THYMUS VULGARIS
Thyme’s fresh, herbal scent provides quite an energy boost when you’re feeling drained. This wonderful essential oil offers a variety of benefits: Use it to balance and heal skin or ease PMS and menopause symptoms. Thyme’s expectorant property can help alleviate upper respiratory symptoms associated with colds and flu, while its antifungal constituents are ideal for treating athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, and nail fungus.
Precautions
Thyme is a “hot” essential oil that needs to be carefully diluted before use.
If you are sensitive to peppermint or rosemary essential oil, you will likely find thyme equally irritating.
Do not use during pregnancy.
Do not use topically on children under age 6 years.
Thyme can stimulate the thyroid gland and should be avoided by those with hyperthyroidism.
Because thyme can raise blood pressure, it is not suitable for use with those who have elevated blood pressure.
Application Methods
INHALATION: Mixed into 1 cup of steaming hot water, a few drops of thyme essential oil provide quick relief from cold and flu symptoms. If adding thyme to a diffuser, use the number of drops recommended by the diffuser’s manufacturer.
TOPICAL: Blend 3 to 4 drops of thyme essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and apply it to the chest area for relief from congestion.
BATH: Adding a few drops of thyme essential oil to your bathwater can help you de-stress and ease anxiety.
Popular Uses
For acne and other irritations, dilute thyme essential oil with an equal amount of carrier oil and apply once or twice daily until skin clears.
Thyme’s ability to boost energy makes it ideal for adding to diffuser blends that promote clarity and focus. Try it with rosemary, peppermint or spearmint, lemon or lemongrass, or any combination of oils that prompt alertness.
Thanks to its ability to relieve joint and muscle pain, thyme is an outstanding addition to hot and cold compresses as well as balms, salves, and massage oils.
BLENDS WELL WITH
Bergamot
Black pepper
Catnip
Clary sage
Geranium
Grapefruit
Hyssop
Juniper berry
Lavender
Lemon
Lemongrass
Lime
Peppermint
Pine
Roman chamomile
Rosemary
Spearmint
Tea tree
SUBSTITUTE WITH
Basil
Cinnamon
Clove
Lavender
Lemongrass
Oregano
Rosemary
Tea tree
HEALING PROPERTIES
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antimicrobial
Antioxidant
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Antitussive
Astringent
Cicatrizant
Disinfectant
Expectorant
Hypertensive
Insecticide
Insect repellent
Stimulant
Sudorific
IDEAL FOR TREATING
Aging skin
Anxiety
Cold and flu symptoms
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Hair loss
Hangover
Nervousness
PMS
Stress
Upper respiratory infections