Herb of Week: Thyme

Thyme ~ Thymus Vulgaris

DISCLAIMER: Remember, I am not a doctor, psychologist, licensed herbalist, or priestess

ALWAYS CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL! This is article is for information ONLY.

Thyme is a common kitchen herb that packs a punch! Used to treat several types of infections (respiratory, mouth, and bladder/urinary tract), whooping cough, gastric and intestinal problems, depression, some skin ailments, as well as an antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic.

As an antiseptic is can be used as a compress for wound dressing, sores, rheumatic pain, insect bites and stings.  As a mouthwash, skin cleanser, anti-fungal for athlete's foot and as an anti-parasitic for lice, scabies, and crabs.  Tinctures (4 oz thyme to 1 pint alcohol) and essential oils can be applied to the skin for anti-fungal or anti-parasitic needs. For skin inflammations and sores, make a poultice can be made by mashing the leaves into a paste and applied to skin inflammations and or sores.  

Most commonly Thyme is used to treat bronchial problems due to its anti-tussive (cough supressing), antispasmodic and expectorant properties. For bronchial and gastric problems, make a tea to be used once per day to treat coughs, bronchitis, chronic candidiasis, whooping cough, indigestion, bronchial infections and halitosis.

Thyme essential oil can cause adverse reactions in it's pure form and should be used sparingly as a medicinal treatment.   If taken in a tea, drink only once or twice per day, and if used on the skin, be aware that it may cause irritation. 


 It is a good digestive aid, helps menstrual cramps and is a great cold remedy. Thyme is also known as a stimulant. It stimulates the circulatory system, and can help raise low blood pressure. For people with a slow digestive system, it can help to stimulate it, and has also found to be helpful for those who are fatigued, lethargic, or depressed. It is also thought to help memory by stimulating the chemical reactions in the brain. Taking a warm bath with thyme can help relieve insomnia and it is thought to help slow hair loss when used as a hair rinse after shampooing. 

USING THYME ESSENTIAL OIL: Check for any allergic reaction before using, put a few drops of diluted essential oil on the skin of your arm to test for any reaction. Should a rash or redness occur wash the area and discontinue use immediately.Inhaled reactions can occur as well, so if the scent of thyme essential oil causes headaches, dizziness, or other discomforts remove yourself from the room and get some fresh air until the feeling passes. It is always prudent to consult with your primary care physician before starting any essential oil treatment.

Warnings: do not ingest thyme oil, it can lead to headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, thyroid impairment and heart and respiratory depression 

Magical Uses:
Planet: Venus 
Element: Air 
Magic Properties: clairvoyance, cleansing, consecration, courage, divination, dreams, exorcism, faeries, happiness, healing, love, money, prevents nightmares, protection, psychic development, purification 


Other magical properties: compassion, confidence, contacting other planes, grieving, magic, meditation, Midsummer, passion, release, renewal, rituals for the dead, Summer rituals, and wishing

It is widely believed to help guard against nightmares when used within pillows.   It is also thought that by Wear a sprig of fresh thyme to a funeral  to  protect yourself from the sadness of others and use in rituals for courage and compassion.

Treatments:
Cuts and Wounds: Use fresh leaves
Antiseptic- Tincture
Stomach treatment- Infusion


Sources:
http://celei.hubpages.com/hub/The-Healing-Properties-of-5-Common-Household-Herbs-and-Spices

http://www.unc.edu/~reddeer/magick/herb.html
http://windspirit57.tripod.com/id4.html
http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-thyme.htm
http://www.pharrah13.com/herbal_uses.html
http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbThymeMed.htm