Teatime: Thyme Tea

Ah, another wonderful tea brought to you by the Innocent Primates! Thyme is typically used in cooking right? Well, it also serves as a lovely tea for after dinner. Thyme is known to be a digestive aid, and it settles an upset tummy. Historically, thyme has been used as an antiseptic for coughs, colds and sore throats, along with being overall a good relaxer of the respiratory system in cases of spasms and such. Ladies, thyme tea is great for soothing cramps during menstruation. Another antiseptic aspect – it’s good as a compress on the eyes for styes, conjunctivitis, and helping aid pink eye. Use fresh garden thyme on fresh cuts and scrapes as an immediate antiseptic remedy. Gargling thyme water will soothe swollen tonsils. Thyme also has wonderful anti-fungal properties, so it’s great for athlete’s foot and yeast infections. Thyme essential oil (external use only) is used to lift spirits and mood in aromatherapy.

Thyme tea for teatime (hehe, couldn’t help it)

2-4 sprigs (2-inch long sprigs)

1 C boiling water

Place thyme sprigs in your tea mug of choice and bring water to a boil. Pour boiling water over thyme and steep, covered (a small plate will do – this keeps in the volatile oils which give you all the goods), for approximately 15-20 minutes. Since it’s a fresh herbal tea, you can leave the thyme in there while you drink it, or take it out. It won’t become bitter like black or green teas. Lightly sweeten with nectar if needed, but Sara and I usually don’t. Of course, we’re used to it…so taste it and see what you think.

Happy Teatime!