Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Whole, Certified Organic Common names: Common Thyme, Serpyllum, Tomillo, Abara, Ayak, Cotor, Frigola, Hasha, Hung Tay, Co Xa Huong, Bagichi, Athonda, Turkantin, Urtsi, Pebrella, Bai Li Xiang, Kuttlekraut, Qoranit, Ajavayan, Zabur Family: Lamiaceae Thyme, native to Mediterranean regions of southern Europe and northern Africa, is a small evergreen perennial shrub, growing 6 to 12 inches tall. It prefers warm, sunny locations and well-drained soil. A popular culinary spice, Thyme’s flavor has been described as “slightly spicier than Oregano and sweeter than Sage.” Its medicinal use goes back at least 5,000 years, to the Sumerians; it was used by the ancient Egyptians in embalming, and by the ancient Greeks as an incense and bath herb.