Thyme oil – what does it do and what are its properties?

Thyme is one of the most widely used aromatic plants in Europe. It is renowned for its distinctive and pleasant aroma, as well as its beneficial properties in the worlds of gastronomy and natural medicine. Thyme oil, extracted from the plant, is currently enjoying immense popularity and has become one of the most widely used essential oils in the world. Its remarkable antioxidant and health-promoting properties make it well worth taking a closer look at its effects.

Thyme essential oil – what is worth knowing about it?

The essential oil in question is derived from the plantThymus vulgaris(thyme) and has a pleasant, refreshing scent. Thyme is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region. Even before humankind realised it was possible to extract oils from various parts of the plant, thyme was used in folk medicine in the broadest sense, as well as in cooking, quickly gaining a reputation that endures to this day.

In folk medicine, certain species of thyme are used for their expectorant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antifungal, carminative and sedative properties. Today, thyme essential oil is extracted from the flowering parts of the plant. The oil is obtained through steam distillation, and its exact composition depends on several factors, such as the variety of thyme used and the time and place of harvest.

Thyme essential oil versus thyme – how do they differ?

Phytotherapeutic products derived from thyme, such as essential oils, are characterised by a concentration of several or more of the plant’s active constituents. For this reason, as a general rule, the properties of thyme essential oil will be the same as those provided by the fresh or dried plant. Consequently, natural thyme oil contains a range of substances responsible for the plant’s health-promoting properties. These components include, amongst others:

• Thymol – apowerfulanti-infective agent;
• Carvacrol –a substancewith antiviral and antifungal properties;
• Linalool –hasstimulating, antifungal and antiseptic properties;
• Flavonoids –haveanti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

Thyme oil – what are its health benefits?

Thyme, like many plants known today, has a history of use stretching back thousands of years. This is due to its multitude of interesting properties that are beneficial to our health. Thanks to the high concentration of thyme’s active ingredients, the natural essential oil extracted from it is characterised by the following properties:

• It has anti-infective properties –thanks toits antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, thyme essential oil helps prevent infections and also strengthens the entire immune system;
• It has antiseptic and expectorant properties – thymeessential oilis an effective and natural remedy for respiratory conditions such as the common cold, coughs and bronchitis;
• It has a positive effect on digestive function –naturalthyme essential oil can help relieve bloating and intestinal cramps;
• It promotes healthy skin – theantisepticproperties of thyme oil enable it to disinfect the skin, eliminate fungi and bacteria, and treat minor wounds and burns. It aids in the treatment of cold sores and fungal infections;
• Antioxidant properties –certaincomponents of thyme essential oil, such as flavonoids, may help protect cells and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Natural thyme essential oil has many properties that are beneficial to our health. So, how can we put these to practical use?

Natural thyme essential oil – what is it good for?

Whether used as part of home aromatherapy or during a massage after a strenuous workout, natural thyme essential oil can be an excellent aid to relaxation and to looking after your health. Thyme essential oil is particularly recommended for use, amongst other things, on:

• Promoting dental health – thyme essentialoilis well known for treating oral health issues such as tooth decay, gingivitis, plaque and bad breath. Thanks to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, thyme essential oil is a natural way of killing germs in the mouth and preventing infections. Thymol, the active ingredient in the oil, is used as a helpful dental aid to protect teeth from decay;
• Anti-parasitic agent – thymeessential oilrepels parasites that feed on our bodies. Pests such as mosquitoes, fleas, lice and bedbugs can wreak havoc on our skin, hair, as well as our clothes and furniture. A few drops of thyme essential oil applied to the skin, or diffused throughout a room using a diffuser, will easily repel these unwelcome guests;
• Stimulation of blood circulation – thyme essentialoilhas a stimulating effect, which is why it boosts blood circulation. Poor circulation can lead to many health problems, such as arthritis and stroke. The oil relaxes the arteries and veins, reducing the strain on the heart and lowering blood pressure. This makes thyme essential oil a natural remedy for high blood pressure;
• Relieving stress and anxiety –naturalthyme essential oil is an effective way to relieve stress and treat anxiety. It relaxes the body, allowing the lungs and blood vessels to deliver more oxygen directly to the brain, ensuring it functions properly;
• Hormonal balance – thyme essentialoilbalances progesterone levels, thereby having a beneficial effect on the whole body by improving hormone production. Progesterone levels are often low in men and many women, which can be linked to conditions such as infertility, the risk of developing PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or depression. It is also known that thyme essential oil, by stimulating hormone production, delays the onset of the menopause. It therefore serves as a natural remedy for the menopause and its associated symptoms, including mood swings, hot flushes and insomnia.

Thyme essential oil has been shown to be effective for a range of ailments. Furthermore, there are numerous research reports confirming its health-promoting effects in the treatment of cold-related symptoms, such as coughs and the common cold, as well as in skincare and aromatherapy.

Thyme oil for the skin – how does it promote skin health?

Natural thyme essential oil has antiseptic and cleansing properties when used on the skin. Its antibacterial action takes effect immediately upon application to the skin, although it is important to remember that thyme essential oil should only be used in combination with a carrier oil. Much like natural tea tree oil, natural thyme oil helps to reduce impurities, acne and spots affecting the skin. Interestingly, thyme essential oil is also a helpful remedy for treating slow-healing wounds. When used in combination with compresses and plasters, it regenerates scarred skin, exhibiting strong antiseptic and immunostimulant properties. When used, for example, in daily skincare, thyme essential oil deodorises the skin, effectively eliminating the smell of sweat.

Thyme essential oil – helpful for coughs and runny noses

Thanks to components such as caryophyllene and camphene, thyme essential oil has antiseptic properties and combats even the mildest signs of infection. It also has antibacterial properties and inhibits the growth of bacteria. Furthermore, it can clear congestion and treat chest and throat infections that cause colds or coughs. This natural oil also helps to stimulate the immune system, thereby removing excess toxins from the body and killing any viruses that may be attacking the upper respiratory tract. As such, natural thyme oil can be a safe alternative for treating coughs and runny noses.

Natural thyme essential oil for inhalation – is it effective?

Thyme essential oil is used in aromatherapy to soothe anxiety and stress. It regulates energy levels and helps restore vitality, strength and courage. The oil’s antioxidant properties help maintain memory and concentration. The warm and comforting aroma of the oil will purify the air and open up the upper respiratory tract, clearing it of toxins, bacteria and viruses that may be harmful to our health.

Thyme essential oil – what should you bear in mind when using it?

Thyme is used both internally and topically. Generally speaking, you should avoid ingesting essential oils. An exception to this are thyme essential oils labelled with a certificate confirming they are safe for internal use. Thyme essential oil should not be taken undiluted. For this reason, we recommend taking a few drops of the oil mixed with any edible carrier oil. The same applies when applying the oil directly to the skin.

How should natural thyme essential oil be used correctly?

• Follow the instructions on the packaging or leaflet
• Use high-quality products
• Do not apply pure essential oils directly to the skin
• Do not ingest essential oils without using a carrier oil

Thyme oil, being an extract, should not be used in cases of hypersensitivity to one or more of the active substances it contains. It should not be used during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding, nor should it be used on children under the age of 6.

“[Treatment of cough in respiratory tract infections – the effect of combining the natural active compounds with thymol]” – J. Jambor et al., scientific journal Wiadomości Lekarskie, Aluna Publishing, 2016.

“A Review on Applications and Uses of Thymus in the Food Industry” – G. Nieto, scientific journal *Plants*, MDPI, 2020.

“Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro” – S. Nolkemper et al., scientific journal *Planta Medica*, Thieme, 2006.

‘Effectiveness and tolerability of the thyme/ivy herbal fluid extract BNO 1200 for the treatment of acute cough: an observational pharmacy-based study’ – P. Kardos et al., scientific journal *Current Medical Research and Opinion*, Taylor & Francis, 2021.

“Effects of Thymus vulgaris ethanolic extract on chronic toxoplasmosis in a mouse model” – M. A. Eraky et al., scientific journal Parasitol Research, Springer, 2016.

“Efficacy and tolerability of a fluid extract combination of thyme herb and ivy leaves and a matched placebo in adults suffering from acute bronchitis with a productive cough. A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial” – B. Kemmerich, R. Eberhardt, H. Stammer, scientific journal *Arzneimittelforschung*, Thieme, 2006.

‘Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans adhesion to buccal epithelial cells by an aqueous extract of Thymus vulgaris’ – M. Hammad, A-K. Sallal, H. Darmani, scientific journal *International Journal of Dental Hygiene*, Wiley, 2007.

“Randomised trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata” – I. C. Hay, M. Jamieson, A. D. Ormerod, scientific journal *Archives of Dermatology*, American Medical Association, 1998.

“Relaxant effect of Thymus vulgaris on guinea-pig tracheal chains and its possible mechanism(s)” – M. H. Boskabady, M. R. Aslani, S. Kiani, scientific journal *Phytotherapy Research*, Wiley, 2006.