Thyme, Thymus vulgaris

coconut oil or olive oil (coconut oil is preferred if you want a solid salve). Place the coconut oil and crushed thorn apple seeds together in a small glass jar. Place the jar and its contents into a pot of barely simmering water. Keep the water level so that the jar stands upright and does not float. Maintain a very low simmer for 2 hours. Turn off the heat and allow the oil to cool. Strain the seeds out of the oil and discard them. Use the cooled oil as a rub or salve on painful joints.

Thymus vulgaris is the same evergreen herb that we use for cooking. It is a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. This fragrant plant grows in hot, sunny locations. Identification: Thyme is a perennial shrub with square stems growing from a thin woody base. It grows 6 to 12 inches (15 cm to 30 cm) tall. The leaves are small, light-green, and slightly curved. Small purple or white flowers appear in the summer. Edible Use: I use it as a cooking herb for its intense flavor and as an herbal tea. Medicinal Use: The Romans used thyme to purify their rooms and to flavor cheese and liqueurs. It has been placed under pillows to aid sleep and prevent nightmares. Thyme is an antiseptic, anti-viral, antiparasitic, and anti-fungal. I prefer to use fresh thyme whenever possible. However, I also dry thyme sprigs for future use. Sore Throat, Coughs, and Bronchitis: The anti-bacterial components of thyme are valuable in combatting bronchitis and coughs. Infuse the whole herb in water and use it for gargling and as a weak thyme tea.

Mouthwash, Dental Cavities and Gum Dis-

ease: Weak thyme tea is a valuable mouthwash. It has antiseptic properties, which help prevent cavities and treat gingivitis. Acne: Try Thyme Tincture for treating acne. Dab a drop of thyme tincture onto blemishes once or twice daily. It dries up acne and kills the bacteria that cause them. Boosts the Immune System: The many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in thyme give the immune system a boost. Also, thyme encourages white blood cell formation and increases the body’s resistance to bacteria and viruses. Thyme based formulas, Thyme Tea, and Thyme essential oil are all good formulas for boosting the immune system. Digestive Upsets and Worms: Thyme is effective against digestive problems caused by bacteria and viruses, including stomach flus and diarrhea. It is also used for intestinal problems, including worms. Seizures and Antispasmodic: Thyme has antispasmodic properties and prevents and treats epileptic seizures in some people. Oil of Thyme or Thyme Tincture are the best products to use for this purpose. Lice, Scabies, and Crabs: The anti-parasitic properties of thyme oil make it a good treatment for lice, scabies, and crabs. Add a few drops of Oil of Thyme to olive oil or coconut oil and coat the affected area. Cover the coated areas and leave on for 1 hour, then wash away. Follow up with nit removal and repeat as needed.