Thyme

Thymus sp. pl.L.

Thymus specie plurimae, because the species, its hybrids and varieties are many and they are all very lovely and full of virtues. The following are among the most interesting: lemon Thyme, caraway Thyme, broad leaved, wild Thyme, Thyme.
Thymus: from the latin thymu(m), and the greek thymos, derived from thyein "smoke" owing to its sharp perfume.

Culinary use

Thyme is one of the most characteristic and precious aromas in Mediterranean cuisine. It is used in condiments, sauces, soups, stews, various meat dishes, game, rabbit, pork and lamb; in stuffing; with eels and other fish dishes; with soft cheeses, particularly goat's cheese; in fruit salads and jams; to aromatize vinegar and extra virgin olive oil... and so forth.
Thyme branches are used to aromatize olives in brine or preserved in oil; to cover anchovies and sardines prepared for salt preservation.
Lemon, pineapple and cumin scented Thyme varieties multiply its possible culinary uses.
A pleasant infusion with digestive properties can be prepared with Thyme. This may be drunk as an ordinary tea.

Medicinal properties

Thyme leaves and flowers are gathered from June until July and may be utilized in tisanes, infusions, distillations and other preparations according to the species and varieties. They are credited with antidiarrheal, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, mildly diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, catarrh fluidifier, tonics for the nervous system, vermifuge and vulnerary properties.
Inhalations are useful in the case of colds, sinusitis, bronchitis and even tuberculosis; infusions are excellent for coughs, spasmodic affections of the respiratory system and asthma, but also for hangovers; tisanes may be used against symptoms of nervous depression; powder made from its crushed dried leaves as toothpaste and for nosebleed; decoctions for bruises, gout, rheumatism, scabies, ulcers and skin wounds; enemas against roundworms and intestinal pinworms.

Cosmetic use

Thyme infusions may be useful in reducing eyelid puffiness; used in the bath water it has the ability to relax and remove tiredness; in a footbath it also deodorizes.
Thyme is used in the composition of products for the cure of acne.
Beauty masques and suffumigations prepared with Thyme are used to cleanse and hydrate the skin; the decoction invigorates the scalp and stimulates hair growth.