As far as I know these herbs (at least rosemary and thyme) were formerly used - or said to be useful - for contraception and/or abortion purposes. Hence those allusions in old songs where it wasn't allowed to call things by their name. But I know very few of this and I would really appreciate learning more.

When I first heard "Wild Mountain Thyme" I thought the word was "town". I know "tower" from a songbook. "Bower" is new to me.

Joerg