Thyme, itself, is an evergreen shrub. For thousands of years, it has been used in applications such as culinary and medicinal. It is native to certain parts of Africa and Mediterranean regions. Recorded use of thyme goes back to the ancient Egyptians. It can be found in the dried or whole form in endless world culinary dishes which make use of both of the leaves and stems. Commonly, it is a flavorful garnish or used as an ingredient (or both) for meat dishes, sauces, and soups.

Origins of Thyme

Thyme, as an herb, is extremely common and used as a spice or condiment. However, it also has a place in domestic and herbal medicines. You may have heard of “wild thyme” and “mother of thyme” – but they are not of the same species as the herb described here. Most typically found throughout North America in the current day, thyme (as a plant) was originally found in southern portions of the Mediterranean. The origin of the word ‘thyme’ is the Greek term for ‘courage’.

Popular Uses of Thyme

Thyme is one of the most popular essential oils in existence. It has numerous health benefits whether applied topically or used as incense, in diffusers and more. (See thyme essential oils below)

When not being used as an essential oil, thyme (as a spice) has found a home in nearly every kitchen throughout the world. It is most frequently used in stews, soups, and meat dishes. However, in recipes from southern Italy, thyme’s aromatic flavor kicks up the appeal of sauces and dishes containing eggplant, hot peppers, and more. But the uses of thyme don’t stop there.

There are two more uses of thyme that may be considered surprising to many. One is an odor controller useful against both body odor and bad breath. The other somewhat unusual application for thyme is as an insecticide. Not only does it keep pests, parasites, and insects away, it can, if necessary, eliminate them.

Health Benefits of Thyme

The endless health benefits achievable through the use of thyme are far too many to list here. As a sampling of what thyme may be able to do for you and many others, here is a significantly downsized list of healthy advantages: a natural cure for bronchitis; boosts mood; helps prevent against food poisoning; lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels; and fights against sore throats. After much study and debate, it has been determined that regular use of thyme may help to fight cancer in some individuals.

A Look at Thyme Essential Oils

As referred to earlier, essential oils can be used in topical applications, in diffusers, and incense. But also candles and sometimes even bathwater. They also are extremely popular for use in homemade sachets and potpourris. Though thyme’s health benefits, when used as essential oils, are much the same as the general health benefits of thyme, there are some additional pros to its use as an essential oil. They can help with the digestive system or poor circulation, respiratory problems, and nervous complains. They are also useful as an immune stimulant, tonic, antifungal, diuretic, anti-toxic, anti-spasmodic, astringent, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and bactericide.

Plant Guru carries not only a wide selection of thyme essential oils, but we have an impressive inventory of other essential oils, butters, waxes, carrier oils, and more. Shop conveniently online for yourself or a gift for a friend or loved one.