Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Thymus vulgaris
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| Common Names: |
Garden Thyme, German Thyme, English Thyme
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| Key Name: |
Common Thyme
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| Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowers, stems
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| Sister Plants: |
Thymus serpyllum, Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis
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| Comments: |
Perennial shrub attractive to pollinators; thrives in sunny, well-drained areas
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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
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| Stem: |
Erect, 6-12 in, woody at base, green
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| Leaves: |
Small, oval, 0.5-1 inch, gray-green, aromatic
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| Flowers: |
Pink to purple flower clusters, 0.5 in, in whorls, blooming June-August
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| Fruit: |
Small nutlets, 1-2 mm, brown
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| Taste: |
Aromatic, slightly bitter (leaves), mild (flowers)
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| Odour: |
Strong, herbal scent from leaves
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| Root: |
Woody taproot with shallow roots
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to the Mediterranean, cultivated worldwide
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| Cultivation: |
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; propagate by cuttings or seeds in spring; space 12-18 inches apart; water sparingly, tolerates drought
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| Harvest: |
Leaves/Flowers: Summer (June-August); Stems: Fall
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Antiseptic, carminative, expectorant, antispasmodic
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for respiratory infections, coughs, digestive issues, and as a mild antiseptic; leaves for tea or poultices
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| Constituents: |
Thymol, carvacrol, flavonoids, essential oils
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| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture), oil (distillation)
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| Dosage: |
Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Oil: 1-2 drops in water
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| Administration: |
Internal: Infusion or oil; External: Poultice or oil
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| Formulas: |
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause allergic reactions; avoid in large doses during pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
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| Preparation: |
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water 10 min; Oil: Steam distill leaves
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for respiratory or skin support in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, late-season pollinators
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Ornamental, essential oil, pest repellent
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| Culinary Uses: |
Leaves in teas, seasonings, or oils
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| History: |
Used in Mediterranean and European herbal medicine since ancient times; valued in culinary traditions
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Thymus+vulgaris
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| Share: |
Private
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