Thyme, a dainty but powerful herb

Thyme, Thymus vulgaris, packs a punch in my winter herbal arsenal. Yes, it's that fairly common kitchen herb that many people have growing in their gardens. The bees love it when it's in flower. It has a pleasant herbal smell when the leaves are crushed. This Mediterrean native is a hardy perennial that withstands frosts and dry conditions. It grows so well in Central Otago and it has been found to have three times the potency of European grown thyme.

What can we use it for?
🌱Irritated lungs as it has actions to soothe coughs (spasmolytic) and the lungs.
🌱Sniffles and congestion as it has expectorant actions.
🌱Upper respiratory infections as has strong antimicrobial and antibacterial actions. This last action may be why it is indicated for gut upsets.

I have been putting it in some clients' herbal blends and it has been interesting to see how quickly (and how much!) it worked as a decongestant when a family member took it recently.

A delicious way to have thyme when you are sick is as lemon thyme honey.
🍋Cut one unwaxed lemon and add lemon + juice to a jar and cover with honey. Leave overnight.
🌱The following day brew a cup of strong thyme tea and steep 10 minutes. Strain. Cool until under 40 degrees. Mix with lemon honey mixture. Take by the teaspoon when sick.

Thyme flowering in my garden