Thymus vulgaris
Record ID:87Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Thymus vulgaris |
| Common Names: | Garden Thyme, German Thyme, English Thyme |
| Key Name: | Common Thyme |
| Parts Used: | Leaves, flowers, stems |
| Sister Plants: | Thymus serpyllum, Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis |
| Comments: | Perennial shrub attractive to pollinators; thrives in sunny, well-drained areas |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Perennial shrub (6-12 in), woody base, erect stems, small oval leaves, pink to purple flower clusters (0.5 in), blooming summer |
| Stem: | Erect, 6-12 in, woody at base, green |
| Leaves: | Small, oval, 0.5-1 inch, gray-green, aromatic |
| Flowers: | Pink to purple flower clusters, 0.5 in, in whorls, blooming June-August |
| Fruit: | Small nutlets, 1-2 mm, brown |
| Taste: | Aromatic, slightly bitter (leaves), mild (flowers) |
| Odour: | Strong, herbal scent from leaves |
| Root: | Woody taproot with shallow roots |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.56gyws5oSas6vWathGTmQgHaFc%26r%3D0%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=bcee86c80ce4e243151525f9b2e6446f784fc74d9c9cfc3ffec61c0f527ba9d0&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Native to the Mediterranean, cultivated worldwide |
| Cultivation: | Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; propagate by cuttings or seeds in spring; space 12-18 inches apart; water sparingly, tolerates drought |
| Harvest: | Leaves/Flowers: Summer (June-August); Stems: Fall |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Antiseptic, carminative, expectorant, antispasmodic |
| Medical Uses: | Used for respiratory infections, coughs, digestive issues, and as a mild antiseptic; leaves for tea or poultices |
| Constituents: | Thymol, carvacrol, flavonoids, essential oils |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture), oil (distillation) |
| Dosage: | Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Oil: 1-2 drops in water |
| Administration: | Internal: Infusion or oil; External: Poultice or oil |
| Formulas: | |
| Contra Indications: | May cause allergic reactions; avoid in large doses during pregnancy; consult healthcare provider |
| Preparation: | Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water 10 min; Oil: Steam distill leaves |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for respiratory or skin support in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | No |
| Pollinator: | 1 |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, late-season pollinators |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Ornamental, essential oil, pest repellent |
| Culinary Uses: | Leaves in teas, seasonings, or oils |
| History: | Used in Mediterranean and European herbal medicine since ancient times; valued in culinary traditions |
| Reference: | Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS |
| URL: | https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Thymus+vulgaris |
| Share: | Private |