Thyme is an essential herb for any herb garden whether you are a beginner or a pro. It's easy to grow and maintain when placed in full sun, with light dry soil. It's a Mediterranean plant so it needs a lot of heat to flourish, but yet it can survive even Zone 5 winters.

Harvest your thyme often, and use it fresh, dried or it can be frozen in ice cubes or in small bags. I use it along with fresh garlic in my meatballs and have been told they are "better than Moms". Add thyme to your meatloaf recipes too. It is a wonderful addition to squash, carrots or dried beans, and can be added to any Pasta Primavera recipe as well.

A lovely tea can be made with 3 parts thyme and 1 part each rosemary and spearmint. Brew in a tightly closed teapot using 1 teaspoon tea to 1 cup water. Let steep for 10 minutes and serve hot.

There are many varieties of Thyme; over 400 have been cataloged over the centuries. For culinary purposes three seem to be the most popular; garden (Thymus vulgaris), lemon (Thymus citriodorus)and caraway-scented (Thymus herba-barona). Try them all if you have room in your herb garden.

This herb has been used for centuries and was even written about by the famed herbalist Nicholas Culpepper, he felt Thyme had no counter part that was as effective in treating whooping cough.

Actions and Uses:

Antiseptic: Thyme contains a compound called Thymol which can be found in mouthwashes(Listerine) toothpastes and body powders (Gold Bond). Thymol is effective against bacteria and fungus which means it would be a good remedy for athlete's foot, ringworm, scabies, lice,thrush and vaginal thrush, bug bites, warts mouth sores, and cuts. A salve made with lemon balm and thyme was an old remedy that worked for shingles. Thyme can be chewed fresh for a sore throat and even bad breath.

Antispasmodic: Methylchavicol another healing element which is in Thyme is able to sooth sore and cramped muscles. This is why we see thyme added to more bath products and muscle creams, soaking in it can help an aching back.

Vermifuge: Thyme has long been a remedy for expelling and killing intestinal worm , especially in children. This wonderful herb is also found in natural pet remedies for worming.

Expectorant: Thyme has been used in cough syrups because of its ability to break up congestion, and was once used as treatment for childhood asthma.

Tonic: Recent research from Scotland suggests that thyme may help to tonify the organs and help all organs to function smoothly and to help counteract free radicals in the body which cause aging