Thyme
Thyme, an aromatic plant with renowned virtues that Pagès has chosen to use in several of its creations.
Thyme is an aromatic sub-shrub common in our countryside. With its incomparable organoleptic flavours, Thyme is a highly appreciated plant.
Origins of thyme
The word "Thyme" comes from the Greek word "thymos" which means to perfume. It can also be found in various writings that the word "thymon", which means spirit or smoke, is also used to designate the Thyme. This etymology is mainly explained because it was common to burn Thyme and inhale its smoke during religious rites.
The Roman people were also very fond of the plant. It is said that the women of this community used the Thyme to perfume themselves and burned it to purify the air or drive unwelcome animals out of their homes. A representation of Thyme, which still bore the symbol of courage attributed by Greek mythology, was embroidered on the knights' scarves until the Crusades.
It is still in the Middle Ages that more is learned about the history of the Thyme. At that time, it was known that the Thyme was beginning to be used by peoples other than the Roman people. In the 16th century, herbalists published a long list of ailments that the Thyme could help to cure. Culpeper, an English herbalist, even goes so far as to attribute to the plant the ability to chase away nightmares.
Characteristics of thyme
Name: Thymus vulgaris
Family: Lamiaceae
Species: Under aromatic shrub
The Thyme is a sub-shrub 10 to 30 cm high, common in the dry and rocky soils of the South, in France. It is found in the western Mediterranean basin, from Spain to Italy. Thyme is commonly grown in gardens: it is one of the companions of the bouquet garni cherished in simmered cuisine. Everyone knows its small, narrow, greyish-green leaves and pale pink-tinged flowers.
As with Serpolet, its cousin, Thyme plants can give off different aromas from each other. Some have a remarkable freshness and scent of Lemon, others have a more musky, even camphorated smell, some have flavours so powerful that it is difficult to appreciate them. This astonishing phenomenon is due to variations in the genetic heritage of the individual which, as a result, produces essences of very diverse compositions.
Uses of thyme
Thyme is obviously consumed as an infusion. Just infuse 20 to 30 grams of the plant in boiling water for a few minutes to enjoy its benefits and its unique taste.
In external use, Thyme also finds its place as a remedy, hygiene product or flavour carrier. You can use a Thyme decoction for your toilet but also to fight against skin disorders or external pain. Still in the field of hygiene and health, Thyme can be used in cosmetics or as a hair lotion. You can even replace the usual toothpaste with a Thyme decoction once a week.
Benefits of thyme
It is said that Thyme is a remedy for various respiratory disorders: cough, bronchitis, colds, etc. Many studies have shown that its use, in combination with other natural products, is effective. Thyme is mainly known for its soothing properties on the bronchi.
This plant also has the ability to soothe and heal the digestive trac.
