There are many different species of arctic thyme and they are the only kind of thyme that grows in Iceland. They are found mainly on the west coast of Iceland, all the way up to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The arctic thyme plant has gray-green leaves with slender stems and small purple flowers.
In Iceland, people use arctic thyme for food, but it is also used for medicinal purposes. It has been used as a medicinal herb by the people in Iceland since the first settlements were established around 870-930 A.D. . It was often used to heal cuts and bruises and to help deal with the pain from sore throats. Women were known to use it when they gave birth to help them relax, but it was primarily used for culinary purposes then as well.
Health benefits of Arctic Thyme:
-The flowers have been used to soothe sore throats, while the leaves have been used to stimulate circulation and treat rheumatism.
-The leaves can be added to ointments to help with swelling and inflammation of joints and muscles.
-Arctic thyme has been known to help with gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and flatulence.
-Antiseptic for mouth sores and toothaches.
Interesting facts
In older times, arctic thyme was used in love charms and it was believed that if someone who loved you would eat food flavoured with arctic thyme, they would fall in love with you. People also believed that if someone who hated you would eat food flavoured with arctic thyme they would fall out of it.
The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of this plant. It is clear to pale yellow in color with a strong odor and bitter taste. Arctic thyme oil has been historically prized for its antiseptic properties by the Icelanders. This plant also makes beautiful paper that was used for correspondence during medieval times.
The plant itself has a distinct licorice taste and scent; these qualities are why it is sometimes called Mother of Thyme. In fact, Arctic thyme was once used to treat digestive issues; it was also thought to be a good remedy to treat respiratory diseases because of its menthol-like aroma.
In traditional Icelandic cuisine since the Viking era and was even used as a remedy for toothaches and in the tanning of leather. Arctic thyme contains thymol and carvacrol which are both very effective natural antiseptics and anti-fungals.
An old Icelandic saying goes “the first autumn frost makes the house clean.” In order to make a house clean, an old Icelandic superstition dictates that you must place a bunch of thyme on every step of your staircase and sweep it out afterwards. This ensures that your home will be free from illness for the coming year. Some superstitious Icelanders still follow this practice today.
