Thyme, Mother of

(Thymus serpyllum) Part used: Leaf and flower. Properties: Antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, rubefacient, tonic.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 1-2 tsp. herb in 1 cup water. Take 1 - 1½ cups daily. Bath additive: Add 3-4 oz. flowers for a strong decoction of the herb to the bath water. Alcohol cure: Add a handful for the herb to 1 qt. boiling-hot water. Steep in a covered pot for 30 minutes. Give (or take) 1 Tbsp. every 15 minutes.

Purposes: Internally, mother of thyme is useful for respiratory problems and helps clear mucous congestion from the lungs and respiratory passages.

• As a bath additive, it stimulant the flow of blood toward the surface, thus alleviating nervous exhaustion. An infusion of leaves relieves the headache of a hangover.

• A tonic for the stomach and nerves, it is used for gastro-intestinal problems – such as enteritis, stomach, cramps, and mild gastritis. It is also good for anemia, insomnia, and painful menstruation.

• Mother of thyme is useful in breaking the alcohol habit by inducing vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, thirst, and hunger, along with a revulsion for alcohol. This may have to be repeated several times (generally at longer and longer intervals), until he person is weaned from the habit.

Externally, mother of thyme is used for bruises, tumors, stab wounds, arthritis, and rheumatism.

Note: Except when used for gastro-intestinal problems, it can be sweetened with honey.