Thyme honey was prized by the ancient Greeks and Thyme was used by Romans to give a lovely aromatic flavour to cheese. Thyme has been used for hundreds of years for its incredible benefits to the Respiratory system – especially the throat. A gargle with a thyme throat tonic is superb for soothing an inflamed throat and relieving coughs. Try my Thyme cough syrup recipe at www.mynaturopathchristos.com/recipes/thyme-cough-syrup/

Thyme helps to purge the body of phlegm and can even help shortness of breath. Furthermore it can be used to help relieve diarrhoea when caused by an infection.

Try using thyme in your diet with these simple suggestions:

* Add whole sprigs to casseroles for extra flavour. Remove before serving.

* Sprinkle thyme leaves and sea salt over potatoes, then roast.

* Delicious with sautéed mushrooms.

* Add thyme to your bread mix for a yummy herb bread.

* Make thyme and garlic herb bread – use olive oil or butter rather than margarine.

* Make a Thyme scramble – Mix 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves with 3 to 4 large eggs for scrambled eggs or an omelet.

* When substituting dry for fresh, use one-third as much dried thyme as you would use fresh. Therefore, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.