Throughout Time~A History of Thyme

Thyme has a long and surprisingly deep history. In ancient times, family and loved ones would give thyme to their soldiers before they headed into battle. The soldier would stuff the herb into pouches,and even attach the herb to clothing. The ancient Greeks would use the herb in their bath or burn the incense in their temples to increase bravery and courage. The Romans would give the herb as gifts as a sign of respect. And then the ancient Egyptians believed thyme would help a person who passes find the afterlife.

During the time the black death plagued the world, thyme was worn around the neck to ward off the illness. And for those who caught the disease, thyme would be made into a poultice and applied directly to the open sores. Though this was long before science substantiated this use, it's interesting to note that the main component in thyme is thymol--a powerful antiseptic.

In the Victorian times, thyme was given a fanciful spin. The presence of thyme was considered evidence that fairies were in the vicinity. Small girls would camp outside near a patch of thyme hoping to catch a glimpse of the magical creatures. Including thyme in the diet was also believed to help humans see past glamour--the magical energy that keeps the world of the supernatural hidden from our eyes.

Thyme today. Today, thyme is used for a wide variety of things. Many people use it to stimulate hair to grow. It has also been used to prevent or alleviate gout, arthritis, menstrual pain, nausea, symptoms of colds, oily skin, scars, athlete's foot, sores, and insect bites. The essential oil of thyme is also often diffused in order to calm the mind and increase memory. When used on the skin (properly diluted), thyme essential oil has been said to tone the skin and prevent acne. And then thyme used in a water and liquid soap dilution can be used in a garden to keep pests from destroying your crops. Sweet thyme is a wonderful oil to diffuse in homes where the flu is present.

Garden pest formula:

1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon peppermint
1/4 teaspoon rosemary
3 tablespoons liquid soap
1 gallon of water

Add all ingredients together. Mix gently and completely. Put in a sprayer bottle and spray the leaves of your garden plants.



Thyme essential oil (as with other essential oils) should only be used internally under the care of a naturopathic doctor or physician. When used topically, unadulterated thyme essential oil should be diluted at a 3% - 5% ratio (3% - 5% essential oil to 97% - 95% carrier oil). Do not use thyme essential oils with small children.