Thyme

Thyme is a commonly used herb functioning as a condiment in many culinary creations. It originates from a perennial shrub and is a member of the mint family. Of the more than 100 varieties of thyme in cultivation, the most common for cooking is lemon thyme, so named due to its ever present lemony aroma; and garden thyme, a somewhat milder version of lemon thyme.

Thyme is commercialized for cooking in both its fresh and dried states. It is used in a wide variety of dishes ranging from soups, salads and even desserts, but is more commonly associated with chicken and fish.

Apart from its use as a culinary herb, the high levels of thymol found in its essential oils allow for thyme to also used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Used in this capacity it has been used in the past as an embalming agent, a food preservative and a cicatrization accelerator by the medical community.http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/kings/thymol.html

Thyme has also been used as a natural pest repellent to deter mosquitoes and other airborne insects.http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail57.php It is also used to remove musky odors from clothing, but care should be taken in not to leave thyme on clothes or in closets, as its repellent properties do not have any affect on the larvae of many moths, for which thyme is actually a coveted food source.

Thyme is considered a shrub that is relatively easy to grow and care for. It grows to a low height, usually not surpassing one foot in height. It makes for a great ground cover plant.

Thyme requires a location with good exposure to the sun and good drainage. Often the edges of flowerbeds are selected, although thyme can also be grown in containers provided that the same care is given in providing it with ample sun and drainage.

Thyme can be planted from seeds or by transplanting root clippings from other plants. Thyme flowers between the months of May and august.