02 – Thymus vulgaris

It is a small aromatic woody shrub of 10 to 30 cm in height with small linear leaves. It has whitish lilac inflorescences (a group of flowers). Its fruit is a nucula, a very small, round, brownish fruit, which is dry and indehiscent, i.e. it does not open by itself. Each flower produces four nuculae. Flowering time is in spring. It grows spontaneously in arid and stony places.

It contains a substance called thymol which helps regulate intestinal function, facilitates digestion and has antiseptic properties. It has traditionally been used to relieve the symptoms of flu, angina, bronchitis and pharyngitis. It is also diuretic, antirheumatic and aids muscle recovery after intense physical activity.

It is also one of the traditional condiments of Mediterranean cuisine with a distinctive taste.

Historically, the ancient Egyptians used it to embalm the dead. The Greeks used it in their baths and burned it as incense inside temples. The Romans used it to purify their dwellings and it is believed to have spread throughout Europe thanks to them. In the Middle Ages, women gave it as a gift to knights and warriors to increase their courage.