Herb Spotlight: Thyme | Everything You Need To Know

We love our fresh herbs here at Gardenuity. On top of having thousands of years of history under their belts, herbs are oh so versatile in terms of what they can contribute to your life. Adding fresh herbs into your daily routine is a wonderfully healthy lifestyle choice in that they benefit the upkeep of your mind, body, and home.

This week, we’re talking about thyme. Thyme is a popular and powerful herb that we will never tire of. Keep reading to learn about thyme’s history, the health benefits of thyme, and how to grow your own beautiful thyme garden.

The History of Thyme

Thyme has been said to have been discovered as far back as 2750 BC, which was discovered by deciphering Sumerian cuneiform tablets which suggested that thyme was dried and pulverized with water, pears, and figs in order to be used as a poultice. Generally, people grew thyme in gardens and gathered it in the countryside.

The ancient Egyptians used thyme as an embalming fluid, and in ancient Greece, thyme served as an incense in temples and as an addition to bathwater. It is also said that the ancient Romans people offered thyme as a cure for people who were wistful or shy. The philosopher, Hippocrates, who lived around 460 BCE to 370 BCE, suggested that thyme be used as a treatment for respiratory diseases. 

Health Benefits of Thyme

Thyme has always been a favorite culinary staple, but this distinctive herb is also quickly earning a reputation for its impressive medicinal qualities. Take a look at this list of the health benefits that thyme has to offer:

• Improves acne
• Extraordinarily high in vitamin c
• Boosts immunity
• Relieves stomach pain
• Anti-fungal properties
• Natural pesticide
• Fights high blood pressure
• Fights breast cancer
• Mood booster
• Relieves a sore throat

Why Grow Thyme?

There are over four hundred different species of thyme in the world. Thyme is also a super wonderful herb to add to your container herb garden kit, and that is not only because it is lovely to look at.

Thyme is easy to grow, making it perfect for the gardener who is just getting started with planting their roots. Not to mention, thyme is a natural pest repellent, while it simultaneously acts to attract healthy pollinators to the rest of your garden. If you’d like to learn more about why you should start growing your thyme now, take a look at this article by Tenth Acre Farm.

When you have thyme at your disposal, the world of delicious recipes is truly your oyster. From fresh, hand-shaken craft cocktails to aromatic and expertly garnished dinners, thyme will certainly up your game in the kitchen. Read up on some of our favorite thyme recipes here.

Get Growing

Starting an herb garden is the perfect place to start adding more greenery into your life. Bringing a bit of thyme to your herb garden can only do great things for you! Take a look at our Culinary Herb Garden Kit or our Good Thyme Garden Kit to start your growing journey today.