Thyme oil comes from the Garden Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), which belongs to the Calendula family.
Thyme oil is extracted from the fresh or dried flower shoots of the thyme, yielding around 0.7-1.0% oil. The actual production is done by steam distillation.
Remarkably, the thyme plant smells strongly of its essential oils and is therefore completely disease-free and inedible to herbivores.
In this article you can read about the properties and uses of thyme oil, as well as the precautions you should take when using it.
Thyme oil and thymol
Thyme oil has long been used as a natural medicine, although there is no scientific evidence of its effect on human disease or health in general.
However, thyme oil contains a substance that is interesting in relation to human health: Thymol (also called thyme camphor). The following is known about thymol:
- Effect: Thymol has an antiseptic effect and can also reduce the resistance of some bacteria to penicillin. In addition, thymol has antifungal properties.
- Occurrence: Thymol occurs naturally in thyme oil, but can also be extracted from thyme, oregano and a number of other plants. In addition, thymol can also be produced synthetically.
- Extraction: Garden thyme contains 20-54% thymol
- Uses: Thymol is the primary antibacterial ingredient in several types of mouthwash. Thymol is also used as the primary antibacterial ingredient in some hand sanitizers (especially organic ones). Thymol can also be used to make menthol
- History: Although the sources are vague, there is some evidence that the ancient Egyptians as well as the Greeks used thymol for several purposes – including medicinal
Although thymol occurs naturally in thyme oil, it would be wrong to attribute the same properties to thyme oil as thymol, as there is no scientific evidence that thyme oil and thymol have the same effect. In addition, extracts of oils can often have a more powerful or effective effect than the oil itself.
Properties of thyme oil
Undocumented properties
There is no scientific evidence that thyme oil can be used to remedy, treat or alleviate the following health problems:
- Anorexia
- asthma
- Bronchitis
- Cellulitis
- Poor circulation
- Oily skin
- Scabies
- Colds
- Sprains and strains
- Rheumatic diseases
- Coughs
- Insect stings/bites
- Sciatica
- Lice
- Muscle pain
- Excess weight
- Scratches
- Sports injuries
- Laryngitis
- Discharge
- Edema
Documented properties
Thyme oil has been scientifically proven to have antiseptic and antifungal properties – but this does not mean that doctors recognize its use to fight bacterial infections or diseases caused by bacteria.
Similarly, there is no evidence that thyme oil can be used to fight fungus or diseases caused by fungus in humans.
Uses of thyme oil
Aromatherapy
In aromatherapy, thyme oil is mainly used in hot baths and massage oils. In addition, some aromatherapists also apply thyme oil directly (undiluted) to e.g. abscesses, animal bites etc. which is not recommended.
Thyme oil should always be diluted. When applied to the skin, dilution with one or more base oils is recommended. Thyme oil is particularly suitable for mixing with the following oils:
- Bergamot oil
- Lemon oil
- Pine needle oil
- Grapefruit oil
- Lavender oil
- Rosemary oil
Other uses
Thyme oil is used as an ingredient in:
- Perfumes
- Soaps
- Cosmetics and cosmetics
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Hand sanitizers
Precautionary measures
Thyme oil should not be used by:
- People with high blood pressure
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Children and infants
In addition, you should be aware that thyme oil
- May irritate the skin and mucous membranes
- Should not be used in skincare products
- Should always be diluted before application to the skin
- Generally should only be used in low concentrations (also when ingested)