Why You Need More Thyme

That was no typo…you definitely need to consider adding more thyme, the herb, into your life! Let me share with you some fun facts and uses for this tiny but mighty herb!

I’ve become pretty well acquainted with this herb here lately. It’s now one of my favorites!

Disclaimers: I am not a doctor, and any claim I make of thyme is based on my own experiences. Use at your own discretion and ask your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

What is thyme?

Read the ingredients in your Italian seasoning from the store, and thyme is probably on the list of ingredients. That roast chicken recipe might call for fresh sprigs of thyme, too.

In my opinion, it’s pretty easy to recognize both by the smell and the physical properties.

The little bitty leaves grow up the stem and when it grows well, it’s a small bush. They grow a lovely little flower, too.

There are several varieties of thyme: lemon thyme, French thyme, German thyme, English thyme, common thyme…all with the first Latin name thymus.

Rabbit trail…

I thought it was interesting that the latin name of common thyme was Thymus vulgaris. Lemon thyme is Thymus citriodorus. (These were of interest because this is the two varieties I have in my garden.)

It’s interesting because I was doing some reading that thyme helps with the immune system. And a gland in our body that helps immune functions is the thymus gland.

Is this not SO cool that there is a plant named after the gland in our body that it helps? I just love learning about this stuff!

The thymus gland is where our T-cells are produced, the little things that fight foreign invaders. In turn, the herb thyme has been studied to show that is has a strengthening effect on the thymus gland. This strengthens the immune system.

What a great reason to consume more thyme!

Using Thyme as Medicine

So if thyme is so great for the immune system, let’s learn to use it to support our bodies!

A few years ago, I clipped off my whole thyme plant just about, to make a cough syrup for Papaw. I found the recipe for this in Rosemary Gladstar’s book Medicinal Herbs, A Beginner’s Guide. (One of my favorites!)

(The highlighted book link is my affiliate link through Amazon. I’ll earn a small commission if you purchase through this link. Thank you!)

He never told me if it worked or not! But at least it was boosting his immunity.

To make a simple herbal syrup, just do the following:

Make a strong tea out of your fresh herb. For example, boil one cup of water and add several sprigs of fresh thyme to simmer until the tea is reduced by half. Strain out the herbs, and add 1/2 cup of honey. This will be a medicinal syrup. Alcohol could be added to lengthen shelf life, but the honey itself acts as a preservative.

To use this syrup as medicine, take 1/2 to 1 tsp every few hours to help with cough or cold symptoms. (The honey itself often soothes my throat!)

The other day I also took the advice of a friend who is very well versed in herbs, and made tea. (Check out The Appalachian Homestead)

We had been fighting off sore throats in my house, so I mixed up her recommendation for thyme throat soother tea!

Not only did it really help me, it was very tasty. I would probably just make it for fun because I liked it so much.

Additional Benefits of Thyme

According to Rosemary Gladstar’s book, thyme can be used to:

-treat external and internal infection

-fights colds

-helps sore throats

-helps oral infections

-treats cough and chest complaints

-used in antifungal remedies

Thyme is safe, and there are no contraindications for using it. (But if you are using it medicinally, it would be prudent to check with your provider if you are taking any prescription medication.)

Preserving Thyme

You can always just buy thyme at the store, fresh or dried. Use it in cooking frequently. Or infuse it for tea!

In my garden, I pick several sprigs and dry it in my dehydrator. Then I store it in glass jars.

You could also dry it by hanging it up for a week or two. Then store in a jar.

If you chose to make medicine with it, it would store well in a honey based syrup for a few months. A tincture made with alcohol will last even longer- some say it will last indefinitely.

Use More Thyme!

I hope I’ve given you some good reasons to utilize this tiny but mighty herb! It’s easy to grow and easy to find…so why not use it to improve our immune systems and help our bodies thrive!