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THYME THYMUS VULGARIS It purges the body of phlegm, and is an excellent remedy for shortness of breath. This is Garden Thyme, a low-growing shrub with fibrous roots and woody stalks. The dusky green leaves are short, broad and pointed. The numerous flowers are small and pink. Where to find it. Cultivated in herb gardens for culinary use. Flowering time: Early summer. Astrology: A notable herb of Venus. Medicinal virtues. It strengthens the lungs and is a good remedy for chin-cough in children. It kills worms in the belly, provokes the terms and gives safe and speedy delivery to women in labour. It helps to bring away the afterbirth. An ointrnent made of it takes away hot swellings and warts, helps sciatica and dullness of the sight, and takes away pains and hardness of the spleen. It is excellent for those troubled with gout and also to anoint swollen testicles. It eases pains in the loins and hips. Taken inwardly, the herb comforts the stomach and expels wind. Modern uses: Thyme is a natural antiseptic as it is rich in thymol. It relieves throat and bronchial irritation and the spasms of whooping cough. An infusion is made from the dried herb by adding i oz (28 g) to 1 Pt (563 ml) of boiling water. The dose is 2 fl OZ (56 ml) three or four times a day. Herbalists use a tincture in doses Of 20-4o drops. Thyme is contraindicated in pregnancy. The infusion also improves appetite and relieves dyspepsia and gastritis. Oil of Thyme also reduces wind and colic and is taken in doses Of 1-5 drops. |