What was the historical use of thyme in ancient Egypt?
Embalmers wrapped bodies in thyme to preserve them for the afterlife. The common thyme plant grew wild in the Levant region where it might have been first cultivated.
Questions about Thyme
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did ancient Greeks and Romans utilize thyme?
Ancient Greeks bathed with this herb and burned it as incense inside their temples to provide courage. Roman traders spread the plant across Europe during their expansion to purify rooms and add an aromatic flavor to cheese and liqueurs.
Why did medieval people place sprigs of thyme beneath pillows or on coffins?
People placed sprigs of thyme beneath pillows to aid sleep and ward off nightmares that plagued restless nights. Funeral rites also incorporated the plant by placing it on coffins as incense to assure passage into the next life for the deceased.
What is the primary chemical component found in oil of common thyme?
Gas chromatographic analysis reveals that thymol is the most abundant volatile component at 8.55mg per gram of leaves. Oil of common thyme contains between 20% and 54% thymol according to medical records.
Where does wild thyme grow naturally and what is its ecological role?
Wild thyme covers large areas of droughty rocky soils in southern Europe including Greece and Malta. Thymus serpyllum acts as an important nectar source plant for honeybees across many landscapes.