Thyme Seed

To the Greeks Thyme denoted graceful elegance and they would use the thyme oil during massages. The word 'Thyme' infact came from the Greek word thymon meaning 'courage' and has since been used with many soldiers.

Thyme was the first herb listed in the Holy Herb Charm recited by those with 'herb cunning' in the Middle Ages. In the 1600s there was a recipe that said 'to enable one to see the Fairies'!

A member of the mint family.

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

• Evergreen hardy perennial.
• Likes a full sun position.
• Prefers a well drained, light, gravelly alkaline soil.
• Best flavour of the leaves is while the plant is in bloom.
• Can be grown as a hedge.
• Ideally sow where you intend to grow it, however can be grown in trays.
• Thin seedlings to 12 - 18" (30 - 45 cm) apart.
• Reaches 12 - 18" (30 - 45 cm) tall.
• Cut back in mid Summer to keep them bushy.
• Beautiful pinky/mauve flowers from May to October.

• Culinary Uses.
• Used in bouquet garni.
• Excellent for marinades, stuffing, sauces, stews, soup etc.
• Excellent accompaniment to chicken and beef.
• Used to flavour Benedictine liquer!
• Flowers are edible.

• Medicinal Uses.
• Antiseptic, anti-bacterial and antifungal properties.
• Stimulates circulation.
• Good to prevent spots and dandruff!
• Can aid digestion.
• Said to be good for hangovers!
• Good for convulsive coughs, whooping cough, chronic bronchitis, colds and sore throats.
• Good in massage oil
• Can relieve insomnia.
• Can relax spasms.
• Can ease Asthma, bronchial catarrh and chest infections.
• Good for inflammation, rheumatism and arthritis.
• The oil can ease athlete's foot.
• Can help vaginal thrush.
• Can stimulate production of white blood corpuscles to help resist infection.
• Sometimes used in mouthwash.

• Other Uses.
• Often included in summer posies.
• Good for pot pourri.
• Great to grow to encourage bees and the honey they then produce is delicious.
• Can be used to protect from mould.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.Avoid during pregnancy.