Thyme Essential Oil
The thyme plant is in fact an herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. Found mainly in Spain and Italy, thyme is now also grown in Turkey, Israel, and Russia. This evergreen shrub gets its name for the Greek word ‘thymos,’ which translates into ‘perfume’. It is indeed a potent herb with a peppery taste that produces non-viscous thyme oil once extracted. Thyme oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and the semi-dried flowers of the thyme plant.
Thyme essential oil can be found into two varieties. There is the sweet thyme oil, which is pale yellow in color with a sweet smell and the red thyme essential oil, which is spicier in smell and is amber in color. The presence of thymol in thyme essential oil can be between 20 to 50% making it a very strong oil. This in turn means that thyme oil can be too potent to be used undiluted and needs to be blended with a milder carrier oil before using it for any forms of aromatherapy. Anyone using thyme oil for the first time should always do a patch test to check for any adverse reactions. Pregnant women should avoid this oil at all costs as should people suffering from epilepsy and hyperthyroidism. Thyme Oil Uses
Thyme oil has several therapeutic properties. Sweet thyme is by nature extremely antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Therefore sweet thyme essential oil is used to treat viral infections, eczema, bronchitis, psoriasis and insomnia. It is also less toxic than red thyme oil and is more suited for treating older people and children. Red thyme oil on the other hand is a mental stimulant. It is also anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-fungal. Red thyme oil uses include treatments for stress, wounds, rheumatism, sciatica, and depression. However, there are a number of cautionary measures to be taken when using red thyme oil. Its higher percentage of phenols means that care needs to be taken when used on the skin as it can lead to skin irritations. People suffering from high blood pressure should also avoid using red thyme oil. Thyme oil is also used to boost the immune system and prevent colds and fever. Thyme oil for hair growth has been seen with good results. This can in fact be traced back to the Egyptians who used thyme oil for their hair. Regular hair massages with thyme oil can improve hair quality giving it shine and bounce along with improving its growth. You can mix thyme oil with lavender, rosemary, jojoba essential oils and massage into your scalp to prevent hair loss as well. Thyme oil disinfectant is another popular use of this essential oil. Thyme has been used from time immemorial for cleaning purposes. It is in fact said that thyme is a stronger disinfectant than most household cleaners available today. Cleaning your utensils and cutting boards with thyme oil has also been proven to reduce instances of salmonella and food poisoning. The thymol is thyme oil is not only highly toxic but also a strong antiseptic. This makes thyme oil nail fungus treatment especially effective. If you suffer from toenail fungus, blend thyme oil with a mild carrier oil like flaxseed or sesame oil and apply it to the infected area twice a day to lessen any irritation.
Thyme as an herb is also used in cooking as it adds a delicious smoky flavor to meats and vegetables. A good way to preserve fresh thyme is by following a simple thyme oil recipe. Infusing oil with fresh thyme herbs and letting it steep before using it in your cooking is an easy way to make thyme oil.
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