Thyme Botanical Features and Agriculture

Latin: Thymus vulgaris L.
English Name: Thyme

Botanical Properties:

Thyme belongs to the genus Thymus of the family Lamiaceae. Although different species belonging to this genus are found naturally in our country, the species Tyhmus vulgaris is not found naturally. Thyme, which is a perennial, herbaceous plant, blooms white-light pink flowers in May-July depending on the region. The height of the plant, which branches a lot above the soil, varies between 20-30 cm. The leaves are small and dark green in colour. The upper part of the plant dries up in winter. In the spring season, it gives new shoots, branching and flowering occurs.

Agriculture:

Thyme is grown in many agricultural areas with different ecological characteristics. The plant is resistant to cold. In addition, thyme can be cultivated in dry agricultural areas without irrigation. However, heavy soils that hold a lot of water are not suitable for the cultivation of this plant. Cultivation of the plant is practically done by seed. The seedlings obtained from the seeds sown in seedling pads or vials are planted on the land in March-April in spring. Planting density can be 45x20 cm or 70x20 cm. Row spacing is selected according to the use of intermediate hoeing machine. Approximately 8000-10.000 seedlings are planted per decare. Approximately 300 kg yield (50% yield) can be obtained from the decare in irrigated areas and 150 kg yield (50% yield) in dry conditions. It can be harvested 2 times in irrigated areas and 1 time in dry conditions.

Content and Active Ingredients:

Thyme species have their characteristic odour with the essential oil they contain. The amount of this essential oil is around 1-2% in Thymus vulgaris. The main component of the essential oil is mostly thymol and its ratio is between 40-50%. In addition to thymol, Thymus vulgaris contains carvacrol, cineol, borneol, linalool and γ-terpinene in the essential oil. Thyme essential oil has strong antibacterial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant effect due to thymol and other components it contains. It is also used for sore throat and cough complaints.

Applications:

Cosmetics: Anti-acne, moisturiser, cleanser, anti-dandruff, shampoo, conditioner
Food Supplements: Spices, honey, fats, oils, sauces, cheese, dietary supplements, cough syrup, mouthwash
Beverage Flavouring: Juice, tea, oil, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverage
Pet Health, Food, Cosmetics: ¬Poultry, rodent, bird, fish, cat, dog food
Herbal Medicine: Serum, syrup, homeopathic treatment
Cleaning: Cleaning vinegar, air freshener, soap, toothpaste, cleaning water, wet wipes
Extract Form: Liquid
Active ingredients: Thymol, Carvacrol, p-Cymene, β-Caryophyllene, Rosmarinic acid, Benzoic acid, Quercetin, Gallic acid, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid.