Thyme grows in sunny areas next to ant-hills. You can find thyme in dried up lawns, as it must have lots of sun and heat. Thyme came from the Mediterranean in the 11th century and is found in many gardens. Most people know the thyme plant as Garden Thyme (thymus vulgaris) or as Mother Thyme. The Abbess Hildegard von Bingen stated, "He who drinks a cup of thyme tea instead of coffee in the morning will soon feel the beneficial effect: enlivened spirits, great comfort in the stomach, no coughing in the morning and an overall well-being."