Thyme from Provence: benefits and uses

Botanical characteristics of Provence thyme

Thyme de Provence is one of the most hardy thyme varieties. In fact, it is highly resistant to cold. Up to 30 cm high, Thyme de Provence is a bushy, fragrant perennial subshrub in the Lamiaceae family. Woody and quadrangular, its stems bear small, sessile, evergreen leaves. These lanceolate leaves can be recognized by their grayish-green color. Thyme de Provence or common thyme generally blooms between June and August, sometimes as late as October. It is then covered with small white or mauve-pink flowers of around 4 to 6 mm, grouped in leafy spikes.

All you need to know about growing thyme in Provence

Originally from the Mediterranean basin, Provence thyme is easy to grow. It adapts to all types of soil, but has a preference for poor, light, stony soils. This sub-shrub also prefers well-drained soils. If you opt to plant it in the ground, we recommend that you place it in a very sunny spot. Plants should be spaced 30 cm apart to encourage good development. If you’re planting in a pot, it’s advisable to install a bed of gravel or clay balls at the bottom of the container. This facilitates drainage considerably. It’s always best to fill the pot with a mixture of garden soil and potting compost. Thyme de Provence is best grown in spring or autumn. You can either divide clumps or take cuttings. Once grown, regular watering is recommended, especially in summer. If you’re growing it in a pot, always remember to discard any stagnant water in the saucer: this sub-shrub doesn’t tolerate excess humidity. Annual pruning helps thyme maintain its attractive, squat, rounded habit.

The benefits of Provence thyme for the body

In phytotherapy, the dried leaves and flowers of this sub-shrub are used. These aerial parts of Thym de Provence contain numerous active substances, including manganese and calcium. They also contain flavonoids, including apigenol and luteolol, as well as a good dose of vitamins C and K. Thymol, geraniol, linalool and paracymene are also found in the aerial parts of Provençal thyme. All these active ingredients work synergistically to relieve tickling in the throat and pharynx. They have a pleasant soothing effect on the vocal cords, pharynx and throat. They also help relieve feelings of bloating and flatulence. Provence thyme extracts can also be used for intestinal disorders such as diarrhoea. Today, Thyme de Provence is marketed in a variety of forms for ease of consumption. You can easily buy them in syrup or capsule form. Dried flowers and leaves can also be used to make herbal teas and infusions. Whichever format you choose, always read the instructions before starting a course of treatment. And when you start a course of treatment, be sure to observe the recommended duration. Thyme de Provence leaves have the advantage of being harvestable all year round. To preserve them, simply wash and dry them. The bouquet is then hung upside down in a cool, dry place. In cooking, thyme leaves add a pleasant fragrance to all dishes, especially stews and sauces. Combine with laurel, parsley and rosemary to create an attractive bouquet garni. Thyme de Provence is also an essential ingredient in a blend of herbs known as “herbes de Provence”.