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 an
incense in Greek temples. The Egyptians used it in embalming process.
Description of Thyme essential oil:
The Thyme plant is an evergreen perennial shrub that grows up to 45 cm (18
inches) in height. It has a woody root system, a multi-branched stem, small
elliptical greenish gray aromatic leaves and pale purple or white flowers.
It is considered anti-bacterial and anti infectious, as well as being a
fungicide. Thyme oil has a fresh, herbaceous, medicinal scent. It has often
been described as sharp and warming.
Appearance : Light to medium liquid
Aroma : Fresh, Medicinal, Herbaceous
Color : Reddish brown to orange
Chemical constituents: Thyme oil has various chemical
compounds that include a-thujene, pinene, camphene, pinene, cymene,
terpinene, linalool, borneol, caryophyllene, thymol, carvacrol.
Extraction: It is extracted by the steam distillation of
leaves .
Aromatherapy uses:
The therapeutic properties of thyme oil are antirheumatic, antiseptic,
antispasmodic, bactericidal, bechic, cardiac, carminative, cicatrisant,
diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hypertensive, insecticide, stimulant,
tonic and vermifuge.
Pharmaceutical uses:
It is an intestinal antiseptic, valuable in gastric infections, used for
treating colds, coughs and sore throats, nose and chest infections when used
as an inhalation or as a mouthwash or gargle. Thyme is effective against
bacteria that cause mouth and gum infections. Thyme is an excellent
pulmonary disinfectant, useful for all respiratory infections. Thyme is very
effective against mouth and throat infections.
Incence and Candles:
The incence of thyme offers the finest quality incense. It is burned with
charcoal incense(recognizable by their firm black composition) burn very
clean, allowing the true fragrance of the incense to flow freely without a
preponderance of wood burning pulp.
Cosmetics and Toiletries: In cosmetics thyme oil is used
as
Compress: Drops of thyme essential oil added to 2 cups hot
or cold water and agitated to disperse oils helps in soothing and relaxation
of skin and act as a compress.
Diffuser or Nebulizer: The most effective tool for
inhalations are aromatic diffusers that create a continuous fine mist of
thyme oils that is readily and easily absorbed via the respiratory system.
Diffuser is an excellent air disinfectant.
Inhalation: Thyme oil when placed on a cloth to inhale,
help in decongestion of lungs.
Massage and Skin care: Few drops of thyme oil along with
vegetable oil is an excellent skin rejuvenator.
Perfumery:
Absolutes, resins and more viscous oils are ideal for creating and blending
personal fragrances, artistically and imaginatively. In Perfumery, Essence
of Thyme is used for cosmetics and rice powder. It is also used for
embalming corpses. The dried flowers have been often used to preserve linen
from insects.
THYMOL, a most valuable crystalline phenol, is the basis of the
fragrant volatile essence of sweet thyme is widely used perfume
material.
All the different species of Thyme and yield fragrant
oils extensively used by manufacturing perfumers for scenting soaps.
When dried and ground, they enter into the composition of sachet powders.
Flavorings:
Thyme is principally used for culinary requirements, for its use in
flavouring stuffings, sauces, pickles, stews, soups, jugged hare, etc. The
Spaniards infuse it in the pickle with which they preserve their olives.
It is used for meat preservations in European Countries.
Industrial uses:
Thyme oil is used extensively as household disinfectant. It is also used in
laundary for antiseptic applications. It is used in purifying drinking
water. It is also used as
Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, thyme oil can be helpful with bronchitis, coughs,
respiratory problems, sinusitis, mucus congestion and muscular aches and
pains.
Blended oil
As a blended massage oil it can assist with arthritis, bronchitis, colds,
flu, coughs, gout, bruises, eczema, mucus congestion, muscular aches and
pains, obesity and rheumatism.
Mouthwash and gargle
Neat application
When applied directly or used neat, thyme oil could help with animal bites
and boils. Diluted as a mouthwash or as a gargle, thyme oil can help with
gum infections and tonsilitis.
