[[File:Thymus vulgaris - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-135.jpg|thumb|Illustration of ''Thymus vulgaris'']]
'''Thyme''' is a genus of aromatic perennial herbs in the family [[Lamiaceae]], native to the Mediterranean region. The most common species, ''[[Thymus vulgaris]]'', is widely used in culinary and medicinal applications.
==Description==
Thyme plants are small, woody perennials with evergreen leaves. The leaves are typically small, oval, and aromatic, with a pungent, earthy flavor. The plant produces small flowers, usually pink, purple, or white, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees.
[[File:Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) at Stevenston.JPG|thumb|Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) at Stevenston]]
==Culinary Uses==
Thyme is a staple herb in [[Mediterranean cuisine]], often used to flavor meats, soups, and stews. It is a key ingredient in [[herbes de Provence]] and [[bouquet garni]]. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, and they retain their flavor well during cooking.
'''Thyme''' (''Thymus'') (pronounced "time") is a [[genus]] of [[perennial plant]]s. There are about 350 different species of thyme. They are [[herbaceous|herbaceous plants]] and [[sub-shrub]]s. They can grow to about 40 cm tall. They are the family [[Lamiaceae]] and native to [[Europe]], North [[Africa]] and [[Asia]].
==Medicinal Uses==
Thyme has been used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It contains [[thymol]], a compound that is effective against bacteria and fungi. Thyme is often used in herbal remedies for respiratory conditions, such as coughs and bronchitis.
The [[Plant stem|stems]] are usually narrow, sometimes even wiry. The [[leaf|leaves]] are [[evergreen]] in most species. They are arranged in opposite pairs, oval, entire, and small, 4–20 mm long. The [[flower]]s are in dense terminal heads, with an uneven [[calyx]], with the upper lip three-lobed, and the lower cleft; the corolla is tubular, 4–10 mm long, and white, pink or purple.
''Thymus'' species are used as food plants by the [[larva]]e of some [[Lepidoptera]] species including ''[[Chionodes|Chionodes distinctella]]'' and ''[[Coleophora]]'' species.
==History==
[[Ancient Egypt]]ians used thyme for [[embalming]]. The [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greeks]] used it in their [[bath]]s and burnt it as [[incense]] in their [[temple]]s. They believed that thyme was a source of [[courage]]. It was thought that the spread of thyme throughout Europe was thanks to the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], as they used it to purify their rooms. In the European [[Middle Ages]], the herb was placed under pillows. This was done to help [[sleep]] and ward off [[nightmare]]s. (Huxley 1992). In this period, women would also often give [[knight]]s and [[warrior]]s gifts that included thyme leaves. People believed it would bring courage to the bearer. Thyme was also used as incense and placed on [[coffin]]s during [[funeral]]s as it was supposed to assure passage into the next life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.englishplants.co.uk/thyme.html|title=englishplants.co.uk - Diese Website steht zum Verkauf! - Informationen zum Thema Plants.|website=www.englishplants.co.uk}}</ref>
==Cultivation==
==Cultivation==
Thyme is widely grown as a [[herb]]. Usually it is grown for its strong flavour, which is due to its content of [[thymol]].<ref>Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan.</ref>
Thyme is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It is drought-tolerant and can be grown in gardens or containers. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.
Thyme likes a hot sunny location with good-draining soil. It is planted in the spring and later grows as a perennial. It can be propagated by [[seed]], cuttings, or by dividing rooted sections of the plant. It tolerates drought well.<ref>http://www.global-garden.com.au/gardenherbs5.htm#Garden%20Thyme Herb File. Global Garden.</ref>
==Varieties==
There are several varieties of thyme, each with unique flavors and uses. Some popular varieties include:
* ''Thymus citriodorus'' (lemon thyme) - Known for its citrus aroma.
* ''Thymus serpyllum'' (wild thyme) - Often used as ground cover.
* ''Thymus herba-barona'' (caraway thyme) - Has a caraway scent and is used in cooking.
Thyme keeps its flavour on drying better than many other herbs.
==Related Pages==
* [[Herbes de Provence]]
==Culinary use==
* [[Bouquet garni]]
Thyme is widely used for cooking. Thyme is a basic ingredient in [[French cuisine|French]] and [[Italian cuisine|Italian]] cuisines, and in those derived from them. It is also widely used in [[Caribbean cuisine]].
* [[Lamiaceae]]
* [[Mediterranean cuisine]]
Thyme is often used to flavour meats, soups and stews. It has a particular affinity to and is often used as a primary flavour with lamb, tomatoes and eggs.
Thyme, while flavourful, does not overpower and blends well with other herbs and spices. In [[French cuisine]], along with [[bay leaf|bay]] and [[parsley]] it is a common component of the ''[[bouquet garni]]'', and of ''[[herbes de Provence]]''. In some Middle Eastern countries, the condiment ''[[za'atar]]'' contains thyme as a vital ingredient.
Thyme is sold both fresh and dried. The fresh form is more flavourful but also less convenient; storage life is rarely more than a week. While summer-seasonal, fresh thyme is often available year-round. Fresh thyme is commonly sold in bunches of sprigs. A sprig is a single stem snipped from the plant. It is composed of a woody stem with paired leaf or flower clusters ("leaves") spaced ½ to 1" apart. A recipe may measure thyme by the bunch (or fraction thereof), or by the sprig, or by the tablespoon or teaspoon. If the recipe does not specify fresh or dried, assume that it means fresh.
Thyme retains its flavour on drying better than many other herbs. Dried, and especially powdered thyme occupies less space than fresh, so less of it is required when substituted in a recipe. As with bay, thyme is slow to release its flavours so it is usually added early in the cooking process.
== Medicinal use ==
The essential oil of common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is made up of 20-55% [[thymol]].<ref name="Thymus Vulgaris 1184">Thymus Vulgaris. PDR for Herbal Medicine. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company. p. 1184.</ref> Thymol, an [[antiseptic]], is the main active ingredient in [[Listerine]] mouthwash.<ref>Pierce, Andrea. 1999. American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: Stonesong Press. P. 338-340.</ref> Before the advent of modern [[antibiotics]], it was used to medicate bandages.<ref>Grieve, Maud (Mrs.). Thyme. A Modern Herbal. Hypertext version of the 1931 edition. Accessed: December 14, 2006. http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/t/thygar16.html</ref> It has also been shown to be effective against the fungus that commonly infects toenails.<ref>Ramsewak RS, et al. In vitro antagonistic activity of monoterpenes and their mixtures against 'toe nail fungus' pathogens. Phytother Res. 2003 Apr;17(4):376-9.</ref>
A tea made by [[infusion|infusing]] the herb in water can be used for cough and [[bronchitis]].<ref name="Thymus Vulgaris 1184"/> Medicinally thyme is used for respiratory infections.<ref name=holistic>{{cite web|title=Aromatherapy, Thyme, Essential oil|url=http://www.holistic-online.com/aromatherapy/aroma_ess-oil-thyme.htm|publisher=Holisticonline.com|accessdate=1 June 2013}}</ref> Because it is antiseptic, thyme boiled in water and cooled is very effective against inflammation of the throat.<ref name=holistic/> The inflammation will normally disappear in 2 – 5 days. Other infections and wounds can be dripped with thyme.<ref name=holistic/>
In traditional Jamaican childbirth practice, thyme tea is given to the mother after delivery of the baby. Its [[oxytocin]]-like effect causes uterine contractions and more rapid delivery of the placenta but this was said by Sheila Kitzinger to cause an increased prevalence of retained placenta.
==Important species==
''[[Thymus vulgaris]]'' (common thyme or garden thyme) is a commonly used [[herb|culinary herb]]. It also has medicinal uses. Common thyme is a [[Mediterranean]] perennial which is best suited to well-drained soils and enjoys full sun.
''[[Thymus herba-barona]]'' (caraway thyme) is used both as a culinary herb and a groundcover, and has a strong [[caraway]] scent due to the chemical [[carvone]].
''Thymus × citriodorus'' (citrus thyme; hybrid ''T. pulegioides'' × ''T. vulgaris'') is also a popular culinary herb, with [[cultivar]]s selected with flavours of various ''[[Citrus]]'' fruit (lemon thyme, etc.)
''[[Thymus pseudolanuginosus]]'' (woolly thyme) is not a culinary herb, but is grown as a ground cover.
''[[Thymus serpyllum]]'' (wild thyme) is an important [[nectar source]] plant for [[honeybee]]s. All thyme species are nectar sources, but wild thyme covers large areas of droughty, rocky soils in southern Europe (Greece is especially famous for wild thyme honey) and North Africa, as well as in similar landscapes in the [[Berkshire Mountains]] and [[Catskill Mountains]] of the northeastern US.
== Cultivars ==
There are a number of different cultivars of thyme with established or growing popularity, including:
* Lemon thyme—actually smells lemony
* Variegated lemon thyme—with bi-color leaves
* Orange thyme—an unusually low-growing, ground cover thyme that smells like orange
* Creeping thyme—the lowest-growing of the widely used thymes, good for walkways
* Silver thyme—white/cream variegated
* English thyme—the most common
* Summer thyme—unusually strong flavor
== References ==
{{reflist}}
== Other sources ==
* [http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=132935 Flora of China: ''Thymus'']
Thyme is a genus of aromatic perennial herbs in the family Lamiaceae, native to the Mediterranean region. The most common species, Thymus vulgaris, is widely used in culinary and medicinal applications.
Description
Thyme plants are small, woody perennials with evergreen leaves. The leaves are typically small, oval, and aromatic, with a pungent, earthy flavor. The plant produces small flowers, usually pink, purple, or white, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees.
Culinary Uses
Thyme is a staple herb in Mediterranean cuisine, often used to flavor meats, soups, and stews. It is a key ingredient in herbes de Provence and bouquet garni. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, and they retain their flavor well during cooking.
Medicinal Uses
Thyme has been used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It contains thymol, a compound that is effective against bacteria and fungi. Thyme is often used in herbal remedies for respiratory conditions, such as coughs and bronchitis.
Cultivation
Thyme is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It is drought-tolerant and can be grown in gardens or containers. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.
Varieties
There are several varieties of thyme, each with unique flavors and uses. Some popular varieties include:
Thymus citriodorus (lemon thyme) - Known for its citrus aroma.
Thymus serpyllum (wild thyme) - Often used as ground cover.
Thymus herba-barona (caraway thyme) - Has a caraway scent and is used in cooking.
