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In the Garden
The Garden in June - A beautiful retreat
Herb of the Month - Thyme
Thyme Information and Medicinal Uses
Evergreen, ever tasty, ever aromatic thyme flowers A member
of the mint family, thyme is a perennial evergreen shrub,
whose woody stems are covered with small, grey-green
leaves. Its small, two-lipped flowers range in color from pale pink
to purple and bear quadruplet nutlet fruits. The entire plant is aromatic.
There are over one hundred varieties of thyme, with the
most common being Garden Thyme and Lemon Thyme.
The many types are so close in appearance, it is often difficult to
differentiate them. Lemon thyme has a slightly more-pronounced
lemony fragrance, particularly good with fish. All varieties of thyme
are highly attractive to bees. Honey from bees that feed on thyme
flower nectar is a gourmet delight. Yet, insects are repelled by
thyme. Make a cup of thyme tea, put it in a plant mister, and spray
Top 10 jobs
1. Hoe borders regularly to keep down weeds
2. Be water-wise, especially in drought affected areas
3. Pinch out sideshoots on tomatoes
4. Harvest lettuce, radish, other salads and early
potatoes
5. Position summer hanging baskets and containers
outside
6. Cut lawns at least once a week
7. Plant out summer bedding
8. Stake tall or floppy plants
9. Prune many spring-flowering shrubs
10. Shade greenhouses to keep them cool and prevent
scorch
around doorways and windows in summer to repel insects. Herbal
medicinists use thyme in infusions, extracts, teas, compresses, bath
preparations and gargles. Recent studies indicate that thyme
strengthens the immune system.
The distilled thyme oils are used commercially in the production
of antiseptics, toothpaste, mouthwash, gargle, hair conditioner,
dandruff shampoo, skin cleanser, various toiletry items, potpourri,
and insect repellent. It is an ingredient in commercial expectorants
and antispasmodics prescribed for whooping cough and bronchitis.
Thyme selection, storage and usage
Thyme flowers Fresh, dried and powdered thyme are readily available
year-round in most markets. If you are lucky enough to be able
to grow your own, remember that thyme leaves are sweetest if
picked just as the flowers appear. Store fresh thyme in a plastic bag
in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator or stand sprigs
in a glass of water on the refrigerator shelf. When cooking with
thyme, know that one fresh sprig equals the flavoring power of onehalf
teaspoon of dried thyme. As with most leafy dried herbs, be
sure to crush the leaves between your hands before adding them to
your recipe.
24 Cottingham Times - May 2007 Support the advertisers who appear within the Cottingham Times