If you listen, sometimes you will feel an herb talking to you. I know that may sound a little wacky to some of you, okay, it sounds a little wacky to me, but suddenly I will see a particular herb everywhere, one that constantly enters into my thoughts, and is basically screaming (in a beautiful herbal way;-), for my attention. And then, out of the blue, the reason will present itself. This week, it was all about thyme. And yesterday it became clear. My daughter-in-law texted asking if I had anything she could give her littles to help with a very persistent cough, along with runny noses. And, in walks thyme. So I made them a yummy thyme syrup, that even a picky 2 and 4yr old will take. And now you ask, why thyme? Well...
Thyme is a wonderful ally for breathing difficulties and imbalances in the respiratory system. It is a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory. The primary constitute in thyme is called thymol, which is an expectorant and antispasmodic, and is also antimicrobial. Thymol has an affinity for the lungs. Thyme also has an opening influence on the sinuses, where its warming and drying nature help to clear congestion. It also stimulates the immune system and helps to generally reduce infection.
When using this brave and beautiful herb, fresh is best, or use a tincture that was made with the fresh herb. If you must use dried, make sure it is as fresh as possible. When making a tea or infusion, keep your cup or pot covered, keeping all of those amazing aromatic oils in. Thyme is very safe, and has no known safety issues.
To make a very easy thyme syrup:
Combine about 3oz of fresh thyme leaf with 4cups water. Bring to a light simmer, covered but with the lid slightly ajar to let some steam escape. Simmer until liquid is reduced by about half. Strain and cool slightly, then add 1-2 cups raw honey, depending on how sweet you want your syrup. The larger amount of honey will help your syrup to have a longer shelf life. You can also add some brandy to extend the shelf life even further. About 1/4 cup brandy for every cup of syrup. If you decide to add some brandy, know that it also has an antispasmodic action, and will help to relax the throat muscles which is helpful in treating a cough. Now, give thanks for the blessing of the ingredients you were given for this syrup, and ask for the grace of healing and health to be infused into this beautiful herbal preparation.
Take 1/2 to 1 tsp every couple of hours until the cold or cough subsides
*I make the syrup and give half the syrup to my daughter-in-law for the kiddos, and them put brandy in the rest for us.
There you go! and I know, it's about thyme ;-)
Many Herbal Blessings!
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