Thyme — FarmPal

Powerful antimicrobial culinary herb. Kitchen medicine at its finest.

Scientific Name
Thymus vulgaris
Growing Zones
Zones 5-9

Medicinal Properties

Antimicrobial
Expectorant
Antispasmodic
Carminative
Antioxidant

Parts Used

Leaves
Flowering tops

Traditional Uses

  • •Coughs and bronchitis
  • •Sore throat
  • •Digestive upset
  • •Fungal infections (topical)
  • •Mouth and gum health
  • •Food preservation

Preparations

Tea

Steep 1-2 tsp fresh or dried thyme in 8 oz hot water for 10-15 minutes. Cover to retain oils.

Dosage: 3-4 cups daily for respiratory infections

Honey

Fill jar loosely with fresh thyme, cover with raw honey. Let infuse 2-4 weeks.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon for sore throat or in tea

Steam Inhalation

Add handful of fresh thyme to bowl of steaming water. Cover head with towel.

Dosage: 10 minutes for congestion and coughs

Tincture

Fill jar with fresh thyme, cover with vodka. 4-6 weeks.

Dosage: 30-60 drops in warm water for coughs

Harvesting Guide

Timing: Harvest just before or during flowering for highest oil content.

Method: Cut stems, leaving at least 5 inches of growth.

Drying: Bundle and hang in dark, airy location. Strip leaves when dry.

⚠️ Cautions

  • •Safe in culinary amounts
  • •Medicinal doses may affect thyroid
  • •Essential oil is very strong use with caution topically
  • •Generally very safe for short-term medicinal use
Storage
Dried 1-2 years. Essential oils last indefinitely. Fresh in refrigerator 1-2 weeks.