Thymus vulgaris (garden thyme) is a perennial shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Thyme is very aromatic, with a sweet-smelling aroma. It is native to Southern Europe (Mediterranean region), North Africa and some parts of Asia, but it has a worldwide distribution. Thyme likes heat, dry and sunny climate. It is not just a culinary herb, but it also is a fantastic herbal medicine. You can make a lovely aromatic thyme medicine at home.
Thyme vinegar recipe
DETAILED PROCESS OF MAKING THE MEDICINE
- Clean and sanitise the kitchen surfaces with sanitiser and paper towels.
- Sterilise a mason jar by keeping it in the boiling water in a glass pot, on the stove for 10 minutes, then leave it to dry naturally.
- Weight 50 grams of dried thyme, using kitchen scales, which were previously cleaned and dried.
- Grind the herb in an herb grinder to a coarse powder.
- Pour 350ml of organic apple cider vinegar into a measuring jug.
- Place grinded thyme powder in the mason jar and cover it with the apple cider vinegar. Close the jar.
- Make sure that the powder is mixed well with the vinegar by stirring it for couple of minutes and by shaking it vigorously.
- Place the medicine in the dark cupboard at room temperature. Make sure that the daylight is minimal by keeping the cupboard closed for the whole time, apart from the times, when you need to shake the preparation.
- Shake the medicine every evening for 14 days.
- After 2 weeks press the vinegar, and allow it to settle overnight.
- Press the liquid through new, clean and organic cotton cloth.
- Sterilise the glass bottle by boiling it for 10 minutes.
- Place the thyme vinegar in the sterilised bottle, labelle it and store it in the dark, cool cupboard.
Therapeutic uses of thyme
- Sluggish digestion and dyspepsia (carminative – volatile oils), indigestion, appetite enhancer.
- Liver and gallbladder stimulant (bitters).
- Relaxing effects on the gut – IBS, colic, wind (flavonoids).
- Reduces diarrhoea and gut inflammation (tannins).
- Fights gastroenteritis, dysentery, dysbiosis, parasites and worms (antimicrobial oils).
- Easing sore throats, bronchitis, pneumonia, colds, flu, chest infections; gargle for laryngitis and tonsilitis (antiseptic).
- Irritable, dry cough (expectorant).
- Relieves asthma and whooping cough (relaxant).
- Increases perspiration and reduces fevers.
- Helps combat infections (mainly respiratory, genito-urinary and digestive – antiseptic).
- Protective against degenerative problems.
- Combats water retention (diuretic).
- Relieves menstrual pains.
- Good for thrush, pelvic inflammatory disease, fungal and bacterial infections (volatile oils).
- Relieves depression, anxiety and tension.
- Increases memory and concentration (brain tonic).
- Strengthening in mental and physical exhaustion.
- Disinfects wounds and cuts.
- Aching joints and muscular pain (liniment).
- Stops hair falling and combats lice.
- Catarrh and sinusitis (inhalant).
Thymus vulgaris needs to be avoided in large amounts in pregnancy. Caution needed in hypothyroid and acute renal conditions, as well as in gastrointestinal inflammation. Internal use of the essential oil may cause toxicity. Topical use may cause dermatitis or irritation.
How to use thyme vinegar?
You can take it straight from the spoon as a medicinal remedy—its aroma is delightful. For preventative care, you can have one teaspoon daily. Another option is to mix it with water and add a splash of maple or date syrup for a flavorful drink. Thyme vinegar is also fantastic as a dressing for salads, vegetables, or grains. It not only enhances the flavors but also aids in digestion.
Herbal medicine making
When making herbal medicine we need to use the best quality herbs available. We can use a reputable and certified supplier, who can provide necessary certifications and safety data sheets. We still need to make sure that the supplied product is at its best quality, and the best way to establish that is by using our senses. Organoleptic testing is our best tool to test the quality of the herbs. We should look at the colour and structure of the plant and smell it to ensure that is fresh and free of musty aromas. Thyme has a high amount of the volatile oils, so it is easy to distinguish if the herb is fresh and powerful. We can also check the freshness by touching the herb to ensure that it is not too moist or too dry. Tasting is another important factor and should be used on every batch. Regular testing will result in knowledge and experience needed to recognise good quality plants. If the herb is gathered, correct identification must take place. To ensure this we must engage in continuous learning about herbs from books and experienced herbalist (for example – herbal walks). Growing our own herbs for personal use whenever possible is a good way of making sure that the plants are high quality.