<P> Thyme (/ taɪm /) is an aromatic perennial evergreen herb with culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses . The most common variety is Thymus vulgaris . Thyme is of the genus Thymus of the mint family (Lamiaceae), and a relative of the oregano genus Origanum . </P> <P> Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming . The ancient Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage . The spread of thyme throughout Europe was thought to be due to the Romans, as they used it to purify their rooms and to "give an aromatic flavour to cheese and liqueurs". In the European Middle Ages, the herb was placed beneath pillows to aid sleep and ward off nightmares . In this period, women also often gave knights and warriors gifts that included thyme leaves, as it was believed to bring courage to the bearer . Thyme was also used as incense and placed on coffins during funerals, as it was supposed to assure passage into the next life . </P>

What does thyme look like in its original form