Thyme against ageing and disease

Thymus is one of our most versatile herbs and spices

Thymus vulgaris L.

Thyme Thymus (Thyme thymus)

It is also used in cooking for its delicate aroma and is excellent fresh or dried with fatty foods, stimulating appetite and digestion. It is a herb for various meats, fish, soups, sauces, spreads, liver dumplings, pizza, lasagne or ravioli.

Its tea is an effective cough/cough suppressant. Its essential oil has a strong antiseptic effect, dissolving mucus and airways. It is also used for colds, bacterial intestinal and stomach upsets, and its decoction even relieves diarrhoea.

Externally for insect bites, rubbed in for rheumatism and arthritis. Some research suggests it reduces the ageing process. For more information on its effects, uses, cultivation and storage, see the description.

There are 350 known species in its genus, often creeping, sun-loving, perennial half-shrubs full of fragrant essential oils.

Read the article:

Occurrence of Thyme
Active ingredient
Cultivation
Storage
Use
Effects
Old monastic recipe
Research results
Origin and history
Thyme – narrow-leaved –
Unusual varieties
FAQ

Old or other familiar names: garden thyme, démutka, medical démutka, balsam grass, balsam foxglove, balsam foxglove, balsam foxglove, cultivated buttongrass, wild buttongrass, incense, thymian, thymian, thymian, chickweed

The name is derived from the Latin Greek word “thyo”, perfume, but some say it is derived from the word “thymon”, meaning courage, or “thymos” = against fear. The scent of thyme was also thought to give courage and strength. In the English language it gives rise to many puns, Shakespeare mentioned it. The genus to which it belongs has nearly 350 evergreen species.
Thyme is a highly variable-looking plant, of which many species and varieties have recently been distinguished. Formerly called thymus serpyllum(field thyme), this species has now been divided into many smaller species. However, all these newer species are of equal medicinal value, and it is therefore unnecessary to go into details.

Thyme is a perennial semi-shrub with a woody lower part on a spreading or creeping stem. Its thin-stalked shoots, which are renewed annually, are erect and 10-20 cm high; they are densely spaced, forming a lawn. The upper part of the stem is four-edged and either evenly hairy or hairy along two or four longitudinal lines, or even glabrous. Leaves may be ovate, elliptic or filamentous, narrowing into a very short stem; blunt-tipped, with intact margins, and mostly with straw-like hairs at the base. The leaves are opposite each other on the stem. At the top of the stem and in the axils of the upper leaves are tiny purple or light crimson flowers, clustered in dense clusters. The flowers are short-tongued, their receptacles usually hairy. Often there are two types of flowers in one head, so called smaller female and larger male flowers. Thyme flowers in May-July.

A more fragrant, aromatic species than wild or field thyme, the gardenthyme (thymus vulgaris), which originates from the Mediterranean (some sources say Eurasia), is cultivated; its shoots are more vigorous and can reach a length of 40 cm. Their branched leaf blades are 6-10 mm long, fibrous, lanceolate or ovate with a curled edge (this distinguishes them from thyme), and are dotted with sparse or dense, hairy essential oil glands.

Occurrence:

Thyme grows in sunny, dry hills and grassy areas. It is found mainly in meadows and pastures, and in sunny places along roadsides, field margins, marshes, woodland clearings and forest edges. Its native habitat is around the Mediterranean. It is grown in Germany, the south of France and in many places in our country. Common wild species in our country are thymus serpyllum L.(field thyme) and thymus marschallianus, thymus subeitratusandthymus glabrercens (common thyme), which are found in our country on the sunny sides of hills and mountains, along roadsides and in meadows, and the flowering parts of which are collected and sold as herba serpylli.

Its active substances are:

The drug (thimus vulgaris herba) contains essential oil containing 1-2.5% thymol, tannin (10%), bitter substance, saponin and resin. It is superior in potency to wild thyme. The essential oil of garden thyme contains 20-50% thymol (thyme camphor), 15% carvacrol, p-cymene, a little pinene and menthol, 15% borneol, 15% linalool and cineol, esters, malic salts, and phytonutrients, amino acids (lysine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine and valine), tryptophan, which is responsible for mood alteration. It is high in calcium, phosphorus, potassium and beta-carotene. It also contains calcium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, magnesium, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and C. Fibres, proteins, minerals, flavonoids. Thanks to these substances, it is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against harmful free radicals. Free radicals have been shown to increase the incidence of serious cancers, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and cell damage.

Cultivation:

Even more fragrant and aromatic than wild or field thyme(thymus serpyllum) is garden thyme(thymus vulgaris L.). Thyme is more aromatic or more fragrant than other thymes. It can be propagated from seed by seedling production or by division. Seeds should be sown in March in a warm bed, and by early summer you can have seedlings ready for planting, which can be harvested for use as a drug the following year.

Thyme propagated by division in spring (April-July) will produce a crop by summer, but can also be propagated later in autumn (September-October). Most varieties can be sown in the spring, but do not cover them, as the seeds need light to germinate (the seeds are not sure of their seed-bearing qualities, so propagate vegetatively if possible). Once established, it can then reproduce from seed on its own. Avoid frosty areas when planning planting. The best crops to grow as a pre-seed are catch crops, including pulses, but care should be taken as they are easily weedy. The most important care is weed control.

Planting it near cabbage and aubergines is a good idea, as it repels pests and attracts bees. Its flowers are an excellent source of nectar, so it is also worth planting near beehives. (It produces delicious honey with a delicious caraway, lemon, orange and pine scent.)

Yield: 5-8 más of dried plants per catastrophic acre.
Flowering, leafy shoots should be harvested without the lower, faded, leafless stem parts. Their drying ratio is about 3:1. The drug(serpylli herba) contains 0.1-0.5% thymol essential oil, bitter substances, tannins, salts
To prevent woodiness, it is advisable to cut back new shoots to 1-1.5 cm above older branches. If cut back after flowering, it will produce new shoots and will flower again in September after cutting in May.
It is not worth planting on its own for four years afterwards, but it is a good idea to cover it up during heavy frosts, as long as it gets enough sunlight it will not be attacked.

Folklore has it that a thyme garden attracts fairies:)

Storage:

It is easy to dry, retains its fragrance, its leaves should be picked before flowering (if possible, cut the leaves off the plant with scissors or pinch them with a fingernail) and then stored in a dry, dark place, preferably in a tightly closed jar.

They can also be soaked in vinegar and oil. The valuable thyme oil can be extracted from the whole plant, from the flower tops. Harvesting is best done during a full moon, on a sunny afternoon.

It is one of the few spices whose aroma is intensified by drying. Drying in open air or in a dehydrator at 40 degrees Celsius.

It can be kept in the fridge for a few days, but in this case it is advisable to wrap the fresh branches in a wet napkin or paper towel.

Use in meals:

One of the spices in the French bouquet garni, which is nothing more than a bouquet of parsley, basil, rosemary, and thyme sprigs. This small bouquet is tied with string and soaked in soups or sauces during cooking, and then the bouquet is easily removed from the dish at the end of cooking.
The woody varieties of the plant have an aroma similar to that of button pepper.

It can be added to chicken dishes (when roasting chicken, stick a few sprigs under the skin or inside), mutton, fish, pizzas (it complements tomato dishes and pasta well), ratatouille, soups, salads, dressings, marinades, barbeques or cakes, bread dough and roasted tomatoes.

It is an indispensable seasoning for cured liver, liver dumpling lasagne, ravioli, spicy cottage cheese, but can also be used with sausages, sauerkraut, sauerkraut, stuffed cabbage, cheese, and cured meats. It pairs well with chocolate, cream puddings, fruit (especially strawberries). Also put in savoury dumplings, muffins, jellies. It can be used with pumpkins, mushrooms (especially mushrooms), or even in broth.

It used to be a very popular accompaniment to fatty meats, especially lamb or fatty and indigestible dishes, because it makes them easier to process and very tasty. Wild thyme is less suitable for cooking because its leaves are chewier and harder.

Some say it is more delicate and aromatic than garden thyme, however, the aroma of wild thyme gives off its flavour harmony through heating, so it needs to be cooked in the dish for a while. Flavouring and seasoning food with thyme helps shelf life, extending the shelf life. Sprinkled over salted potatoes, it gives them a special flavour, if possible add it to the dish at the beginning of cooking, this highly aromatic plant has also been used in the past as a ‘salt substitute’.

It can also be added to vinegar, oil, marinades, mint, rosemary, lavender and fresh thyme flowers should be soaked in a litre of olive oil for 3 days, then strained and this oil can be used externally or dripped into a vaporizer during flu season.

It can eliminate the harmful compounds produced when barbecuing and frying in the garden, thus protecting the body, and when cooking grilled chicken, sticking a few sprigs of thyme with apples into the belly cavity gives it a divine flavour.

It is also used in the production of liqueurs, Stonsdorfer Bitter and Chartreuse, which are used in the production of alpine spice liqueur.

It is also recommended for dietary use, as it stimulates the body and can help with weight loss and detoxification.

Medicinal properties:

It can be used for wind chills, loss of appetite, bronchitis, cough (even whooping cough), colds, flu (fever), sinusitis, sore throat, asthma, toothache, cold sores, cold sores, cold sores, shingles, fungal infections, nail fungus, urinary tract infections and cramps. It is also a household, liquor and food spice. Stimulates the immune system (increases white blood cell production) and strengthens the lungs.

For asthma sufferers or those who catch respiratory infections easily, it is recommended to drink a cup of thyme tea a day (boil 2 teaspoons of the plant with 1 cup of water, leave to stand for 10 minutes – covered – and strain) or to take a tablespoon of thyme honey. Its tea tastes bitter, especially if you put too much of it, but you can smother it with lemongrass or peppermintand honey. Drunk as a hot tea, it increases perspiration. Gargle with its tea or diluted tincture to relieve sore throats, tonsillitis or toothache.

Usually used in combination with other herbs. E.g. with lungwort, liquorice, poppy, chamomile, cornflower, lime blossom. It is a nervine and sleep aid, some say it is also effective against nightmares, it improves mood and relieves headaches (30 grams of dried plant in half a litre of boiling water, two tablespoons a day).

Monastic recipe for asthma:

soak 30 grams of dried thyme and 25 grams of dried, chopped primrose root in a quarter of a litre of 70% alcohol for 3 weeks, then strain and take 30 drops 3 times a day.
It is also beneficial for the stomach and digestion (against indigestion), and when added to food it stimulates the appetite. It stimulates liver function and cleanses the liver tissues, intensifies the production of bile and rejuvenates it.

Stimulates blood circulation and haematopoiesis, regular consumption of a strong dose is recommended in cases of septicaemia, venereal diseases, leprosy and malaria.

It cleanses the kidneys and, when consumed in large quantities, helps to produce urine (aids detoxification), during diets and dietary meals, but it is also recommended when eating heavier foods such as beans and cabbage.

Its tryptophan content has an effect on depression, stress and insomnia. Some reports suggest that it increases red blood cell production (iron content) to fight anaemia and high blood pressure due to its potassium content, and its blood flow regulating effect accelerates wound healing due to its beneficial effects.

Its essential oil (thymol) is used in diuretics, vermifuge, skin reddening ointments and anti-itch ointments, mouthwashes, perfumery, soaps, liqueurs, toothpastes, hair lotions. Thymol is an antiseptic, analgesic, anti-pathogenic (antimicrobial – germicidal), antiviral – similar to garden hyssop -, astringent, diaphoretic, expectorant, expectorant-antiseptic. It can be used for gas formation, tummy cramps, diarrhoea, stomach cramps. Its essential oil has an expectorant effect when dripped on sugar.

The decoction of flower stems and its syrup are used to treat anaemia, coughs, laryngitis.
Chewing its fresh leaves refreshes breath, whitens teeth, combats bacteria in the oral cavity, relieves toothache.

Its essential oil is extremely strong, and should be diluted when used externally (spread on the skin) Its essential oil is also used externally on furunculus and oily skin, but also on the surface of the skin to repel worms and mosquitoes and to repel bloodsuckers (e.g. fleas). It is also an effective disinfectant against mould, as it has fungicidal, bactericidal, antiseptic and antiseptic properties, so a mixture of alcohol and thyme oil is simply sprayed on the mouldy surface and the mould is gone. When treating, be careful not to touch it, especially the eyes and skin, as it can irritate even the mucous membranes. Extra precautions should be taken when using it in this way.

It is used externally, by steaming, in the treatment of facial and sinus inflammation, and is applied by boiling to clean and disinfect wounds, cuts, abrasions, insect bites. Scalding is effective for rheumatism, arthritis, gout and even sprains. As a wash or poultice, it is suitable for cleansing the eyes and eliminating phlegm. Its decoction cleanses and soothes oily, acne-prone facial skin.

When washing the hair, rinsing with thyme decoction after shampooing strengthens and cleanses the hair and regulates the sebaceous glands of the scalp, which are responsible for greasy hair.
prepare 8-10 tablespoons of thyme in 1 litre of water in the same way as the tea, but here let it stand/steep for 20 minutes, then pour it into the full bath water (rheumatism, sprains, swelling, skin complaints).

It can be used to ease monthly bleeding (by loosening and soothing the smooth muscles), to treat stagnant fluids, gynaecological problems with cysts, vaginal infections. It is also traditionally used to bring out a dead foetus. Its antiseptic, antimicrobial effects have been demonstrated in laboratory experiments on microscopic fungi, yeasts and bacteria.

It can delay the ageing process due to its flavonoids and other substances effective against harmful radicals.

According to some sources, its consumption is recommended only occasionally, to avoid getting used to it.

The thyroid gland may be reduced if consumed over a long period of time!

It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding!

Excessive consumption can cause headaches, nausea, and oil poisoning!

Use is prohibited in case of epilepsy!

Research results:

The ageing process in rats was slowed down by consuming a certain amount of thyme, which was tested in the laboratory. Further animal studies have shown that it can also reduce rapid heart rate and cholesterol levels. One study found that thyme oil absolutely inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus mycelium and showed a broad spectrum of fungitoxicity against eight different food-contaminating fungi. The oil also showed significant antiaphlatoxigenic activity.

Origin and history:

We first read its name in Theophrastides, but it was also highly regarded by Pliny and Dioscorides, the latter recommending it for liver disorders, intestinal spasms, cerebral circulatory complaints and as a diuretic. It was also praised by the alchemist Albertus Magnus and St Hildegard von Bingen. According to the renowned botanist Linné, it is excellent for hangover symptoms (headaches), and it is thanks to him that the plant is classified in the taxonomy.

In antiquity, its sweet aroma was associated with death, so it was used in funeral rites, the spirits of the dead were believed to dwell in its flowers and the smell of cuckoo grass was smelt in haunted places. In ceremonies, when animal sacrifices were made, thyme was sprinkled on them to make them more acceptable to the gods.

The plant was brought to Central Europe by the Benedictine monks, where it became a medicinal and herb plant in monastery gardens and farmyards. Some studies suggest that it may have been introduced to Transylvania from French cuisine in the 17th century and from there to our country, but it is more likely that it was spread by the Romans in ancient times.

The Egyptians and the Etruscans used it for embalming (because of its antiseptic properties) during mummification, the Greeks used it for purification and sanctification, burning it as incense in their temples. For the ancient Greeks it was a symbol of valour. Both Romans and Greeks made oil from it, which was used in medicine for aromatherapy massage and bathing. The Romans spread it throughout Europe as far as the British Isles, using it to flavour their cheeses and wines. Used for preserving meat and seasoning with other aromatic herbs.

The Romans also looked to it as a Venus plant, the ladies used it for perfuming and blushing, soldiers believed that thyme baths enhanced their fighting ability and even sprinkled it on themselves before battle. It is also referred to in the Bible when Moses encountered a field of thyme on Mount Horeb. Its use also appears in Mesopotamian recipe books.

It has been used since ancient times for both food and medicine. It was also considered a panacea against spirits and demons. Even today, on the day of Mary’s Assumption, it is still wreathed or tied in a bunch and consecrated in church. It was placed under the pillow of the sick and buried under the stable door for good milk. Cows’ udders were washed with wild thyme to keep them clean. Women were made to make their beds after childbirth, hence one of its epithets: ‘Maria Bettsroh’ – the straw of Mary’s bed.

In the past, it was associated with strength and courage, and during the Crusades, ladies embroidered thyme branches and bees on their knights’ clothes and flags to make them braver in battle, or stitched thyme sprigs into their shoulder straps to remember them during their long journey. In the World War it was used to treat soldiers’ wounds, and the thymus is named after this plant because of its similarity.

During the great plague epidemic, fleas infected with a plague bacterium called Yersinia, which lives on rats, spread the bubonic plague. Thyme was used to keep fleas away from homes and was also carried in clothing as personal protection.

Folklore has it that if you wanted to see a fairy, “on the shore where thyme grows”, all you had to do was drink from the plant’s spring, wild thyme being under the blessing of the fairies.

The French and Bulgarians are fond of this herb and medicinal plant, the Slavs regarded it as a sacred plant, i.e. the plant of the Holy Mother, and the Ukrainians know it as mala, materinka, motherwort.

Thyme

Medick thyme or wild thyme

Thymus serpyllum

Lamiaceae – orphan plants

Basically works in the same way as garden thyme, but when cooked together they are even more effective for illness. In the case of hangovers, its decoction helps to make the symptoms of a hangover bearable, first recorded by the botanist Linné, but thyme can also be added to make a liqueur, used in baths and in making herbal cushions. Thyme leaves are much larger than garden thyme and the petiole is intact and curled up.

Flowering:

From May to October.

Drug:

– Serpylli herba (MGy. VIII.) whole or chopped, dried flowering shoots of field (narrow-leaved) thyme, with an essential oil content of at least 3 ml/kg.
– Serpylli aetheroleum is the essential oil obtained from fresh flowering shoots.

Active ingredients:

Similar to garden thyme, essential oil 0.1-1.2% (1-5% thymol), carvacrol, cymol, linalool, flavonoids: apigenin, luteolin and their glycosides, tannins (3.4-7.4%), serpyllium (bitter), monoterpenoid, cinnamic acid derivatives: rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, triterpenic acids (oleconolic acid, ursolic acid).

The essential oil content is highest in full bloom, in sunny weather. Its constituents may vary considerably: thymol, carvacrol, citric oil, linalool, and sesquiterpene-rich varieties may be present. Their therapeutic uses also vary.

Effects and uses:

Similar to garden thyme, perhaps a little milder.

– In folk medicine, it is used to treat anaemia, insomnia and respiratory disorders
– Modern medicine makes tea mixtures to treat respiratory tract infections.
– Its decoction is used in rheumatism baths.
– Spice, cosmetic industrial product (essential oil)

Collection:

– All native wild-growing can be collected.
– All native herbs can be harvested from above ground, unwoody, flowering, leafy shoots from April to August.
– It is most abundant in the Iberian Peninsula and Turkey.
– Can be harvested in sunny weather, dried naturally in shady places or at max. 40 ºC.

Therapeutic indications:

• cough suppressant
• expectorant
• respiratory antiseptic
• mild antispasmodic

No side effects, used therapeutically with thymol chemotipus.
Contraindication: it is used for therapeutic purposes.

Uses:

Its branches can be picked and dried throughout the growth phase, it can be substituted with garden thyme, it has the same uses as its cultivated counterpart, but it develops its full aroma best when exposed to heat, so it should always be cooked with food for a certain period of time.
The herbs of garden and field thyme are officially listed in the VIII Hungarian Pharmacopoeia. The herb of garden thyme is also included in the ESCOP monographs.

Some other thyme species:

Lemon thyme (thymus citriodorus)
Much more colourful and ornamental, the leaves of cultivated species are much softer, easy to cut, process and eat. Recommended for fish dishes, syrups, desserts, cocktails. It can be used alone or with other plants to make a tasty tea.

Shining thyme (thymus carnosus)
Said to be one of the most resistant varieties, its white-flowered leaves are dark green and upright, ideal for growing in pots (French Provence thyme is said to have the sweetest and strongest aroma)

Camphor thyme (thymus camphoratus)
As the name suggests, its leaves have a strong camphor scent and are recommended for roasted meats and stronger flavoured dishes.

Winter thyme (thymus hyemalis)
Very similar to garden thyme, but flowers in winter, available from French nurseries.

Orange star thyme (thymus fragrantissimus)
It has silvery-green leaves and tiny pink flowers, and is worth growing for its delicate fragrance, used in cocktails and fruit and cream-based desserts, as its leaves have a really orangey scent.

Early thyme (thymus praecox)
Can be used in the same way as other thyme plants, it is useful for lawns or seating as it forms a low carpet with its creeping, hairy leaves.

Mountain thyme (thymus pulegioides)
It has a similar smell to garden thyme, but is much milder, its green leaves are more showy and easier to pick. The golden thyme is a species with yellow mottled leaves.

Cumin-scented thyme (thymus herba-barona)
It forms carpet-like colonies with stiff stems. Two important varieties are Lemon Caraway and Nutmeg.

Thyme capitatus (thymus capitatus or corydothymus capitatus)
A strong-smelling, spreading half-shrub with distinctive pink flowers.

Mastic thyme (thymus mastichina)
Greyish green leaves with a hint of eucalyptus mixed in.

Cushion thyme (thymus caespititius)
Forms a mossy carpet and smells of bitter orange.

Dwarf thyme (thymus pseudolanuginosus)
Softly mottled, with greyish foliage.

Oregano or Pizza thyme (thymus nummularius)
Sand thyme (thymus degenianus lyka)
Lowland thyme (thymus marschallianus)
Thymus doerfleri
Thymus serpyllum “Coccineus”
Thymus serpyllum “Aureus”
Thymus serpyllum “Lemon curd”
Thymus serpyllum “Snow drift”
Thymus citriodorus “Doone Valley”
Thymus caespititius
Thymus nitidus
Thymus odaratissimus
Thymus pulegioides
Thymus zygis

Pennsylvania Tea makes a delicious tea, and Bertram Anderson (Archer’s Gold) is a gem in summer with its bright golden leaves and pretty pink flowers. Coccineus a Minimus a Pink Chintz a Russetings and Snowdritf have red flowers. Excellent groundcover hybrids are Coconut, Doone Valley, Porlock and Westmoreland (‘Turkish thyme’).

FAQ

Source:
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