Common Name: Basil Thyme

General Information

Clinopodium acinos is an erect to ascending annual to short-lived perennial plant. It branches from the base to form a cluster of stems that can be 20cm or more tall[].
The plant used to be a favourite remedy of the ancient herbalists, though it is little used in modern herbalism. The plant can also be used as a flavouring in food. It is sometimes grown in the ornamental garden and makes a good, temporary ground cover.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Almost throughout Europe, from Scandanavia and Russia, south to Spain and east to Turkey and western. Asia.

Habitat

Dry sunny banks and in fields on chalky, gravelly and sandy soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual/Perennial
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -15°c[].
Succeeds in any well-drained soil[], though it prefers a light well-drained dry soil in full sun[, ]. Prefers sandy and alkaline growing conditions[]. Dislikes shade.
A short-lived perennial, but the plants usually self-sow when they are growing in a suitable position[].

Edible Uses

The flowering tops are used as a flavouring[, , ] and in salads[]. Said to be similar to thyme in odour but milder and more pleasant[]. The plant is only faintly aromatic and does not really make a very good substitute for thyme[, ].

Medicinal

Basil thyme was a great favourite of the ancient herbalists, though it is little used medicinally at present[]. The herb is diuretic, odontalgic, rubefacient and stomachic[, , ]. The plant has also been added to bath water, especially for children, and is said to be a strengthener and nerve soother[].

The essential oil has been applied externally as a rubefacient, whilst one drop of it put into a decayed tooth is said to alleviate the pain[].

The flowering plant is harvested in the summer and is normally used fresh in infusions[].

Other Uses

The plant makes a good ground cover[].

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame. If you have sufficient seed then you could try sowing in situ in mid to late spring. Germination should take place within a month. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring.
Basal cuttings in late spring. Very easy[].