Organ Network: Spleen, Lung, Bladder, Heart, Kidney, Uterus
Thermal Nature: Warming
Flavor Profile: Pungent, aromatic, bitter
Uses: Fresh, dried, essential oil, culinary, aromatherapy, reflexology
Why Thyme? It’s all in the name, right?
This small subshrub can survive with very little water. It’s roots will dig in deep and search out the water while the leaves will reach for the sun. Thyme is a spreading herb, similar to other ground cover plants. Thyme will still grow even when it is stepped on and denied water.
Thyme has a special place in my heart. I too have been stepped on, denied water, and neglected in my journey. But like the thyme shrub I continue to dig my roots into the ground and stretch my stems up to reach for the sun.
Origins of Thyme: Thymus vulgaris
An evergreen perennial subshrub that grows up to 45 cm high with a woody root and multi-branched upright stems. Native to the mediterranean.
The ancient Greek & Roman apothecary’s recognized the healing benefits of this herb for centuries. King Charlemagne ordered to have thyme grown in all his gardens, which leave us to believe, he understood that thyme is a remarkable herb.
In Traditional Chinse Medicine (TCM), thyme is an acrid (pungent) and warming herb. Which supports all 3 burners, upper (heart & lungs), middle (spleen & stomach), lower (Kidney, intestines, liver & reproductive).
TCM Therapeutic Benefits
Thyme’s TCM therapeutic function is to dispel cold and moves the qi (energy) to open the stomach. With thyme being one of the oldest medicinal plants on record in addition to its useful antiseptic and antibacterial properties, it helps with pain (muscle, joint, rheumatism, sprains & strains). During the autumn months when our bodies are moving inwards and the air is cold and dry, thyme is a great natural herb for colds, coughs and bronchial inflammation.
Tend & Befriend tip of the Month: The Intestinal Tract
When the intestinal tract is out of balance and digestive disturbances arise along with unwanted weight gain, nausea, indigestion, abdominal distention and even depression. Thyme’s function is to downbear counterflow of cold and aims to resolve the root cause disorder
🦋 Supporting the body through holistic nutrition and regular reflexology sessions aims to help keep the intestinal tract balanced 🦋
Recipe of a month:
Thyme Bath Bomb
- 1 c baking soda
- 1/2c citric acid
- 1/2c magnesium crystals (remarkable redwood remedies)
- 1/2c arrowroot starch
- 2 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves or dry thyme
- 2 1/2 tbsp jojoba oil (almond oil, arnica oil, birch oil or melted coconut oil)
- 1/2 tbsp water (adjust as needed)
- 15 drops thyme, >linalol essential oil
- Bath bomb mold
Instructions:
- In a medium glass bowl, mix together baking soda, citric acid, magnesium crystals, arrowroot starch, and thyme leaves until well combined
- In a separate glass bowl whisk together jojoba oil, water and thyme essential oil until well combined
- Very slowly fold in the wet ingredients to dry. Being careful not to activate the citric acid. Mix until the consistency of wet sand is achieved
- Fill each mold by packing each side with mixture. Press the halves together firmly. Let filled molds sit for 1 minute before lightly tapping the mold to remove bomb.
- Let bath bombs sit for 24 hours to dry before use.
Note: silicone ice trays or molds can be used to make bath bombs.
Wrap bath bombs individually and store in an airtight container
