>Thyme

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I am currently working with herbs that are easily available with my clients and today I am sharing some of the uses of Thyme with you..

Here is some history on how Thyme was used in the past. Do you need courage? Burn some thyme, the ancient Greeks did. They also took baths with it for the same purpose. The Romans used it to purify their rooms. Europeans in the middle Ages placed it beneath pillows to aid sleep and ward off nightmares. I should try this with my eight year old. Thyme was also used as incense and placed on coffins during funerals as it was supposed to assure passage into the next life.

I have used time in my practice for gum infections, coughs and colds, respiratory infections and fungal infections such as ringworm and athletes foot. Because of it is antiseptic qualities, thyme boiled in water and cooled is very effective against inflammation of the throat when gargled 3 times a day. The inflammation will normally disappear in 2 - 5 days. I have used Thyme in combination with Usnea with my eleven year old who is prone to developing a sore throat.

Did you also know that Thymol which is derived from Thyme an antiseptic, is the main active ingredient in Listerine mouthwash?

In traditional Jamaican childbirth practice, thyme tea is given to the mother after delivery of the baby. Its oxytocin-like effect causes uterine contractions and more rapid delivery of the placenta.