Herbal Profile: Thyme

Thyme is a popular culinary herb, this savory flavor is one you have probably enjoyed in your life and it is a popular garden herb. However, this unassuming little plant has a lot of power, healing, and magic in it’s tiny foliage. Thyme is our June Herbal Profile, let’s get to know this transformative plant.

Plant Identification Basics: Thyme is a woody perennial, shrub like in shape and size, a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family, square stems with small slightly curved leaves, purple or white flowers in the summer. For a more detailed identification consult your favorite plant guide.

Culinary Uses: Thyme is a popular culinary herb in Mediterranean dishes and is often used for it’s savory and subtle layering flavor. Thyme is a great addition to soups, sauces, potato and rice dishes, vegetables, bread and of course tea.

Household Uses: Thyme is a great herb to use in hair rinses, mouth washes, disinfectants, and skin cleanser. Thyme is also a great plant to repel garden pests. We use in Thyme in all our homemade cleaners.

Medicinal Uses: Thyme has been used since the times of the Ancient Greeks and Romans to treat a variety of health concerns. One of our favorite uses comes into play if there are any signs of a respiratory issue in the house. Thanks to the antiviral and purification qualities of Thyme, it works as a wonderful herb to simmer slowly on the stove all day if someone in the house feels a cold or flu coming on. We typically add some lemon to our water and Thyme to enhance the healing properties of this herbal simmer.

Thyme is antiseptic, antiviral, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal and an antispasmodic. This savory herb is invaluable in the treatment of sore throats, coughs, and a variety of respiratory concerns. It is also a wonderful aid in helping with cavities and gum disease. Thyme is a gentle but effective herb to help ease gastrointestinal distress and is wonderful as a tea for this use. On a systemic level, Thyme is a fantastic herb to help support healthy immune function. Topically, Thyme can be used to to treat lice, scabies, crabs, inflamed and irritated skin, and acne.

Magickal Uses: Thyme has long been used as a purification herb before ceremonies and rituals. The Ancient Greeks and Romans would burn it in their temples and use it in ritual baths. Thyme has a close relationship with Venus and Aphrodite and is often used in cases where the Goddesses or Planet are being invoked. This aromatic herb is often called on in magick related to sleep, issues we have buried in our subconscious, love, bravery, intuition and communing with the other side or the Fae.

Burning Thyme promotes healing and purification and allows one to distill their spirit down to their true selves, shedding all that is not needed or aligned. Thyme under your pillow will help you have restful sleep and ease nightmares. Thyme may also be used in ritual drinks or meals to achieve any of the above stated desires and is a friend to the kitchen witch.

Be sure you check back for our next Herbal Profile. Get out there, get wild, be safe, and spend some time connecting with Thyme this month!