Common Thyme

Thyme

This strong little, highly woody shrub, delicately aromatic, has certainly found its place in our gardens many, many years ago. In the past, thyme was considered a magical herb that supposedly protected against witchcraft and evil forces. In the Middle Ages, thyme thanks to Benedictine monks made its way across the Alps to Central Europe, and since then it has been grown in gardens as a medicinal and culinary herb. Now it is widespread not only throughout Europe, but also in Africa and the USA.

In height, it does not exceed other medicinal herbs; it is a dwarf shrub about 50 cm tall. It has a dense stem structure, thyme leaves are dark green, narrow, small, glandular underneath. The flowers are lipped, pink to purple and appear on the plant from June to September. Thyme as a plant is very specific with its scent and taste, which is slightly bitter and strongly aromatic. Thyme can be confused with wild thyme, which grows abundantly in our country on slopes, boundaries and in dry grassy areas. It differs from thyme in that it is a perennial and its stem is slightly woody in the lower part. Confusion between these two plants fortunately has no harmful effects, as wild thyme works the same as thyme, but more weakly.

This perennial plant is grown either from seeds, or we can buy it as a young plant. From seeds, thyme is grown classically like other herbs, by sowing into soil. However, seedlings grow slowly, then spread out in all directions, and if the stem is still soft, it hangs over the edge of the pot. If we keep bending these stems back, they will form a cushion. We can plant it either at home in a pot, on balconies, window sills or in open soil. For a balcony or terrace, so-called French thyme is suitable, which is also called summer thyme, as this type grows faster, but is not frost-resistant. For open soil, so-called German or winter thyme is suitable, which withstands frost.

For the aroma to fully develop, it is advisable to place thyme in a sunny and warm location. It thrives in permeable soil with sufficient humus and lime. It prefers to grow in dry conditions, so even poorer soil does not bother it. If we sow it at home, the substrate should be in a ratio of ½ substrate, ¼ compost, ¼ sand with a little lime. We place thyme in pots, boxes, bowls, on balconies and terraces, in window boxes, outside in open soil or also in rock gardens. However, it should always be placed in a location where there is plenty of sun. Watering does not need to be so abundant, as it prefers to grow in dry conditions. Thyme can be harvested continuously.

Thyme is cultivated for its plant parts, dried flowers and leaves. Since thyme contains effective essential oils with the main components thymol and carvacrol, you can also make thyme oil from fresh herb and flowers. After harvesting, thyme can be used immediately, dried or frozen. We collect shoots that are cut at the beginning of flowering and dried in a shady place. After drying, the leaves and flowers are separated, because the twigs themselves contain almost no active substances. The most suitable time for harvest is sunny midday, because at this time the essential oil content is highest. To regenerate the shoots, it is advisable to leave stem remnants 7-8 cm high.

Its healing effects are diverse, it treats catarrh of the upper respiratory tract and bronchial diseases. Its essential oils dissolve mucus and thus facilitate expectoration. It also relieves spasms and soothes irritating whooping cough. Many ready-made medicines already contain thyme extracts. It is also recommended to occasionally drink thyme tea. This is prepared by pouring one cup of water over 1-2 teaspoons of finely chopped, dried herb and letting the infusion steep covered for about 10 minutes, then strain. Drink it several times a day. Thyme is also excellent fresh in cooking, both in hot or cold preparation.