Thyme Pure Essential Oil
Botanical name: Thymus vulgaris Common name: White Thyme Plant part: Leaves
Extraction method: Steam distilled
Note: Top Strength of aroma: Strong
Aromatic scent: Warm, Spicy-herbaceous aroma
Cautions: Non-toxic and non-irritating, Possible sensitiser in some individuals. Avoid during pregnancy.
Common uses and health benefits:
Thyme oil has traditionally been used to help relieve gout, arthritis and rheumatic pain.
There are several studies that support thyme essential oil’s ability to reduce or eliminate foodborne bacteria, support heart health, and alleviate inflammation in the body, among other benefits.
While more research is needed, thyme oil is currently thought to be beneficial when used as part of overall therapeutic programs, not as a solo treatment or cure.
Thyme oil contains several compounds that explain some of its pharmacological effects: thymol, cineol, camphor, borneol, carvacrol.
There’s some evidence that thyme oil is effective at reducing acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
Thyme oil mixed with other essential oils and a carrier oil, coupled with massage, may be used as a treatment to prevent hair loss.
Currently, there’s little data indicating whether or not thyme oil is effective for this condition, although anecdotal evidence indicates that a combination of essential oils that includes thyme oil may be an effective treatment.
One very preliminary study found that wild thyme extract may eventually show promise at fighting breast cancer.
The thymol content in thyme oil is thought to have antispasmodic properties. When mixed with primrose, thyme essential oil has been shown to be effective at reducing coughs and reducing the duration of respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold.
In a study reported in the Journal of Medicine and Life thyme oil was found to be effective at eliminating food-related bacteria and fungi.
Thyme and thymol have been found to have antibacterial effects against bacterium, including salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Helicobacter pylori.
A 2010 laboratory study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that the carvacrol in thyme oil was an effective anti-inflammatory agent with cardioprotective capabilities, making it potentially beneficial for people with heart disease.
Thymol’s anti-inflammatory effects have been documented in several studies. The thymol in thyme oil is effective at reducing inflammation and infection.
According to recent research, thymol’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it beneficial for oral health. The compound is an ingredient in several dental products, including Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash.
How to use Thyme oil for treatment of hair loss
A small 1998 aromatherapy study showed good results for some people with alopecia areata, but there hasn’t been any solid research since.Since thyme oil is unlikely to cause harm, you might want to try it and see how it works. If you’d like to try an aromatherapy scalp treatment at home, here’s what to do:
- Choose a vegetable oil, such as jojoba oil or grapeseed oil, to act as the carrier oil.
- Mix 2 to 3 cups of the carrier oil with 3 to 5 drops each of thyme,lavender, rosemary and cedarwood essential oils. Each of these oils have properties that may make them beneficial for hair growth or scalp health.
- Massage a small amount into the scalp daily for about 10 minutes.
- Leave on for an hour or overnight.
- Rinse with a mild shampoo and conditioner.
This treatment may take several months to work. Discontinue if you experience any scalp irritation.
Before trying this treatment, do a patch test with each oil to ensure that it doesn’t irritate your skin, eyes, or nasal passages. Essential oils should always be mixed with a carrier oil prior to testing. Don’t use an undiluted essential oil on your scalp or on any area of skin.
