Hazel nuts were carried to ward off evil spirits. The dried leaves were used for tobacco. The leaves, bark, and nuts have been used for various medical purposes, most often as a remedy for poor circulation, varicose veins, and hemmorhoids. They all have small leaves, and the characteristic pleasant spicey odor. Dried leaves are a basic kitchen spice for meats, soups, stews, and dressings.
Benedictine liqueur is flavored with thyme.
Bet you would never have guessed that. It also has antiseptic properties. The oil is used for wounds, sores, and inflammations. But they have a lot of uses besides just being pretty. A very old use for the flowers are as a pain-relieving and healing agent in wounds and inflammations.