Wild thyme

Etymology

The wild cousin of garden thyme is also called creeping thyme. It leads a tougher existence than its garden counterpart, is somewhat stouter and develops fewer flowers. The common name “thyme” is derived from the Greek thyo, which means “to make a sacrifice to the gods”. The ancient Greeks believed that the scent of thyme represented activity, valor and courage, and was effective at banishing evil spirits.

Thymus serpyllumolens

Characteristics

Plant family	Lamiaceae (labiate)
Flowering season	June to October
Harvest	Flowering herb without roots: July to August
Vegetation	Dry, sunny soil, field paths, edges of fields and forests, sand and cliffs up to 4,500 meters above sea level.

Interesting Fact

Dried thyme

Dried wild thyme is perfect for use in tea and for medicinal inhalation. Simply collect flowering thyme, bind into bunches and hang up to dry in the shade.