Herbs in Witchcraft - Thyme

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Thyme is a common herb in the kitchen, but it's also been used for healing and magick for centuries. This fragrant plant has so many medicinal and metaphysical uses, you're going to want to keep some on hand at all times.

I absolutely love to work with time. It's subtle woodsy fragrance and its delicate leaves with make it absolutely delicious, but did you know it's also powerful as a medicinal herb as well as a magical one? Let's explore all the ways this tiny leaf can make our lives more awesome.

Healing Properties of Thyme

Thyme is known as a stimulating herb and can be used to improve circulation. It has traditionally been used in treatments for arthritis, gout, and rheumatism.

With its antiseptic properties, thyme can be added to skincare products. It's said to be beneficial for fighting acne-causing bacteria. Add it to a hair rinse to help with dandruff.

Thyme essential oil can help boost circulation and relieve muscle aches. It also has antiseptic properties clearing up fungal infections and helping to fight colds. It can also be used in diffusions to help clear the mind, especially when you're feeling stressed or anxious. It's also been used in treatments for urinary tract infections.

Combine thyme and rosemary essential oils for their anti-inflammatory properties to help treat headaches. These same properties can also be helpful with muscle aches and pains. Add thyme to your massage oil for a post-workout rub down.

As an expectorant, thyme is great for when you have a cough as it can help you expell the mucus. Gross, I know, but necessary. It also has antispasmodic properties which can ease your cough. Try adding some dried thyme to your lemon and ginger tea with a drizzle of honey.

Thyme essential oil should be properly diluted so it doesn't irritate the skin. It should also be avoided during pregnancy or if you have high blood pressure.

Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before using any herbs for medicinal properties. These are just suggestions. Make sure you check the safety of anything you ingest or come in contact with.

Magical & Spiritual Properties of Thyme

Though thyme has many metaphysical properties, I always think of it as an herb for courage. It's small and delicate, but much like the Strength card in the tarot, it reminds me that courage can be quiet. So often we use bravado to cover up our fear. Thyme reminds me that you can be gentle and small and courageous all at the same time.

Here's more on the properties and correspondences of thyme:

Element - water, fire
Gender - feminine/receptive
Deities - Ares, Mars
Planet - Venus
Astrology - Aries, Pisces
Chakras - solar plexus, heart
Magical properties - purification, protection, cleansing, healing, psychic awareness, energy, strength, courage

Witchcraft Uses

Add thyme essential oil to magical oils. Use the dried herb to create loose incense blends. Use both of these in ritual, spell preparation, or cleansing.

Ancient witches and healers may not have been able to break down the chemical elements of herbs, but they somehow knew what worked. Burn thyme to ward off infectious disease.

Greek mythology states these tender leaves comes from the tears of Helen of Troy. Bathe in an infusion of fresh thyme to absorb some of her irresistibility.

Add the dried herb to dream pillows to ease sleep and ward off melancholia.

Combine juniper and thyme, either as esential oils or loose incense, and breathe in the aroma to help with your psychic connection.

Add it dried to magical teas as well as charm bags or spell jars.

Keep a plant on your windowsill to protect you from negative energy and invite in positive energy.

Lemon & Thyme Pound Cake | How to Be Awesome on $20 a Day

Recipes for the Kitchen Witch

Thyme is often a supporting flavor in a recipe rather than the star of the show. Think of it as the Judy Greer of herbs. It was always make your dish better. Add it to recipes for a bright, earthy flavor and to call in courage, protection, and healing. Here are a few recipes to get you started.

This only scratches the surface of all the many ways that thyme can improve your life. How do you like to work with thyme in your practice. Let me know in the comments below.