Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Thymus vulgaris
|
| Common Names: |
Garden Thyme, German Thyme, English Thyme
|
| Key Name: |
Common Thyme
|
| Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowers, stems
|
| Sister Plants: |
Thymus serpyllum, Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis
|
| Comments: |
Perennial shrub attractive to pollinators; thrives in sunny, well-drained areas
|
Taxonomy |
| Kingdom |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum |
Streptophyta |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Lamiales |
| Family |
Lamiaceae |
Genus |
Thymus |
| Species |
vulgaris |
NCBI Tax ID |
49992
|
| Organism |
|
|
Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Perennial shrub (6-12 in), woody base, erect stems, small oval Leaves, pink to purple flower clusters (0.5 in), blooming summer
|
| Stem: |
Erect, 6-12 in, woody at base, green
|
| Leaves: |
Small, oval, 0.5-1 inch, gray-green, Aromatic
|
| Flowers: |
Pink to purple flower clusters, 0.5 in, in whorls, blooming June-August
|
| Fruit: |
Small nutlets, 1-2 mm, brown
|
| Taste: |
Aromatic, slightly Bitter (Leaves), mild (flowers)
|
| Odour: |
Strong, herbal scent from Leaves
|
| Root: |
Woody taproot with shallow roots
|
| Image: |
(image unavailable)
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.56gyws5oSas6vWathGTmQgHaFc%26r%3D0%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=bcee86c80ce4e243151525f9b2e6446f784fc74d9c9cfc3ffec61c0f527ba9d0&ipo=images
|
Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to the Mediterranean, cultivated worldwide
|
| Cultivation: |
Plant in full Sun, well-drained soil; propagate by cuttings or seeds in spring; space 12-18 inches apart; water sparingly, tolerates drought
|
| Harvest: |
Leaves/Flowers: Summer (June-August); Stems: Fall
|
Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Antiseptic, Carminative, Expectorant, Antispasmodic
|
| Medical Uses: |
Used for respiratory infections, coughs, Digestive issues, and as a mild Antiseptic; Leaves for tea or poultices
|
| Constituents: |
Thymol, Carvacrol, flavonoids (flavonoids)">flavonoids, essential oils
|
| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (Tincture), oil (distillation)
|
| Dosage: |
infusion: 1 tsp dried Leaves in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Oil: 1-2 drops in water
|
| Administration: |
Internal: infusion or oil; External: Poultice or oil
|
| Formulas: |
|
| Contra Indications: |
May cause Allergic reactions; avoid in large doses during Pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
|
| Preparation: |
infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried Leaves in hot water 10 min; Oil: Steam distill Leaves
|
| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
|
| Veterinary: |
Used for respiratory or skin support in livestock
|
| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
|
Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
|
| Pollinator: |
1
|
| Pollen: |
Yes
|
| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination
|
| Nectar: |
Yes
|
| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, late-season pollinators
|
Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
ornamental, essential oil, pest repellent
|
| Culinary Uses: |
Leaves in teas, seasonings, or oils
|
| History: |
Used in Mediterranean and European herbal medicine since ancient times; valued in culinary traditions
|
| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
|
| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Thymus+vulgaris
|
| Share: |
Private
|