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Thousand uses
for the little plant with an unmistakable |
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Found on the plains and in the mountains, it is a great balm and expectorant, as well as being a vermifuge, digestive and antiseptic. Particularly indicated for coughs and tracheitis widely used against arthritis and acne. To try as a tonic. Thyme (thimus vulgaris herba) is a small perennial aromatic plant with a stem abounding with branches. It can reach up to thirty centimetres and includes woody branches. Its linear and lanceolate leaves are small cotton-like and whitish at the base. The flowers are a pinkish white or lilac colour. Flowering takes place between spring and early autumn, according to climate and altitude. Thyme emanates a strong and pleasant aromatic scent. In sub-mountainous regions, where the climate is colder, thyme is annual and usually devoid of woody branches. Habitat - This plant is common both in plains as well as mountainous regions, it does however prefer sunny positions. It grows mostly in limestone and clay rich ground, in arid and stony areas. It can often be found in the mediterranean, in hilly and mountainous regions, as well as along the litoral and coastal areas, where it grows spontaneously and in abundance; however, it can also be found in mountain pastures of up to six thousand feet. In the plains, it is also very common to find its namesake and brother: the thimus serpillum, which contains minor quantities of essential oil. Harvesting and Drying - The leaves and flowering branches picked at the time of flowering, between May and June, are used by cutting the flowering stems. They should be dried in the shade in a olace which is well ventilated. Therapeutic Properties - Thyme is an aromatic plant for its contents in essential oil, which makes it balsamic, a valuable expectorant which liquifies the bronchial secretions, a good antiseptic for respiratory and urinary tracts and the intestine, a good digestive and vermifuge. It is also a tonic and general stimulant. It is indicated in cases of pulmonary disorders (bronchitis, laryngitis, faringitis, coughs and bronchial catarrh) blended with eucalyptus, cypress and lavendar. It is also an excellent cure for intestinal and urinary infections and menstrual pains, when mixed with sage, lavendar and pine. Preparations - To prepare an infusion indicated for various respiratory disorders, such as dry coughs and catarrh, soak a teaspoon of thyme in 100ml of water for 8-10 minutes. In the case of flu, mix 35gms of thyme with 20gms of lavendar, 25gms of tri-colour violet and 20gms of borage officinalis. For a cough liquifyer I recommend the following tisan: 15gms of thyme, 20gms of tussilago farfara, 30gms of verbascum thapsus, 20gms of althea officinalis and 15gms of hyssopus officinalis. Essential Oil - A balsamic and antiseptic oil can be distilled from this plant. Here is the antique formula according to Doctor Leclerc, for a tonifying bath of great benefit in cases of arthrosis, arthritis or gout: 2gms of thyme, 1gm of oregano, rosemary and lavendar mixed with 350gms of sodium carbonate. Cosmetics and Beauty - Essential oil of thyme is used on greasy skin for its ability to penetrate deeply for an antiseptic and toning action. It is effective in the case of acne, boils or blisters. Decoction at 10% can be used as a toning and strengthening hair lotion. The dried and powdered leaves mixed with sage make for an excellent toothpaste, with a toning effect on the gums without damaging the tooth enamel. In the Kitchen - The flowery tips are used to make food more digestible and to flavour meat, vegetables, pizzas and liquor. It is particularly indicated when cooking fish and game. The young sprouts of timo serpillo can be used to prepare delicious omelettes. In meridional France thyme is used to flavour figs, prunes and black olives. To prepare an excellent aromatic vinegar, soak 15-20gms of thyme in a litre of wine vinegar for fifteen days. Filter the mixture before use. Beekeeping - Thyme flowers are much sought after by bees and give a particular scent and taste to the honey; which makes it among the most prized. This honey is digestive, carminative and liquifying. Luciano Zambotti - naturopathic doctor |
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