Thyme is native to Spain and the western Mediterranean region, extending to southeastern Italy. The flowers are born in clusters near tips of shoots in early summer and then distilled either by steam or water with oil yields peaking in hot summer conditions. Thyme oil is mainly used in flavoring applications in the processed food industry. It is also used to fragrance soaps and detergents where its characteristic fresh, antiseptic aroma is desired. Thyme Folklore Thyme dates back to ancient Greece, where it symbolized courage. Roman soldiers bathed in water infused with thyme to gain vigor, courage and strength. In the middle Ages, ladies embroidered a sprig of Thyme on the scarves of knights for bravery. This oil is non-toxic and will not irritate or sensitize the skin. Thyme should not be used directly on the skin. The oil should first be mixed with diluting or carrier oil.
Thyme Essential Oil has a spicy, warm, herbaceous scent. It is very powerful and penetrating, with medicinal and green tones. Thyme Essential Oil is a possible skin irritant. It is toxic if not properly diluted. It is powerful oil in the hands of an experienced Aroma therapist.
With the scientific name of Thymus vulgaris, thyme grows freely throughout the Mediterranean. Our therapeutic thyme essential oil is steam distilled from the flower tops of the shrubs that thrive in France. This culinary and aromatherapy staple has one of the widest reaching list of benefits found in any herb.
It is an ancient herb used in medicine by the Greeks, the Egyptians and the Romans and is an evergreen perennial shrub that grows up to 45 cm (18 inches) high, with a woody root system, much-branched stem, small elliptical greenish gray aromatic leaves and pale purple or white flowers.
The name is derived from the Greek word 'thymos' that means 'perfume' and was used as incense in Greek temples. The Egyptians used it in embalming process.
The therapeutic properties of thyme oil are anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, be chic, cardiac, carminative, cicatrisant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hypertensive, insecticide, stimulant, tonic and vermifuge.
Thyme oil strengthens the nerves, aids memory and concentration, can help with the feeling of exhaustion and combats depression, while it fortifies the lungs and helps with colds, coughs, asthma, laryngitis, sinusitis, catarrh, whooping cough, sore throats and tonsillitis.
Thyme oil is beneficial to boost the immune system and can help fight colds, flu, infectious diseases and chills and as a urinary antiseptic, it is very helpful for cystitis and arthritis.
The warming effect of this oil can help in cases of poor circulation, as well as for arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscular aches and pains, sprains and sport injuries. It is also helpful for cellulite, anorexia, obesity and edema and in cases of scanty periods, leucorrhoea, and to speed up birth and to expel afterbirth.
Benefit & Uses: Thyme essential oil’s hearty list of benefits starts with its antiseptic properties, giving it the ability to clear up infections, protect wounds and kill of bacteria. The well-rounded therapeutic essential oil can also be used to treat cough and cold, clear up chest infections and suppress those annoying coughs.
Thyme essential oil aromatherapy also enjoys kicking out toxins, especially those that can build up and lead to rheumatism. It increases urination, assisting with overall detoxification, and can help regulate menstruations.
Enjoy thyme’s herbaceous aroma solo or mingle it with complimentary essential oils to increase overall scope of benefits. Thyme blends well with cypress, geranium, lavender, cedar wood, clary sage and rosemary. It also mingles sweetly with bergamot and other citrus oils.
Thyme is identified with helping the issues of bacterial infections, urinary infections, rheumatism, viral infections, lethargy, sores, immunity and wounds. It also is a proven stimulant, and tonic. The oil has been linked to heating, producing good circulation, prompting sweating, cleansing the intestines, and relaxing muscles.