Thyme: botany, history, scent and precautions for the home
Thyme is a small aromatic shrub from southern Europe, rich in thymol. History, scent, decorative uses, drying and precautions, especially for its essential oil.
Key points
| Botanical name | Thymus vulgaris (common thyme); wild thyme: Thymus serpyllum and related species |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Origin | Southern Europe, Mediterranean basin |
| Part used | Leafy sprigs and flowers |
| Main compounds | Thymol, carvacrol (depending on the chemotype) |
| Scent | Warm, aromatic, herbaceous, slightly peppery |
| Main precaution | Essential oil irritant (thymol): no diffusing, never undiluted on the skin |
What is thyme?
Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a small subshrub in the Lamiaceae family, barely 20 to 40 cm tall, with tiny grey-green leaves and pink or white flowers that attract bees. It grows in garrigue, rocky ground and dry meadows in southern Europe. The genus Thymus includes many species and hybrids, among them wild thyme, which is more creeping and scents mountain lawns.
The origin of the word is debated. The ancient Greek thymon may relate to thyein, “to burn (as an offering),” and so to the idea of fumigation, or to thymos, “breath, courage.” Authors disagree, and we present both leads without deciding.
A little history
Sources say that the Romans helped spread thyme across Europe, notably to scent cheeses and liqueurs. In the Middle Ages, it was placed under the pillow, offered to knights and put into coffins. Several of these claims are reported by recent authors and do not all rest on solid ancient sources: we cite them as popular customs, with no guarantee of their age. What is certain is its importance in cooking (bouquet garni, herbes de Provence) and in beekeeping: thyme honey is highly prized.
Chemistry: thymol and chemotypes
Thyme’s scent comes mainly from thymol, helped by carvacrol. Thymol is a phenol with well-recognised antiseptic properties: it is found in some mouthwashes and hygiene products. At high concentration, it can therefore irritate the skin and mucous membranes.
Specialists also know thyme for its chemotypes: plants of the same species whose essential oil is rich in thymol, carvacrol, linalool, geraniol or thujanol. Labels should state this, since a “phenol” chemotype (thymol, carvacrol) is far more irritating than a “linalool” chemotype. ANSES (the French agency for food, environmental and occupational health and safety) notes that oils rich in phenols or ketones irritate the airways and are unsuitable for diffusion.
Home uses
- Dried sprigs in a wreath, a bunch or a small fabric bag: thyme dries very easily and keeps its scent for months.
- Fumigation: small dried sprigs burn with a warm, aromatic smoke. A spoonful of leaves is enough for a session; avoid regular use.
- Cooking: its main role, by far.
Thyme pairs well with rosemary and lavender, in the spirit of “herbes de Provence.” For drying, see Drying and storing your herbs.
Precautions
- Essential oil: never swallow thyme essential oil; never apply it undiluted to the skin; do not diffuse it. See Essential oils: caution.
- Pregnancy, children, asthma: avoid the essential oil. For smoke, use rarely and in a ventilated room, never near a child or a sensitive person.
- Allergies: like other Lamiaceae, thyme can cause reactions in some allergic people.
- Animals: do not diffuse thyme oil near a cat or a dog.
Growing and buying sustainably
Thyme is one of the easiest aromatic herbs to live with: sun, poor dry soil, and light pruning after flowering. In a pot on a balcony, it provides enough sprigs for cooking and decoration. When buying in a bag, look for the country of origin, the year of harvest and the Latin name; a supermarket thyme for cooking is perfectly suitable for ambience sachets. Avoid picking wild thyme in quantity: some local garrigue species are fragile or protected, and picking is regulated there.
Frequently asked questions
Can you burn thyme?
Yes, in small amounts, dried, in a ventilated room. As with any smoke, avoid exposing vulnerable people, children and animals.
What is the difference between thyme and wild thyme?
Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum and related species) is a creeping species with a milder scent. Common thyme is a small, more aromatic shrub, used mainly in cooking.
Is thyme essential oil safe?
No. Rich in thymol, a phenol, it irritates the skin and airways and should not be diffused. Ask a professional before any use.
How do I dry thyme?
Tie the sprigs into small bunches and hang them upside down in a dry, shaded place: one to two weeks is enough.
Where does the word thyme come from?
From the Greek thymon. It is linked either to burning as an offering or to breath or courage; authors do not agree.
Also read
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Herbs, waxes and accessories.