Some people will even go as far as use it as a food preservative. Today thyme is still used to make a medicinal tea, but it is also much enjoyed around the world as a seasoning herb, adding flavor and aroma to sauces, soups, stews, meats and poultry. This herb would also be found in use in traditional eastern medicine, particularly as a healing tonic and relaxant. ![]() In times of plague, large amounts of thyme would be burned to help clear the air and keep the disease beyond the doors of the town. Thyme kept its presence in religious ceremonies, particularly in funerals as it was believed to help with the transition to an afterlife. Thyme was still linked to courage and so it was common practice for ladies to offer a stem to knights. The Romans are believed to have helped spread the use of thyme in Europe, using it to purify rooms in the face of disease or melancholy and also to season and preserve foods.īy the Middle Ages, Europeans would keep this herb under their pillows to induce sleep and prevent nightmares. ![]() The Ancient Greeks also resorted to this herb to burn as incense in temples, linking thyme to the source of courage, high spirits and power. Going back in history, you would find thyme being used by the Ancient Egyptians in embalming rituals. This herb has long been known for its many health benefits. Leaves, flowers and stems are generally made into thyme tea. There are other varieties of thyme, but common thyme is the most used and loved for cooking and medicinal uses. When it blooms in the spring and summer months, the shrub becomes covered in many little thyme flowers in lovely white, pink, violet or lilac tones. This aromatic shrub has woody stems and small, tiny fragrant green-grey leaves. Today it is planted around the world for decorative or culinary purposes. ![]() Common thyme, in Latin thymus vulgaris, is a perennial shrub native to Southern Europe and Asia, about 15-20cm tall.
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