Thymus vulgaris L.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an erect or creeping shrub 20-30 cm tall from the Lamiaceae family that originates from Mediterranean countries such as France and Spain. Its essential oil, proven antimicrobial and antioxidant, makes it one of the most important aromatherapy ingredients in the world. Thyme is traditionally used to treat dry coughs, bronchitis, and digestive disorders, though not recommended for pregnant women.

Prefers light, dry, chalky soil and a sunny position. Succeeds in dry soil, poor soil and tolerates drought once established. Thyme is hardy down to about -15 °C even when grown in old walls in poor, light, well-drained soil.

• Stem base becomes woody over time.
• Leaves paired, linear to elliptical with an entire margin (3-8 mm long, 0.5-2.5 mm wide). Leaf surface tomentose, densely covered with fine hairs.
• Flowers pale purple, tubular and two-lipped. Arranged in whorls along the inflorescence.
• Fruit consists of 4 seeds, single-seeded, brown and round (1 mm wide).

• Propagation using seeds. Seeds take 14-21 days to germinate. Let the soil dry between watering sessions to minimize root rot from overwatering.
• Besides seeds, vegetative propagation is done by clump division, young shoot cuttings and semi-mature stem cuttings.

Thymol, carvacrol, terpenoids, flavonoid aglycones, flavonoid glycosides, phenolic acids.

This plant is used internally in treating dry cough, whooping cough, bronchitis, inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, asthma, sore throat, digestive disorders, gastritis and diarrhea, enuresis in children, relieves menstrual cramps. Externally, it is used in treating tonsillitis, gum disease, rheumatism, stimulating hair growth, arthritis and fungal infections. Should not be prescribed for pregnant women. Has anthelmintic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, deodorant, diaphoretic, disinfectant, expectorant, sedative activity.

• Prepare fresh thyme leaves as needed and wash with clean water.
• After clean, drain to remove excess wash water.
• Dry by air-drying in a place protected from sunlight.
• Blend into powder.
• Store in a clean, airtight container.

No information found. Further research needed.