 news articles

CharlotteObserver.com

Alternative core inflation gauge sees biggest drop ever
MarketWatch - 23 hours ago
By Rex Nutting WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- An alternative measure of core inflation, which doesn't automatically exclude food and energy costs, ...
Video: Consumer Prices Drop Record 1 Percent in October AssociatedPress
Fed Predicts Economic Woes Through '09 Christian Broadcasting Network
all 1,183 news articles

Madison County Wind for Schools Project Brings Alternative Energy ...
International Business Times, NY - 2 hours ago
A regional partnership will install small wind turbines at three schoolsin Madison County and develop a K-12 alternative-energy curriculum as part ofan ...
NEW Supreme Court backs governor, Kittitas wind power Yakima Herald-Republic
all 12 news articles

Washington Post

Montgomery Lawmaker Touts Alternative to Ambulance Fee
Washington Post, United States - Nov 18, 2008
By Ann E. Marimow Montgomery County Council member Phil Andrews today introduced what he called an alternative to a proposed ambulance fee that would ...
Red-light cameras mulled as source of EMS funding Business Gazette
all 14 news articles

UK pension fund USS eyes alternative assets boost
Reuters - Nov 19, 2008
By Cecilia Valente LONDON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Britain's second-largest pension scheme is mulling a sharp boost in alternative assets such as private equity ...

JA Solar says it plans to work with BP
CNNMoney.com - 1 hour ago
NEW YORK (Associated Press) - JA Solar Holdings Co. and an alternative-energy subsidiary of oil giant BP PLC said Thursday they plan to jointly develop and ...
JA Solar and BP Intend to Form Long-Term Agreement MarketWatch
all 20 news articles

Grand Rapids' alternative ed programs face change
The Grand Rapids Press - MLive.com, MI - 3 hours ago
The specialized schools are part of a 16-point plan to better serve alternative education students and includes extensive use of technology, better-trained ...

Washington Post

US seeks alternative supply routes to Afghanistan
Pakistan Dawn, Pakistan - 14 hours ago
By Our Correspondent WASHINGTON, Nov 19: The United States is seeking alternative supply routes for Nato troops in Afghanistan, including a tortuous ...
US seeks alternative supply routes PRESS TV
all 1,245 news articles

Canada.com

Microsoft to Replace OneCare with Thin Alternative
PC Magazine - Nov 18, 2008
by Mark Hachman Microsoft said Tuesday that it will discontinue its OneCare PC protection offering next June, replacing it with a thinner, free offering ...
The 'Morro' of the story CNET News
Microsoft to replace OneCare with free consumer anti-malware Current IT news from heise online
Microsoft to kill off Windows Live OneCare next year Ars Technica
all 278 news articles

Resources