Thyme has a long herbal history as an external antiseptic and, when used internally, as both a respiratory and digestive aid. Thymol and carvacrol, its two active constituents, account for these qualities. In fact, thymol was a major antiseptic used during World War I. It treats ailments from boils to typhoid and whitlows to tuberculosis-- this puts Thyme in the same realm as Garlic, both being "Nature's antibiotics" and replacement for penicillin and various sulfa drugs.

For gargling (laryngitis, tonsillitis and general sore throats), mouth wash (bad breath, tooth decay, cold sores) and drinking (colds, influenza, fever, allergies) purposes, make a Thyme tea by steeping a teaspoonful per cup of boiling water, covered and cool for half an hour. Strain and drink 3-4 cups daily.

It's an appropriate herbal remedy for minor cuts, scrapes and burns. It contains 21.3 percent of bactericidal and over a dozen other antiseptic compounds. It tames sties (infection of an eyelid follicle) if you apply a concentrated Thyme tea directly on the sty with a cotton swab or compress.

Make a paste by mixing one teaspoon of ground Thyme, half teaspoon each of lime juice and onion juice with just enough honey to form a soft, sticky paste. Apply on open festering sores and boils of any kind, leave on for 12 hours. Will help heal a lot faster.

When you feel a cold or flu coming on, the tincture will not only help you prevent getting the "bug", it can also lessen the seriousness of them should you come down with it. It also tonifies the stomach and stimulates your appetite somewhat.

Thyme is an expectorant, which is helpful in the treatment of coughs and colds. It enjoys a great popularity in Germany as a respiratory remedy. It is used for a variety of respiratory ailments such as, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and whooping cough. May also relieve menstrual cramps.

Soothing and relaxing to the digestive tract, it's great for indigestion. Thyme is safe and gentle enough to treat diarrhea in children.

A good source of beneficial anti-aging chemicals. You can even benefit from soaking in it--just add a handful of the dried herb into the bath tub. Its aromatic oil helps soothe back spasms. Also can be used as a foot bath, hand bath and as a douche to promote better blood circulation; getting rid of nail fungus, athlete's foot, treating yeast infection and fever--make tea using 2 tablespoons per 20 ounce of boiling water and steep Thyme for about 25 minutes. Cooled, it can be used as an eye wash for sore, red irritated eyes.

Thyme may help relieve headaches and stomach cramps. As a tea, use one teaspoon in one cup of hot water and drink one cup on an empty stomach before laying down. As a compress, it eases aching muscles in the neck, shoulders and back that can contribute to tension headaches.

Used as a healing salve for healing cuts, bruises, burns, sores, rashes, facial blemishes such as, acne.

Thyme can purify contaminated water, especially useful when travelling to third world countries. Use two tablespoon of dried Thyme per quart (~liter) of water, cover and boil, then reduce and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Cool and strain before drinking.

This aromatic herb goes well with poultry, seafood and many bean and vegetable dishes including eggplant, tomatoes, mushrooms, squash and onions.

• Recommended Dosage

Large amounts may act as a uterine stimulant. Avoid taking infusions and tinctures if you're pregnant.

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