Of over 300 species of thyme oil, thymus vulgaris is the most common. There are two different types, red and white. White thyme oil is a rectified red thyme, which often contains amounts of other oils such as pine, rosemary and eucalyptus. Within these two types there are six different chemotypes (this refers to the chemical make up of the oil). This profile will focus on Red Thyme. Red Thyme is a browny-red/orange colour and has a powerfully warm, spicy, herb-like aroma. It is steam and water distilled from the dried or partially dried leaves and flowers of the plant.
Thyme's main actions are as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, carminative, digestive stimulant, expectorant, hypertensive, immune and mental stimulant * See below for meanings.
Thyme is particularly well known to be stimulating, warming, a great booster for the immune system, and a very good antimicrobial.
As a digestive stimulant and carminative, Thyme promotes the appetite, eases abdominal distention and relieves flatulence. It's strong antimicrobial properties can also help counteract intestinal putrefaction, gastroenteritis and candidiasis. It is also used for mouth washes for gum infections, oral bacteria and gingivitis.
Thyme is recommended for all infections, particularly repetitive ones, and strengthens the immune system through the production of white blood corpuscles.
Used to ease gout, rheumatic pain, arthritis and sporting injuries, Thyme oil is also recommended for contracting/cramping pain.
Thyme is strengthening and stimulating, making it helpful for exhaustion/weakeness, a tonic for the nerves, beneficial for nervous depression and mental fatigue, and useful for headaches and stress-related complaints. It is useful for convalescence, helping to stimulate the appetite, revive and strengthen the body and mind, stimulate the brain, improve memory and raise low blood pressure.
For the respiratory system, Thyme is recommended for any cold condition involving weakness, congestion and/or infection of the lungs. It benefits chronic fatigue, shallow breathing, mucousy coughs and bronchitis. It is also useful for sinus infections and sore throats.
Thyme warms, stimulates, energises, motivates, encourages and dispels despondency. It restores morale at the deepest level and encourages intellectual thought as opposed to phsycic, which makes it very useful for dreamy, detached people, or those too immersed in their spiritual life.
Non-toxic and non-irritating, but may cause sensitisation in some people.
The Sweet Thyme oils are gentler and safer for use with children and the elderly/infirm.
Red Thyme oils may irritate the skin and mucous membranes. Do not use undiluted, and not in massage oils or baths.
Avoid use on pregnant women, and people with high blood pressure.
Blends well with other herbal, wood, spice and citrus oils.
For free qualified advice on how to use it, email info@GalaxyAromatherapy.com.
Always take care when choosing your essential oils. Look for botanical names and expiry dates on the label. They should come in dark coloured glass bottles to protect them, and have dripulator tops. Following these guidelines will help to ensure you're buying good quality, pure essential oils.
* Terms:
Antimicrobial - resists or destroys pathogens
antioxidant - inhibits oxidation
carminative - settles the digestive system and aids with gas
digestive stimulant - stimulates the digestive system
expectorant - expels mucous in the respiratory system
hypertensive - increases blood pressure
immunostimulant - stimulates the immune system
mental stimulant - stimulates the mind
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