
Thyme
THYMUS VULGARIS
Common Thyme or Garden Thyme is identifiable by its tiny narrow, spear shaped, grey-green leaves that grow in pairs opposite to one another; its velvet white twigs & its spicy aroma. Like lavender, sage & rosemary, thyme is part of the mint family.
In the Middle Ages, thyme was a symbol of courage, woven into scarves & gifted to Crusaders. A tea of steeped thyme leaves was used to see nymphs & fairies and to prevent nightmares. Herbalist of this time prescribed it as a stimulant and antispasmoic & its aroma was used to treat melancholy and epilepsy.
in 1725, it was discovered that Thymol (component of thyme essential oil) was a powerful disinfectant against fungi & bacteria, as well as an expectorant (loosening phlegm in the respiratory tract).
Today, thyme is used to quell numerous complaints internally & externally, from athletes' foot to diarrhea. but its most popular us is as a culinary herb, used to season & garnish dishes.

Healing properties:
Antioxidant & anti-fungal
Relieves cough & loosens mucus so it can be coughed up
Helps improve circulation
Boosts immune system
Can relive stress
Parts used: leaves & flowers
Collection: leaves are best harvested in summer before bloom
Aromatherapy:
Thyme aromatherapy relieves congestion in the lungs & aids with asthma, broccitis & sinus issues. It can be beneficial for imporving memeor & concentration. Thyme oil has a abundance of wonderful properties including: antifungal, amtimicrobial, antiviral antiseptic & immunostimulant propertie.
Topically thyme essential oil clears acne, oily skin, eczema, dermatitis & sooths insect bites & cuts. When mixed into a massage oil, thyme essential oil helps with soe muscles & joints, stimulares circualtion, and helps reduce water retention.

Magickal Properties
Associations
Element: Water
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Magical Uses
Thyme can attract good health, by burning the herb, wearing it or drinking it in a herbal tea. when placed beneath your pillow, it encourages a restful seep & protects from nightmares.
When worn, Thyme encourages psychic development & is sad to allow the wearer see fairies.
The Ancient Greeks burned thyme in Temples prior to rituals to purify the space.
The smell of thyme is said to inspire courage & energy
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Luck
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Energy
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Digestion
Powers
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Cleansing
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Protection
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Addiction

- Magic & Medicine of Plants, by Readers Digest
Desk Reference to Natures Medicine, by Steven Foster & Rebecca L. Johnson, published by National Geographic
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, by Valerie Ann Worwood, published by New World Library in 1991
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, by Scott Cunningham
Sources:
Books:
Websites:
"Thyme: Nutrition, Benefits & Uses" by John Staughton