Thyme Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris c.t. Linalool

Derived from the Greek word 'thumus' meaning 'courage', Thyme is a perennial evergreen shrub with small, stalky stems sprouting small, ovoid grey-green fragrant leaves and pale purple flowers. This Linalool chemotype is reputedly the most gentle variety and is native to the sun-exposed Spanish hills and the rocky banks of the Mediterranean sea.

This essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fresh leaves and flowering tops of French-grown Thyme plants .This Thyme essential oil has a bright lemon and eucalyptus-like top note followed by a musty, mossy, herbaceous middle note and slightly balsamic, woody undertones.

This oil blends well with: Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Cedarwood, Oregano and Rosemary Oil.

Roman soldiers soaked in a bath infused with Thyme oil before battle to absorb it's physical healing and spiritually courageous properties.

The Middle Ages saw Thyme prescribed for a wide range of ailments including: paralysis, leprosy, body lice and as a general antimicrobial and antiviral tonic used externally and internally.

As time progressed, the uses of Thyme oil became more broad spectrum. It was employed in pre and post-surgical dressings, to prevent and kill the yellow fever virus (transmitted by mosquitoes) during WWI. More recently, it's antioxidant properties have been explored regarding natural food preservation and studies on many forms of cancer.

Anthelmintic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiparasitic, Antiputrescent, Antirheumatic, Antiseptic (intestinal, pulmonary, genito-urinary), Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Antitoxic, Astringent, Aphrodisiac, Carminative, Cictrisant, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Hypertensive, Nervine, Revulsive, Rubefacient, Stimulant (immune system, circulatory), Sudorific, Tonic, Vermifuge. (See Definitions.)

First and foremost, Thyme essential oil is one of the most powerful natural antimicrobial and antiviral agents known to the medical community. According to Jean Valnet, M.D., Thyme oil kills the anthrax bacillus, the typhoid bacillus, meningococcus, and the agent responsible for tuberculosis and is active against salmonella and staphylococcus bacteria.

Psychological:

• Instills spiritual fortitude
• Dispels despondency, lack of motivation and lethargy
• Revives and fortifies energy
• Can relieve depressive states of withdrawal, pessimism, insecurity and self-doubt
• Aids with cases of nervous-related disability and chronic anxiety
• Can support the alleviation of chronic fatigue
• Aids with concentration, focus and memory recension

Immune System:

• Stimulates white blood cell production (strengthening immune defenses)

Circulatory:

• Increases blood flow and pressure
• Stimulates the capillaries (can aid with anemia and hair loss)
• Strengthens the heart beat
• Can aid in cleansing the vein and artery walls

Respiratory:

• Fortifies and stimulates effective lung function
• Serves to loosen and clear chest, lung and sinus congestion
• Quells persistent coughing
• Treats bronchitis tonsillitis and laryngitis
• Quells asthmatic symptoms

Digestive:

• Calms nausea
• Stimulates appetite
• Eases abdominal distension and bloating
• Relieves indigestion and intestinal gas
• Combats gastroenteritis (viral stomach flu)

Oral:

• Effective against gingivitis and plaque-caused organisms in the mouth (it is used in Listerine mouthwash for this reason)

Neuromuscular:

• Helps eliminate excess uric acid from the body thereby treating conditions such as gout, sciatica, arthritis, and rheumatism
• Relieves pain and aches from injuries
• Warms and lubricates the joints

The linalool chemotype is the only Thyme variety considered safe for use with children.

Thyme oil should always be diluted for any application: 1% or less in carrier oil or water.

Topical:

• Blend with Myrtle essential oil to calm spasmodic coughing.
• An aqueous solution of 5% Thyme oil is able to kill typus bactillus, colon bactillus, staphylococcus and streptococcus in a matter of minutes.

Inhalation:

• May be used in a nebulizing diffuser or a steam inhaler in small quantities (1-10 drops).
• When combined with fenugreek, Thyme works to relieve the pain of migraine headaches.

A generally non-toxic essential oil, the main component in Thyme oil is Thymol, a powerful antiseptic that can be toxic if used improperly and has history of irritating the skin in undiluted use. A small amount should always be tested first for sensitivity or allergic reaction and careful measurement of dosage is required for topical, aromatherapy and internal uses. Avoid use if pregnant or have high blood pressure.