Thyme

Also known as: Thymus vulgaris (also known as Thymus aestivus, T. ilerdensis and T. velantianus) of the Labiatae family is also known as common thyme, or red thyme.

The name, Thyme, comes from the Greek word 'thymos' defined as 'perfume' because it was used often in Greek temples in the form of incense. It was believed to impart courage. It was also used as a part of the embalming process by the Egyptians. In various group gathering environments, such as going to court or parties, Thyme was carried or worn as a corsage to ward of communicable diseases.

It was popular with all the major ancient cultures: The Romans, the Egyptians, and the Greeks all used Thyme medicinally. Thyme is steam distilled from the flowers and leaves of the plant.

Thyme essential oil has a sweetish, scent and an amber hue and has been used since ancient times.

Home Remedies using Thyme Essential Oil:

This essential oil can cause skin irritation, but it is very good at promoting focus in situations where being able to concentrate is of the up most importance.

Benefits of Thyme Essential Oil:

It is quite good when used to promote good lung health, for conditions such as bronchitis or colds.

Thyme essential oil has been shown to have a positive effect on bladder and urinary tract infections, and boosts the immune system as well.

Thyme essential oil has also been used for joint and muscle pain and inflammation. Thyme has even been used to help break up the uric acid deposits that make gout so painful.

The working properties of thyme essential oil are breaking up inflammation and alleviating pain in the body’s joints.

It is great to cleanse areas of bacteria. It helps ease spasms associated with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

It helps alleviate excess water retention in the body’s tissues. Thyme has been used for many medical maladies, including raising low blood pressure, promoting heart health and promoting blood flow to the pelvic region in women who have scanty periods.

  • In aromatherapy, thyme oil can be used in burners and vaporizers, as well as diffusers.
  • It may be added to cream and oil bases or mixed with other essential oils to form custom blends, and when mixed with carrier oils, can be great for massage therapy.
  • In massage therapy, thyme essential oil is particularly effective for joint and muscle pain.
  • Applied topically, thyme oil’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties can be beneficial in cleaning wounds, as well as beneficial for skin eruptions and irritations.

Side Effects of Thyme Essential Oil:

Thyme essential oil is very powerful and should be avoided by pregnant women and by individuals with hypertension.

Thyme does contain two substances that can irritate mucus membranes and irritate the skin. Those substances are carvacrol and thymol. If you have ever had a reaction to these substances, use of thyme oil should be avoided. All users should avoid contact with mucus membranes.

It is important to use thyme oil well diluted, and avoid use in children. A skin patch test should be done prior to initial use of thyme essential oil.;

When it is used in massage therapy, it would be a good idea to do a skin patch test to determine if the person is sensitive to it.