№21
Wild Thyme
Thymus polytrichus
Said to derive from the Greek word thumus, signifying courage thyme has long been held to invigorate and gird the soul. In medieval times thyme was a badge of bravery and energy and ladies would embroider a motif of a bee hovering over a sprig of thyme on the token they would give to their favoured knight. Indeed, thyme and bees have long been associated, and the honey made from bees that feed on thyme pollen has long been prized for its sweetness and fragrance.
According to legend any place where thyme grows wild is a place blessed by the fairies, and the herb was (and possibly still is) used to purify a space in preparation for magic ritual.
