The plant Micromeria biflora (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Benth., commonly known as Indian Wild Thyme or Lemon Savory, is an aromatic perennial herb or subshrub belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is valued in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic applications, which include antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
Herb's Introduction
Micromeria biflora is a tufted, aromatic subshrub that can grow up to 30 cm tall. It is characterized by numerous slender, ascending stems and small, ovate, conspicuously golden yellow glandular leaves. The plant is found in the wild across East Asia, extending from Afghanistan through the Himalayas to Bhutan and Myanmar, thriving in open places at high elevations (600 - 4000 meters). Its use in traditional medicine is widespread in these regions.
Name in Different Countries
The plant has several common names, often reflecting its aromatic nature or geographical presence: Country/Region Common Name(s) Common English Names Indian Wild Thyme, Lemon Savory, Lemon Scented Thyme Chinese 小姜草 (Xiǎo Jiāng Cǎo) Hindi (India) बन अजवाइन (Ban Ajwain) Nepali (Nepal) पिनासे झार (Pinaase Jhaar) Export to Sheets
Terminology
Term Explanation Scientific Name Micromeria biflora (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Benth. Family Lamiaceae (Mint family) Synonyms Clinopodium biflorum, Satureja biflora, Thymus biflorus Habit Perennial subshrub, often tufted and aromatic. Verticillasters The characteristic false whorls of flowers found in the mint family, which in this species are typically 1- or 2-flowered and stalked.
Availability
Micromeria biflora is primarily available through harvesting from the wild in its native range, which spans the Himalayas and surrounding mountainous regions of East Asia. It grows in open, well-drained locations and can tolerate nutritionally poor soil. While it can be propagated by seed and basal cuttings, its primary source for local traditional use is often the wild population.
External Look
The plant's external characteristics are described as: Stems: Numerous, slender, ascending, reaching up to 30 cm, often reddish-purple, and covered densely with white hairs (pilose and pubescent). Leaves: Small (4–5 mm long), ovate, with a rounded to shallowly heart-shaped base, entire margins, and an acute apex. They are notably aromatic and have conspicuous golden yellow glandular dots. Flowers: Small, rose (pink/white) in color, about 6 mm long, appearing in short-stalked clusters (verticillasters) of 1 to 2 flowers in the leaf axils. The calyx (outer covering) is tubular and 2-lipped. Fruit: Small, brown, oblong nutlets.
Healing Properties
The plant is noted in folk medicine and modern studies for a range of therapeutic activities, largely attributed to its essential oils and flavonoid content: Antiseptic/Antimicrobial: Traditionally used to prevent infection, and scientific studies confirm its antibacterial and antifungal activities against various pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Anti-inflammatory: Extracts exhibit significant anti-inflammatory effects, which are thought to involve the inhibition of inflammatory pathways (e.g., preferential COX-2 inhibition). Analgesic (Pain-Relieving): It possesses notable analgesic and antinociceptive properties, making it useful for relieving pain like toothache. Carminative: The leaves' juice is traditionally used to relieve flatulence and soothe the digestive system. Antioxidant: The essential oil and extracts show antioxidant activity, helping to combat oxidative stress.
Advantages
The use of Micromeria biflora offers several potential advantages: Multi-Targeted Traditional Remedy: It addresses a variety of common ailments, including pain, inflammation, infection, and digestive discomfort, making it a versatile local remedy. Rich in Bioactive Compounds: The presence of essential oils (dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes like neral and geranial), flavonoids, and saponins contributes to its broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. Potential for Modern Drug Development: Recent research has highlighted its anticancer potential against several cell lines, as well as its effectiveness as an insecticidal and nematicidal agent, pointing to future applications.
Uses
Micromeria biflora is used both medicinally and culinarily: Medicinal Uses Topical/External: Wound Healing: A paste of the whole plant or roots is applied as a poultice to wounds and boils for its antiseptic and vulnerary (wound-healing) properties. Toothache: A root paste is pressed between the jaws to treat toothache (odontalgic). Internal/Systemic: Stomach Ailments: Leaf juice is consumed for stomachache due to its aromatic and carminative effects. Respiratory Issues: The plant's juice is taken internally or inhaled to treat sinusitis. General Ailments: Decoctions (herbal tea) from the leaves and flowers are used traditionally for throat irritation, colds, flu, and headaches. Culinary Uses The flowers and leaves are used to make an herbal tea. A powder of the dried flowers and leaves is used as a flavoring or condiment in lentil soups and curries.
Using Way
The traditional ways of using Micromeria biflora involve preparing the fresh or dried plant material: Paste Application (External): The roots or whole plant are crushed to form a paste, which is then applied directly to boils, infections, or wounds. Juice Inhalation/Ingestion (Internal/Topical): The fresh juice extracted from the plant is either taken orally (e.g., for stomachache or sinusitis) or inhaled (e.g., the aroma is inhaled to treat nosebleeds). Tea/Decoction (Internal): The dried or fresh leaves and flowers are steeped in hot water to prepare an aromatic herbal tea for consumption. Condiment (Internal): The dried plant material, typically the leaves and flowers, is pulverized into a powder and used to season food.
Conclusion
Micromeria biflora, or Indian Wild Thyme, is a significant ethnomedicinal herb of the Lamiaceae family, predominantly found in the Himalayan regions. It is a source of essential oils and other valuable phytochemicals, underpinning its traditional use as an antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and carminative agent. Research substantiates many of its traditional applications, revealing promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. As an easily available wild resource that also serves as a culinary flavoring, M. biflora holds considerable importance for local communities and presents potential for further exploration in natural drug development, especially given its demonstrated activity against various diseases and pests.
