Thyme
Thymus Zygis Ct. Linalol
Thyme Oil is commonly used in perfumery as well as aromatherapy. It can be used in skincare due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and works well against respiratory issues and coughs when used via inhalation.
History of Thyme Oil
Thyme Oil is obtained from the leaves and flowers/buds of either Thymus vulgaris or Thymus zygis. Thymus vulgaris, widely known as common thyme, garden thyme, or just thyme, is a flowering plant of the mint family Lamiaceae. It’s native to southern Europe and has a worldwide distribution. Thymus zygis is an evergreen shrub growing to 0.3 m and a cousin of garden thyme. Thymus zygis is very common throughout Spain and Portugal and is the main species used for Thyme Oil. To find out more about the two most easily available Thyme Oils, please read our ‘Thyme Oil Varieties’ article.
The ancient Greeks used thyme in their baths and temples, and believed it’s able to induce feelings of courageousness. The Egyptians used it for embalming and wrote about it in the Ebers Papyrus - an Egyptian medical papyrus of herbal knowledge dating to circa 1550 BC. Many centuries later, in the European Middle Ages to be more precise, thyme was still popular. People placed it beneath pillows to help sleep and prevent nightmares. Additionally, fresh and dried thyme as well as the essential oil extracted from it have been used to ward off bacteria and viruses.
Why is Thyme Oil still around?
Thyme Oil is still a hugely popular natural product because it boasts many desirable therapeutic properties, including antiseptic, deodorant, and disinfectant. This is exactly why Thyme Oil is commonly used in toothpastes, mouthwashes, hand sanitisers, and antifungal creams. It’s reported that Thyme Oil can also help treat respiratory conditions by draining congestion as well as curing infections in the chest and throat that cause the common cold.
If used properly, Thyme Oil can be a wonderful ally to the skin. It can heal wounds, cuts, and scars; relieve burns and itchy skin; treat acne; and work well as a home remedy for oily skin. A few drops of 100% Pure Thyme Oil can be helpful in keeping away pests and parasites that can wreak havoc on the skin, hair, clothes, and furniture. Thyme Oil can provide protection against mosquitoes, fleas, lice, and bed bugs. When diffused or inhaled, Thyme Oil can ease stress and anxiety.
Extracting Thyme Oil
Thyme Oil is extracted via steam distillation from the leaves and flowers/buds of either Thymus vulgaris or Thymus zygis. Thymus vulgaris, widely known as common thyme, garden thyme, or simply thyme, is a flowering plant of the mint family Lamiaceae.
It’s interesting to know that the first distillation process produces a dark oil with a spicy scent, i.e. Red Thyme Essential Oil. White Thyme Essential Oil, which is the most commonly used form of Thyme Oil, is made by re-distilling Red Thyme Oil.
Steam distillation is one of the most popular methods for extracting and isolating essential oils from plants. This process occurs when dry steam is passed through the plant material. The steam vaporises the plant material’s volatile compounds, which eventually go through a condensation and collection process. One of the most significant advantages of steam distillation is that it generates organic solvent-free products.
Thyme Oil has a fresh, herbaceous, and faintly medicinal aroma. Its colour is gold to pale yellow (it may vary depending on the specific botanical, chemotype, and distillation). Thyme Oil’s consistency is medium and slightly oily. The strength of its initial scent is medium to strong. It’s classified as a middle note.
Chemistry and safety information vary depending on the specific chemotype. Check out our next article (‘Thyme Oil Varieties’) to learn more.
Can I make Thyme Oil at home?
Since the equipment needed for steam distillation is relatively inexpensive, we believe that trying to extract essential oils at home is a good option. In case you don’t want to invest in steam distillation equipment, you might succeed using a large pot with a lid, distilled water, and, of course, fresh plant material to fill the pot about half full. However, this process might be too time-consuming for some of you and the quality of your product might not be as good as the one of its commercial counterparts. This is why we suggest looking for 100% Pure Organic Thyme Oil online.
Have you ever used Thyme Oil? Have you ever tried to make it in the comfort of your home? We would love to read your stories, so feel free to share them with us!
Thyme Oil has a fresh, herbaceous, and faintly medicinal aroma. Its colour is gold to pale yellow (it may vary depending on the specific botanical, chemotype, and distillation). Thyme Oil’s consistency is medium and slightly oily. The strength of its initial scent is medium to strong. It’s classified as a middle note.
Chemistry and safety information vary depending on the specific chemotype. Check out our next article (‘Thyme Oil Varieties’) to learn more.
Can I make Thyme Oil at home?
Since the equipment needed for steam distillation is relatively inexpensive, we believe that trying to extract essential oils at home is a good option. In case you don’t want to invest in steam distillation equipment, you might succeed using a large pot with a lid, distilled water, and, of course, fresh plant material to fill the pot about half full. However, this process might be too time-consuming for some of you and the quality of your product might not be as good as the one of its commercial counterparts. This is why we suggest looking for 100% Pure Organic Thyme Oil online.
Have you ever used Thyme Oil? Have you ever tried to make it in the comfort of your home? We would love to read your stories, so feel free to share them with us!
Thyme Oil Varieties
Thyme Oil Varieties
Thymus is a genus of around 350 species of mainly low spreading evergreen perennials and subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae. Thyme Oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and flowers/buds of either Thymus vulgaris or Thymus zygis. The former is native to southern Europe from the western Mediterranean to southern Italy and is often referred to as common thyme, garden thyme, or just thyme, whereas the latter is very common throughout Spain and Portugal and is the main species used for Thyme Oil.
The two most commonly available chemotypes of Thyme Oil are Thymus vulgaris ct. thymol and Thymus zygis ct. linalool. (A ‘chemotype’ or ‘chemovar’ is a chemically distinct entity of a plant.) Let’s see what the key differences between them are.
- Thymus vulgaris ct. thymol contains more thymol - a colourless crystalline monoterpene phenol valued for its positive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. This is why this chemotype of Thyme Oil is commonly used to kill bacteria and viruses. However, it’s a strong skin irritant. It may also inhibit blood clotting and pose a drug interaction hazard. This explains why inhalation and long-term use are not recommended.
The major chemical constituents of Thymus vulgaris ct. thymol are: thymol, p-cymene, carvacrol, gamma-terpinene, b-caryophyllene, linalool, a-pinene, and a-terpinene. - Thymus zygis ct. linalool contains more linalool - a monoterpene compound with a fresh, flowery scent. Linalool is a hugely popular ingredient in perfumed hygiene products and cleaning agents. This fragrance chemical carries anti-anxiety, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thymus zygis ct. linalool is one of the safest and gentlest chemotypes of Thyme Oil, which is precisely why we decided to add it to our selection.
The main chemical constituents of Thymus zygis ct. linalool are: linalool, linalyl acetate, a-terpineol+borneol, thumo, p-cymene, b-caryophyllene, camphene, carvacrol, and b-myrcene.
Which Thyme Oil variety/chemotype to opt for and how to shop smart?
Since Thymus zygis ct. linalool is safe and suitable for long-term use, we believe it’s the smartest choice. Whichever variety/chemotype you decide on, we strongly advise you to purchase 100% Pure Organic Thyme Oil. When shopping online, make sure the product you pick isn’t an adulterated version of the oil or a blend (unless, of course, you’re looking for a specific combo). To be completely sure you’re buying Thyme Oil, look for one of the abovementioned scientific names on the label.
Have you ever had the opportunity to use Thyme Oil? Is it a staple in your collection? Would you recommend it to the rest of the Essentially Yours community? As always, you’re welcome to share your thoughts and experiences with us!
- Thymus vulgaris ct. thymol contains more thymol - a colourless crystalline monoterpene phenol valued for its positive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. This is why this chemotype of Thyme Oil is commonly used to kill bacteria and viruses. However, it’s a strong skin irritant. It may also inhibit blood clotting and pose a drug interaction hazard. This explains why inhalation and long-term use are not recommended.
The major chemical constituents of Thymus vulgaris ct. thymol are: thymol, p-cymene, carvacrol, gamma-terpinene, b-caryophyllene, linalool, a-pinene, and a-terpinene. - Thymus zygis ct. linalool contains more linalool - a monoterpene compound with a fresh, flowery scent. Linalool is a hugely popular ingredient in perfumed hygiene products and cleaning agents. This fragrance chemical carries anti-anxiety, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thymus zygis ct. linalool is one of the safest and gentlest chemotypes of Thyme Oil, which is precisely why we decided to add it to our selection.
The main chemical constituents of Thymus zygis ct. linalool are: linalool, linalyl acetate, a-terpineol+borneol, thumo, p-cymene, b-caryophyllene, camphene, carvacrol, and b-myrcene.
Which Thyme Oil variety/chemotype to opt for and how to shop smart?
Since Thymus zygis ct. linalool is safe and suitable for long-term use, we believe it’s the smartest choice. Whichever variety/chemotype you decide on, we strongly advise you to purchase 100% Pure Organic Thyme Oil. When shopping online, make sure the product you pick isn’t an adulterated version of the oil or a blend (unless, of course, you’re looking for a specific combo). To be completely sure you’re buying Thyme Oil, look for one of the abovementioned scientific names on the label.
Have you ever had the opportunity to use Thyme Oil? Is it a staple in your collection? Would you recommend it to the rest of the Essentially Yours community? As always, you’re welcome to share your thoughts and experiences with us!
Benefits of Thyme Oil
At Essentially Yours, we pride ourselves on doing the necessary research to deepen our understanding of aromatherapy and essential oils in general. This enables us to help you choose the best oils, blends, and methods of application for your wants and needs. We firmly believe that familiarising you with our products, the numerous benefits they provide, and the adverse side effects that occur when they aren’t properly used is the least we can do, hence these blog posts. In this particular blog, we are going to dive into some of the many amazing benefits of Thyme Oil.
Thyme Oil is a potent and warm essential oil that can:
Promote skin health
Thyme Oil boasts powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that this oil can be helpful in reducing acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Thyme Oil can also heal wounds, cuts, and scars; relieve burns and itchy skin; and work well as a home remedy for oily skin.
Support the respiratory system
Thanks to its antiseptic and antiviral properties, Thyme Oil can be used as a natural remedy for the common cold. Thyme oil treats respiratory conditions by draining congestion as well as curing infections in the chest and throat. To harness this benefit, add 2 drops of 100% Pure Organic Thyme Oil (chemotype linalool) to hot water for steam inhalation.
Increase circulation
It’s reported that Thyme Oil can activate blood circulation. The safest way to take advantage of this ability of Thyme Oil is to diffuse a few drops of the oil on a daily basis.
Balance hormones
Thyme Oil has progesterone balancing effects. Progesterone is a steroid hormone belonging to a class of hormones called progestogens. It plays important roles in the menstrual cycle and in maintaining the early stages of pregnancy.
Ease stress and anxiety
Thyme Oil can relieve stress and restlessness by relaxing the body, i.e. allowing the lungs, veins, and mind to open. Add a few drops of the oil to a diffuser, bath, or body lotion and let it work its magic.
Deter insects
It’s reported that Thyme Oil can be helpful in keeping away pests and parasites that can wreak havoc on the skin, hair, clothes, and furniture. This essential oil can provide protection against mosquitoes, fleas, lice, and bed bugs.
When it comes to using Thyme Oil, safety information varies depending on the specific chemotype. Thymus vulgaris ct. thymol is a strong skin irritant, which is why it must be diluted with a carrier oil prior to use. It may also inhibit blood clotting and pose a drug interaction hazard. Inhalation and long-term use are not recommended. Thymus zygis ct. linalool is one of the safest and gentlest chemotypes of Thyme Oil, which makes it suitable for long-term use. That’s exactly why we decided to include it in our selection. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult with your doctor before using this or any other essential oil.
Uses of Thyme Oil
We, the Essentially Yours team, take immense pleasure in learning and sharing our knowledge, tips, and tricks to help you deepen your understanding of aromatherapy and essential oils in general. Whether you are thinking about adding a certain oil or blend to your collection and want to learn its dos and don’ts or you are simply curious about the various methods of oil application - we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we are going to explore some of the most popular ways of using Thyme Oil - an essential oil we absolutely adore.
Thyme Oil can be used in a number of different ways, including:
In a diffuser
When diffused, Thyme Oil can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by relaxing the body, i.e. allowing the lungs, veins, and mind to open. Diffusing a few drops of 100% Pure Organic Thyme Oil on a daily basis can also increase circulation. To promote mental clarity and brighten your outlook, add Thyme Oil to your daytime diffuser blend.
In a homemade bug spray
Since Thyme Oil can provide protection against mosquitoes, fleas, lice, and bed bugs, incorporating it in your DIY natural insect repellent is a smart choice. In case you don’t have a recipe for such a product, here’s an easy one: mix a few drops of Thyme Oil with distilled water. Since essential oils don’t dissolve in water, you might want to add solubol or other dispersing agent to the blend. Pour the blend into a glass spray bottle and shake it well prior to use. Plant parents: to protect your green babies from pests, place 2 drops of Thyme Oil on a cotton ball and put it in corners.
In a massage blend
To alleviate muscle aches or relieve menstrual cramps, dilute 2 drops of 100% Pure Organic Thyme Oil with equal parts carrier oil (we recommend Fractionated Coconut Oil) and rub the mixture on the affected areas.
In a warm foot bath
Thyme Oil boasts powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This is precisely why it can be used to kill toe fungus. Experts say that 5 drops will do this particular trick. When added to warm bath water, Thyme Oil can ease fatigue as well.
In an aromatherapy scalp treatment
It’s reported that Thyme Oil may be effective in preventing hair loss. Although there isn’t enough research to know this for sure, some experts say it’s safe to try it and see how it works. If you want to give it a shot, you’ll need to blend 2-3 cups of your favourite carrier oil (we suggest opting for Jojoba Oil) with 3-5 drops each of Thyme Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosemary Oil. You’ll need to massage a small amount of this mixture into the scalp every day for about 10 minutes and leave it on for 60 minutes or overnight. Rinsing your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner is the final step of the process. Please stop using this treatment if you experience any scalp irritation.
Blends well with
Thyme Oil is a powerful essential oil. It possesses a fresh, herbaceous, and slightly medicinal aroma. Thyme Oil can be used in aromatherapy, skincare, massage blends, and baths. It’s impressive on its own, but it can be a great team player too. Thyme Oil’s blending partners are: Bergamot Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Chamomile Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Rosemary Oil, Oregano Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and Lavender Oil. Let’s take a close look at some of these beautiful oils.
Bergamot Oil
This citrus oil boasts a uniquely complex aroma with underlying bitter and floral characteristics. It’s cherished for its ability to both calm and uplift. In addition to this, Bergamot Oil can assist with acne, abscesses, boils, itching, and oily skin. Since both Thyme Oil and Bergamot Oil promote skin health, they can be wonderful additions to skincare products.
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Cedarwood Oil
As the name suggests, Cedarwood Oil is derived from the needles, leaves, bark, and berries of cedar trees. Its warm, balsamic aroma as well as its calming and grounding properties blends well with Thyme Oil.
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Grapefruit Oil
Grapefruit Oil is an orange-tinted essential oil with a pleasantly sweet, tangy aroma. It’s one of the most frequently used oils in aromatherapy. This citrus oil energises without being too strong or overpowering. It can help with acne, oily skin, cellulitis, dull skin, toxin build-up, water retention, and nervous exhaustion. Since Grapefruit Oil is phototoxic (can cause a skin reaction when exposed to the sun), some experts recommend a dermal maximum (dilution) of 4%.
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Rosemary Oil
Rosemary Oil has a refreshing, invigorating, and stimulating aroma. It’s prized for its ability to improve circulation, assist with acne/oily skin, and prevent hair loss. Since both Thyme Oil and Rosemary Oil can be beneficial to your skin, scalp, and hair health, consider using them together in your DIY aromatherapy treatments.
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Oregano Oil
Oregano Oil is a very potent essential oil, which is why it must be used carefully. It boasts many desirable therapeutic properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, expectorant, and stimulant. Please steer clear of this oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Tea Tree Oil
This Australian native essential oil is a staple for many aromatherapy practitioners and enthusiasts. Aside from being a great ally to the skin, it can also assist with colds, whooping cough, sinusitis (sinus infection), and migraines.
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