18/12/2025
🌿 Herb of the Month: Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Medicinal Reputation: Thyme has long been valued in natural medicine, thanks to the powerful compounds in its essential oils, especially thymol and carvacrol. These natural ingredients have been shown to fight bacteria, viruses, and even fungi. For the lungs, thyme helps relax spasms in the airways, making breathing easier, and also supports the clearing of mucus when you cough. In the digestive system, it eases bloating and discomfort, while its slightly bitter taste helps stimulate digestion. Thyme also contains tannins, which gently tone tissues and support gut health. For centuries, people have trusted thyme for coughs, colds, and other respiratory troubles with modern research continuing to back up thyme's medicinal properties. Brewed as a tea, mixed into honey, or added to meals, thyme is the perfect herb to support winter wellness.
Thyme through the Ages: Native to the Mediterranean, thyme was used by ancient Egyptians, valued for its preservative and antibacterial qualities, it was used in embalming practices to slow decomposition and masked odours with its pleasant aroma. In ancient Rome, thyme was a symbol of courage and vitality. Soldiers bathed in thyme oil before battle, believing its essence bestowed bravery, strength, and courage. Carrying sprigs with them on campaigns, as the Roman legions marched across Europe, they spread both the plant and its reputation. The Greeks burned it in temples and carried sprigs into war for courage. By the Middle Ages, thyme had become a token of valour and protection, worn by knights and relied upon in households as a remedy for respiratory and digestive ailments. During the 17th Century Nicholas Culpeper, documented thymes warming and strengthening properties, cementing its place in Western herbal knowledge 'It is a noble strengthener of the lungs, as notable a one as grows'.
Herb Care: A hardy perennial shrub, thyme thrives in dry conditions and can withstand light winter frosts. While it may be harvested during the colder months, its growth slows in December so be gentle and pick only the soft green tops to encourage healthy regrowth in spring. Dried thyme retains much of its flavour, making it a reliable kitchen staple year round.
🍵 Simple Remedy: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried thyme in freshly boiled water for 10 minutes to soothe sore throats and ease congestion.
⚠️ Note: Always seek guidance from a qualified medical herbalist before using herbs medicinally. 👉 https://nimh.org.uk/find-a-herbalist/
