The generic name comes from the Greek word “tymos”, which symbolized courage, will. During the middle ages the thyme flower was pictured on the armours or necklaces of knights in order to inspire them with will and resolution. Thyme was also considered to be a plant of worship, which was incensed in temples, and in the Holiday of the Holly Virgin the icon of the Madonna was decorated with flowers. In ancient Greece and Rome people were convinced that it had unique qualities, was able to recover not only a person’s health, but also to bring him back to life. This was the reason why grinded thyme was neared to the noses of those, who lost consciousness, or, by mixing with honey, it was given to a recently confined mother (woman in labour).
Roman scientist, military and political leader Plineos the Elder in his book of curing herbs and curing methods mentioned 28 plasters containing thyme. A physician and sage of middle ages Avicenna in his book consisting of 18 volumes “Book of Curing” suggested to boil thyme with vinegar and rose olive and put it on the head of the ill person in order to cure forgetfulness, madness, meningitis and sopor. In Europe, during the early middle ages, thyme was considered to be useful for stomach illnesses, spleen, liver or feminine illnesses, or for curing respiratory track or nerve inflammations. Up to the present there exists a point of view according which if one sleeps on the thyme pillow, will be healthy and will live long. This kind of conviction is not surprising as it contains volatile oils from 0.1%-2%, the main constituent part of which is thymole.
Thyme is also a wonderful source of honey. Thyme tea is irreplaceable anti-bacterium mean, improves the immune system, strengthens resistibility, abolishes fatigue and nervousness.