Thyme Oil

\"\"Thyme oil is remarkably handy, its powerful antiseptic and restorative qualities can improve health, exercise routine or even holiday. Thyme has been cultivated in Europian herb gardens for thousands of years as a culinary and medical herb. The essential oil from its aromatic leaves and flowers is warming and purifying, a versatile oil that makes a vital ingredient to a herbal first aid kit.

Thyme is a potently antiseptic oil and is effective in treating infections from bacteria, viruses and fungi. It combats all minor affections, including coughs and colds, urinary tract infections and digestive disorders. Adding thyme to a vaporiser aids the body\’s defences against infection by stimulating the production of white blood cells to fight disease.

Thyme\’s invigorating action makes it an excellent addition to sporty massage blends. It stimulates and tones the circulation and eases muscular aches.

The sweet, herbaceous scent of thyme is refreshing and stimulating and, as one of the most versatile essential oils, it has many uses like insect repellent and a sore throat gargle.
The sweet, herbaceous scent of thyme is refreshing and stimulating and, as one of the most versatile essential oils, it has many uses like insect repellent and a sore throat gargle.

Active ingredients of Thyme Oil

The many varieties of thyme have different properties of active ingredients and vary in action.

Phenols

Thymol has potent antiseptic actions but is coupled with toxicity.  Carvacrol, another phenol, is also present. These compounds give thyme its antiseptic properties and stimulate the digestive and cardiovascular system.

Varieties

Sweet thyme is high in alcohol and low in phenols. Containing 2 per cent thymol, it is gentle but lacks the antiseptic action white tyme. Both red and white thyme needs to be used with care.

Alcohol

Alcohols, including linalol and geraniol, contribute to thyme\’s stimulating and toning properties.

The Folklore of Thyme

Thyme was associated with courage and strengh in many ancient cultures.

  • The greeks added thyme to incense and burnt it alters in their temples when worshiping their gods.
  • According to Greek legend, thyme first sprang from the soil where Helen of Troy\’s tears fell to the ground.
  • Romans bathed in thyme water to restore virtue, vigour and purity.
  • During the middle ages, jousting knights revered thyme. It was embroided into love tokens for a lady\’s favoured knight and sprigs were given to the knights by well-wishers.

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