Thyme for Healing

Herbal actions: expectorant, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, antimicrobial, antioxidant, diuretic, carminative.

MIND

Thyme’s fragrance is unmistakable. It’s strength evocative without being overpowering. Clarifying in all ways, thyme harmonizes what belongs and efficiently clears out what doesn’t. The history of use as an antimicrobial is long and steady. Whether used in cooking as food medicine or in herbal formulation, one quickly learns that though this herb can stand alone it loves to play with others. Thyme is wonderful in almost any format: steam, tea, tincture, salve, infused honey (my personal favorite)…the only limit is your own imagination! And it’s protective activity isn’t just as an antimicrobial, but also in enhancing the body’s own natural function. Activating and invigorating this is herb has been shown to support nervous system function and persevere the mind by supporting fatty acid activation in the brain. Such a tiny little leaf, such extraordinary medicine.

The properties of thyme provide us with the ability to heal and protect from illness. Thyme can be used in so many applications, helping us to hold strong, as well as honor moments when a lighter hand is helpful. It is delicate yet potent, Thymus vulgaris is a beautiful culinary and medicinal plant that is readily available to meet us where we are, adding healing and an unexpected beauty to the wholeness of how we take care. -Tasha

BODY

Thyme came to me as an unexpected ally. Some of our herbalists describe thyme with absolute affection and adoration. For me, it isn’t love of thyme, but definite respect. Its ability to support healing of respiratory, urinary, and digestive imbalance is gently, yet reliably powerful. A client had developed chronic nausea for no apparent reason, followed by a chronic rash on the face, and eventually intense emotional lability and exhaustion (they were rightfully depressed and anxious!). Symptoms started about 4 weeks after an intense period of unusual stress, and had been going on for several months. Well, we understand that the nervous system and the gut are intimately tied together right?! In fact, so much of our systemic regulation comes through the creation and destruction occurring in the digestive system every day! It isn’t just food either; all sorts of chemical/hormonal happenings are fueling our body. Oh, and the digestive tract is essentially your skin on the inside so it isn’t uncommon that rashes or irritations happen when compromised - we see this often with food sensitivities. Turns out that the severe stress had altered the client’s homeostasis in such a way that an opportunistic H. pylori infection was eventually diagnosed. H. pylori is often at play in the development of ulcers, but it is also a commonly occurring stomach bacteria. Most people can have it and never get sick. Now, here’s my official statement that you should always work with your personal healthcare provider when you have serious and/or compromising illness. This client was also being seen by a GI specialist who was fully supportive of an herbal protocol (cool huh!). Enter in the magical medicine of thyme, an herb known to be effective against this bacteria, among others. We made a tea and tincture formula using thyme in both. One focused on healing and nourishing the foundation, the other on treating microbial balance. Their healing protocol also called for good hydration, nourishing foods, and acupuncture to support homeostasis of the whole body. But before we even made the protocol we walked the herb jars, as we often do with folks in the shop, and asked what called to them. The very first herb the picked was thyme! Curiously, I asked what called them to thyme to which they replied: “I don’t know exactly, but I remember my grandma used to give it me in honey when I was a kid and had an upset stomach.” But of course, thyme heals so many things.

Thyme has been honored for it’s effective antimicrobial and antifungal actions. But also for it’s wonderful purifying and relaxant qualities. Ruled by Venus, we see the attributes quite clearly. This makes thyme a fantastic ally to soothe, purify, and clean any aching or infected areas of the body. - Cody

Thyme is one of our most powerful antiviral herbs. Its potency stems from its hot, moving and drying qualities. There is a wide array of antiviral phytochemicals in it but the most studied and abundant is Thymol. For this reason, it has been our ally over the last two years. It’s a heroic remedy and right now we can all use a hero. - Bethany

SPIRIT

We regularly see that some of the most powerful herbal medicines are those that not only treat the body, but also serve the spirit. It is well known and often observed that “where the wild thyme grows…” faeries will be found. Lore offers that growing it in your garden not only brings protection, but serves as a doorway for the spirit realms and increases spirit communication. Sprigs of it under the pillow protect dream spaces and prevent nightmares, while a floor wash with thyme clears the space of unwanted energies. Thyme is a good bet for almost any spiritual work where good boundaries, courage, or strength are needed. Different than last months lion-hearted courage bringing ally motherwort, the courage of thyme is fiery in nature and not to be taken lightly. This is the kind of courage that can burn things to the ground if needed, but tries to preempt the need for such things with collaboration, healthy boundaries, creativity, and a warm whole-hearted embrace. Thyme helps us navigate paradox through resourcefulness. And what is more resourceful than using the medicine sitting in your kitchen cabinet or growing at your doorstep.

Thyme has always reminded me of our connection to the Otherworld and the Fae. I used to plant thyme in the garden when I was a child, knowing that it would be helpful to the faeries as it is a magical plant beloved by them. Thyme is a staple herb for many of us, present in many kitchens. Not only a delicious seasoning, thyme is a strong medicine as well! Thyme has great antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, and it is a wonderful medicine for our respiratory health - acting as an expectorant, antispasmodic, and bronchodilator. - Amy