Abstract

Thymus vulgaris is a flowering plant of the mint family Lamiaceae. It grows up to 15–30 cm tall by 40 cm wide. Thyme is cultivated in most European countries, including France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, Portugual, and Greece. The yield and quality of oil obtained from the thyme plant varies in line with the genetic variations. The essential oil distilled from the thyme plant is mostly used in preservation (meat and butter) and in making chewing gum and ice cream. Thyme oil is also known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal, and insecticidal activities.