Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a species of plant with many distinguished varieties of diverse appearance

The Hungarian variety of this plant, with small pale purple lipped flowers and small fragrant oval leaves, is named ”cuckoo herb” in Hungarian, because its flowers bloom in spring, when the cuckoo birds arrive back to the region after the cold, winter period. The history of this name goes back to the old times in Hungary as it was already mentioned in the 1395 Glossary of Besterce.

In the Carpathian basin, the sunny and dry lands are ideal for Thyme, and one variety, the Thymus Pannonicus, is widely distributed throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

All parts of the plant can be used for medicinal purposes.

Ancient Roman soldiers took thyme baths to increase their strength. Not surprisingly, the Latin name ”thymus” means courage.

In the cosmetics industry, Thyme is known and used for its antiseptic and wound-healing properties. Thyme extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is beneficial in repairing the skin. It is rich in polyphenols and flavonoid alkaloids, and its carbohydrate and glycoside content are also of value in the cosmetics industry.