Thyme: Medicinal recipe for respiratory tract infections

Most of us use Thyme in the kitchen with our cooking (if not, you are missing out. It is one of my favorites! SO good), but very few people know that thyme has medicinal attributes as well. The essential oils in Thyme are one of nature's most potent antimicrobial and antispasmodic substances. Thus, it is good to help cure respiratory tract infections from colds, flus, coughs, tonsillitis, and laryngitis.

Herbal Infused Tea Recipe:
*Infuse 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves OR 2 tsp. fresh leaves in each 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain and drink 3 cups per day.

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Medicinal Recipe: Digestion

If you are having gastrointestinal problems, this is an excellent infused herbal tea to take to strengthen your digestion system:

* Peppermint leaves (2 parts)
* Lavender flowers (4 parts)
* Thyme (5 parts)

Steep 2-3 tsp. dried herb mixture or 2-3 tbsp. fresh herb mixture in 1/2 cup boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. Strain. Take 1 to 1-1/2 cups a day, in small sips.  You may make a larger batch to last for a few days.

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Thyme

Name:
*Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)


Description:
*sun loving perennial
*includes 350 species (such as lemon thyme)
*best in zones 5-9
*bees love thyme, so plant if you are trying to encourage bees in your area

Parts Used:
*leaves, both fresh or dried

Position:
*good draining soil, best if the soil is somewhat dry (the richer the soil, the less flavor in the leaves)
*full sun to partial shade (best in full sun)

Propagation:
*you can propagate from seed: use cold stratification first, then either directly sow into garden or raise in seed trays indoors, though this needs to be kept warm (60-70degrees F) and rarely watered
*you can also propagate from cuttings, use a rooting hormone for best results
*you can also propagate from division
*lemon thyme must be propagated by cuttings only

Maintenance:
*weed regularly
*there are no significant problems with pests
*the plant will rot if it becomes too wet in a cold winter, so protect it
*these are really drought-loving plants that need little watering or maintenance
*trim after flowering to promote new growth and to stop the plant from getting straggly

Harvesting:
*easily air-dry the plant out of direct sunlight and it retains its flavor
*it is an evergreen and can be picked fresh all year round if you are not too greedy
*for drying, pick before it flowers

Medicinal:
*the plant has a muscle relaxant effect and an ability to thin mucus in the lungs. Thus, it is a great remedy for respiratory conditions, colds, and flus.
*it also alleviates symptoms of indigestion, gas, bloating, gastrointestinal infections, and cramps
*infuse as a tea for digestion and also for hangovers from drinking too much alcohol
*sweeten the tea with honey and it will aid coughs, colds, and sore throats

Cooking:
*emits a warm, pleasant aroma that is quite popular in cooking
*it is great in slow-cooking casseroles that contain meat
*it is great with onion, garlic, and red wine recipes, jambalaya/gumbo, tomato dishes, marinades, vegetable soups, etc.

For more information, see: references and warnings