Posts Tagged ‘Thyme’

Hump Day Herbal Magic – Thyme

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Folk Names: Common Thyme, Garden

Powers: Health, Healing, Sleep, Psychic Powers, Love, Purification, Courage

Thyme is a perennial shrub, and a member of the mint family. With over a hundred varieties, the most common being garden and lemon thyme.

The Greeks used Thyme “to make a burnt offering.”  In the Middle Ages, Europeans placed it under pillows to promote sleep and ward off nightmares. Women would also give the leaves to knights to bring courage. Thyme was also placed on coffins and burned as incense during funerals to send one into the next life.

Deities: Ares, Fairies, Mars

Gender: Feminine

Element: Water (Dreams, Fidelity, Friendships, Healing, Love, Meditation, Prophetic Dreams, Purification, Sleep)

Planet: Venus (Beauty, Fidelity, Friendships, Good Fortune, Love, Money, youth)

Magical and Ritual Uses:

  • To stop nightmares or have prophetic dreams: Place beneath your pillow, or burn on charcoal and take in the aroma. (it is also great for meditation)
  • For Money: Plant THYME in the garden. Fold a dollar bill around THYME leaves, then fold again to make a packet, tie it up, and bury it on a full moon at the middle of a crossroads.
  • Growing various types of THYME: Encourages the devas to be lively.
  • To see Fairies: Carry in a amulet or sachet.
  • Money-Protection: Combine THYME, MINT, and BAYBERRY.
  • For purification: Burn prior to a ritual to cleanse the area. In spring, make a cleansing bath composed of MARJORAM and THYME to ensure all the sorrows and ills of the past are removed.
  • THYME is also carried and smelled to give courage and energy.
  • For good health: Thyme is burned or worn in an amulet. It is excellent in healing spells.
  • It is also used to communicate with friends and relatives who have passed.  THYME can be a most useful on SAMHAIN.
References:

  • Catherine Yronwode: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic
  • Paul Beyerl: A Compendium of Herbal Magick
  • Paul Huson: Mastering Herbalism: A Practical Guide
  • Scott Cunningham: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of magical herbs
Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lisa

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Medicinal Monday – Thyme

Monday, April 11th, 2011

Garden Thyme

Botanical Name: Thymus Vulgaris

Thyme is a perennial shrub, and a member of the mint family. With over a hundred varieties, the most common being garden and lemon thyme. It’s an aromatic herb that enhances flavor, stimulates digestion and improves appetite. Other than it’s culinary value, it has many properties for medicinal use. The main ingredient helps inhibit the growth of fungus and bacteria. Thyme is useful for treating respiratory congestion, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough and sore throats.

Thyme is derived from the Greek “to make a burnt offering.” Ancient Egyptians used it for embalming. The Romans used it to purify rooms and to give cheeses and liqueurs an aromatic flavor. In the Middle Ages, Europeans placed it under pillows to promote sleep and ward off nightmares. Women would also give the leaves to knights to bring courage. It was also placed on coffins and burned as incense during funerals to send one into the next life.

Characteristics: A woody evergreen with with small gray-green leaves that roll under the edges. Flowers can range in color from violet to pale pink.

Care: It needs a sunny warm location. Thyme  thrives well in dry soil and a well drained environment. Little water is needed, avoid humidity. Harvest time is usually in fall and winter, cutting it through these months will weaken the plant.

Harvesting: Best time to harvest is during the day when it has the highest concentration of oils. Shoots should be cut 4 inches above the soil before it blooms, usually in May or June. Bundle the shoots together and hang in a shaded area to dry. Once dry, take the leaves and buds for use in teas, cooking and medicinal remedies. Store in a jar away from light.

Uses:

  • Ideal for flavoring all meats and vegetables.
  • Increases digestibility.
  • Calms the action of intestinal muscles and prevents gas.
  • Thyme and Rosemary combined can increase effects.
  • Oil from the plant is excellent for rubs, baths and washes.

Avoid Thyme oil while pregnant.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing

Note: Consult with a Physician if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the information listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa

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