| Thyme |
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In medieval times Thyme
was used in drinks and cordials, and because they were
slightly intoxicating the herb came to be regarded as a symbol of courage
and bravery.
Common or garden Thyme is the
aromatic evergreen perennial herb with small dark green leaves growing
densely on short stalks along the woody stems. A neat, bushy plant,
thyme grows up to about 10" hight,
the tiny pale mauve or white flowers appearing on whorls at the top of
the stems in summer. Another variety, lemon thyme
has a lovely lemony flavour and scent and is
particularly useful in cooking. All thymes are very good bee plants and thyme
honey is delicious.
Garden thyme can be grown from
seed sown in spring, when the weather is mild. Sow the seed thinly in
good garden soil in a sunny spot where the plants are to grow and flower,
when large enough, then the seedlings to about 12" apart. Established
plants can also be divided in spring. The plant has creeping fibrous
roots and needs room to spread. Thyme
makes a fragrant ground cover.
Thyme is a small herb and the
stems, leaves and flowering tops are used in the home both fresh and
dried. For drying, the herb is cut down when in full flower and dried
and stored in the usual way.
Thyme tea
is a pleasant drink and is helpful for digestive upsets and flatulence,
loss of appetite and exhaustion.
To make the tea:
Pour one cupful of boiling water on to 2 teaspoons
of thyme. Leave to infuse for 5-10 minutes.
Strain and sweeten with a little honey.
Make fresh tea each time and drink
as required before or after meals.
Warm tea will help dispel a headache if taken
immediately the symptoms appear. Thyme
tea can also be taken for mild chest complaints and will help to relieve
catarrh.
 |
Lemon
Thyme is a pleasantly
lemon scented and flavoured low growing herb ideal for rockeries. |
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