Cosme-Phytami™ Thyme

Thyme is a small perennial sub-shrub that grows spontaneously in dry, sunny places in the Mediterranean region. Thyme has been known since ancient times: Dioscorides and Hippocrates mentioned it in their writings, the Egyptians used it to embalm their dead, the Greeks and Romans used it as incense in their festive rituals, and the women of these various people used it as perfume and ointment. It was the Benedictine monks who spread thyme throughout Europe in the early Middle Ages. Charlemagne recommended its cultivation in the Capitulary of Villis. In the 14th century, to protect themselves from the plague, people wore masks containing aromatic plants: lavender, thyme, rosemary, and laurel. Thyme is also used in the composition of the Vinegar of the Four Thieves, a traditional antiseptic of the 17th century which was listed in the Codex in 1748. Thymus derived from the Greek “thumos” meaning "heart", "strength" and "courage", in reference to the toning and stimulating characteristics of the plant. As for the Greek root, it is said to derive from the Egyptian “tham”, meaning a plant used to embalm the dead. As for its species name, vulgaris, it means "common". A symbol of courage in the Middle Ages, thyme was embroidered on the scarves of knights.