Thymus Vulgaris. Thyme.

Description: Natural Order, Labiatae. A small, shrubby- looking garden plant, wild in Europe, much cultivated in our country as a pot-herb similar to summer savory. Stem six to eight inches high, branching, weak. Leaves opposite, very small, numerous, ovate-lanceolate. Flowers very small, in terminal and leafy spicate-whorls, bluish-purple. The whole plant is fragrant, and pleasantly aromatic; and yields a pale-yellow volatile oil, which is used largely in adulterating oil of origanum.

Properties and Uses: This herb is a pleasant diffusive aromatic, stimulating and relaxant, acting as a carminative and mild emmenagogue. It may be used in recent colds, menstruation obstructed and painful from exposure, colic, and general flatulence. A warm infusion may be used freely, and gently promotes perspiration; and the action of the plant is similar to that of pennyroyal.

The Physiomedical Dispensatory, 1869, was written by William Cook, M.D.
It was scanned by Paul Bergner at http://medherb.com