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                                    CULTIVATION:
     Aromatic  bushy perennial with small  evergreen leaves on somewhat gnarled
     woody  stem.  Grows to about 9-12 inches  in  height. Flowers are lilac to
     white.

     Thyme  needs sun and light, well drained, preferably alkaline soil. Sow in
     spring  or autumn. Germination time is about 10 days, and plant matures in
     about  50 days. Grows in zone 5-10.  Take 2-3 inches stem cuttings anytime
     except  winter. Divide roots or layer stem  in spring or autumn. Thyme may
     be killed if temperature drops below 10.Deg.F.

     In  summer  prune  frequently. Pick leaves  in  summer just as the flowers
     appear.  Thyme can also be grown indoor in a sunny spot. Thyme leaves hold
     their flavor better then most herbs when dried, it also freezes well.


                                  CULINARY  USES:
     Thyme  is used in a bouquet garni  with parsley and bay. It stimulates the
     appetite and aids in digestion of fatty food.

     Thyme  is  useful  with  meat, poultry,  shellfish,  and  game. It is very
     pungent when fresh so use with discretion. Try the lemon thyme in fish and
     poultry dishes.

     There  are  no fewer than 27 variation  listed  in some seed catalogs, but
     there are more then 100 varieties.

     Thyme is also very nutritious.

     Because of its strong taste , it should always be used sparingly. The more
     delicate  lemon  thyme  can be sprinkled on  salads  or added to nutmeg on
     baked custards.


                                   MEDICAL  USES:
     Thyme  is  used  mostly as an  antiseptic  cough remedy and digestive aid.
     Thyme extract is found in some mouthwashes and decongestant.

     The  leaves  of the creeping thyme  has the strongest medicinal qualities,
     although  any thyme can be used. Infuse as a tea for a digestive tonic and
     for  hangovers. Sweeten infusion with  honey for convulsive coughs, colds,
     and sore throats.

     Steep  1/2  ounce  or  3 tablespoons of  dried  thyme  leaves in 2 cups of
     boiling  water.  Strain before drinking. This  will  help relax the smooth
     muscles of the stomach due to thyme's antispasmodic properties.

     Thyme's  aromatic  oil contains two  chemicals  called Thymol and Carvacol
     that  accounts  for its medical  values.  Both chemicals have preservative
     antibacterial  and antifungal properties. Thymol is an expectorant, making
     it easier for you to cough up mucus.

     Use externally, thyme bath are often recommended to ease rheumatic pains.


                                      WARNING:
     Use the herb, not its oil. Even a few teaspoon of thyme oil can be toxic.
     




                                     THYME  2/2
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                                    OTHER  USES:
     Leaves  can  be  used in potpourris. Use  dry  leaves  in linen closet for
     scent,  it works also as a insect repellent. Its pretty clusters of purple
     flowers are a magnet to bees.


                                  COSMETIC  USES:
     SKIN  TONIC Take 1 teaspoon of dried  thyme leaves and flowers and add 1/3
     pint  of boiling water. Allow to stand  for 30 minutes, then strain. Apply
     to  the face with cotton balls, or pour  into a warm bath. This will sooth
     and  soften  the skin and helps  relieve  skin irritations. The tonic will
     stay  fresh  for  several  days  if  stored  in  a  sealed  bottle  in the
     refrigerator.

     Make  your own natural toothpaste by adding a few drops of thyme essential
     oil  to baking soda. Add a few drops  of thyme essential oil to your bath.
     This will perk you up after a long day.