It is useful in the garden as groundcover, where it can be short-lived, but is easily propagated from cuttings. It is also the main source of thyme as an ingredient in cooking and as an herbal medicine. It is slightly spicier than oregano and sweeter than sage.Thyme has similar properties to tea tree oil. The very aromatic oil has a very good mucolytic effect on coughs. In addition, the airways are disinfected and the activity of the mucous membrane is stimulated.