Thyme, also called thyme because its scent spreads to thyme, is an herb often used in cooking such as steak and soup. In the Middle Ages, just having thyme was considered to instill courage, so wives would give knights and warriors thyme as gifts before going into battle. Also, in the Middle Ages, people slept with thyme under their pillows for a comfortable night's sleep and to avoid nightmares. The ancient Greeks used thyme for bathing, and the Egyptians burned it as incense in their temples during traditional ceremonies. Today, thyme is widely used as a seasoning in cooking, but it is also used to produce potent essential oils.