Thyme

Origin: Southern Europe

Family: Lamiaceae
Scientific Name: Thymus vulgaris

Magical

Element: Water
Day: Friday
Planet: Venus
Zodiac: Libra

Parts used: Herb

Magical Properties: Health, clairvoyance, purification, love, courage

Substitutions: Rosemary

Lore

Thyme was burned in temples in Ancient Greece in order to purify the space.

It was also rumoured that brushing thyme across your eyes and wearing it would enable one to see faeries.

Magical Uses

• Wear a sprig of thyme to a funeral to protect against others' negative emotions.
• Stuff a pillow sachet with thyme to bring restful sleep protected from nightmares.
• Burn thyme as an incense to purify magical spaces.
• Welcome the energy of spring by bathing with thyme and marjoram.

Aromatherapy

Part Used: Herb
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Flash Point: 60°C

Scent Type: Herbaceous
Perfume Note: Middle/top
Scent Description: Herbaceous, slightly sweet scent

Aromatherapeutic Use

Blends well with: citrus, lavender, rosemary, and pine.

Warnings:

• Avoid during pregnancy.
• Not safe for use for folks with epilepsy/seizure disorders or high blood pressure.
• May cause skin irritation and sensitisation, dilute double for topical application.

Botanical

There are roughly 350 species in the genus of Thymus, native to temperate regions in Europe, North Africa and Asia.

Type: Herb
Plant Height: up to 40cm
Stems: Thin, wiry stems
Leaves: Small, oval leaves, arranged oppositely
Flowers: Small clusters of white, yellow, or pink/purple flowers

In the Garden

Type: Perennial ground-cover
Sow: Spring
Light: Full sun
Water: Keep slightly moist
Soil: Well-drained

Companion Planting: Strawberry, cabbage

Tips:

• Thyme can be fairly short-lived, but is easy to propagate from cuttings.
• Drench with a water-soluble plant food a month after planting.