Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Thyme contains many organic compounds that contribute to its fragrance and medicinal properties: thymol, p -cymene, myrcene, borneol, linalool, and more. Here is the full nutritional information on thyme.
Grow
Thyme is a perennial plant that I am obsessively growing everywhere in my garden. However, the plant thrives mostly in the sunnier locations with well-drained soil. I am replanting throughout the warm season, and this is easily done by dividing the rooted stalks (look at this video). If left to me, I would substitute the entire lawn around the house with thyme. I am in love with the plant because it is beautiful, it bestows the most divine aroma to my herbal tea, and it can be planted anywhere between walking stones on paths and everywhere I want to suppress weeds from growing.
Harvest and storage
For tea, harvest the plant when it flowers. Collect the greener upper part of the stem with the flowers. For cooking, collect the leaves only any time during the growing season (summer and fall for me, in zone 5, U.S.). Fresh thyme is flavorful, but it lasts only a week in the refrigerator. For tea, I dry my thyme: I collect the flowers after rainfall (so I do not need to wash them), spread the sprigs on a towel, away from sunlight and once the plants are completely dry and crumbly, I store them in glass jars. This process may take awhile if the weather is humid.
Medicinal uses for thyme
From ancient times, thyme was used for embalming and incense in temples. Not so long ago, thyme oil was used in bandages to heal wounds. Presently, thyme is used to prepare hand sanitizers and mouth fresheners. In fact, thymol is the active ingredient in several commercial mouthwashes. All of these applications are due to the powerful anti-bacterial properties of the plant. Thyme might also have some anti-fungal activity, since it is recommended against toenail infections. In traditional medicine, thyme is used to help fight persistent cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, gastrointestinal problems, and diarrhea. For these conditions, steep 5 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon of dried, crumbled plant) in 1 cup boiling water (this is the maximum daily dose). This infusion is also beneficial for washes (and gargling) for mouth and throat inflammations. For a breakfast tea, try the mix of dry thyme, St. John’s wort, mint, and oregano.
Cosmetics with thyme
Due to its anti-bacterial properties, thyme is effective against acne. The Feel Good Style website recommends a thyme toner made of dry thyme and some witch hazel, as well as a moisturizer with dry thyme and argan, sesame, or jojoba oil.
For a spray breath freshener, watch James Wong whip one with thyme. James Wang uses the leaves of fresh thyme, mint, and eucalyptus. I may try the recipe without the eucalyptus (I have no idea where to find it), but peppermint and thyme are abundant in my garden. The leaves are chopped finely, and approximately ten Tbsp mint and ten Tbsp of thyme are covered with 150 ml vodka. The flavor is made stronger by adding the peel of a lemon, 3 tsp of cloves and 3 tsp of aniseed. Everything is blended and left to sit in a dark jar, in a cool dark place. In a month, the potion is strained, thickened with 3 Tbsp of glycerin, and poured into a spray bottle ready to use!
Cooking with thyme
For cooking, add the fresh sprigs, but make sure to discard just before serving the dish. Alternatively, strip the stalk and use the leaves only. I have to admit that although I am growing almost a lawn of thyme, I am not using it for cooking. However, things may change soon, as I found a few interesting thyme-centered recipes on The Kitchn website. In general, thyme is great on pasta, chicken, pizza, toasted veggies, in salads and stews. Finally, instead of drinking soda or juice, even orange juice, try a glass of cold thyme-flavored water.
Resources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKd2VSvi0EY
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/spices-and-herbs/218/2
http://feelgoodstyle.com/2012/07/14/3-thyme-recipes-to-clear-up-acne/
http://www.thekitchn.com/from-the-spice-cupboard-thyme-89346
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndlemn2idQ8
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