THYME

LATIN NAME FAMILY NAME SYNONYMS COLOUR VISCOSITY AROMA NOTE Thymus vulgaris Lamiaceae red thyme = reddish brown to amber white thyme = pale yellow medium to watery sweet yet strongly herbal smelling top

COUNTRIES OF PRODUCTION Algeria, China, Israel, Turkey, Tunisia, USA PARTS USED EXTRACTION METHOD fresh or partly dried flowering tops & leaves water or steam distillation red thyme = first distillate (often called crude distillate) white thyme = produced by further re-distillation or rectification 0.7 1%

YIELD

BLENDS WELL WITH bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, Palmarosa, tea tree, lavender, rosemary, pine

MAIN CHEMICAL COMPONENTS linalool, carvacrol, thymol, borneol, caryophyllene, terpinene, a-pinene, limonene, aphellandrene, a-thujene, camphene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, g-terpinolene, aterpinene, g-terpinene, r-cymene, b-caryophyllene, terpinene-4-ol, a-terpineol, geraniol, b-terpineol, camphor, a-thujone, 1,8-cineole, trans-linalool oxide, cis-linalool oxide, linalyl acetate, a-terpinyl acetate, geranyl acetate WARNINGS & CONTRA INDICATIONS Safety is not fully established very potent do not use during pregnancy do not use in cases of high blood pressure red thyme contains high amounts of toxic phenols carvacrol & thymol can cause skin irritation, irritate mucous membranes, cause skin sensitisation Sweet thyme (Thymus vulgaris CT linalol) is preferred for the elderly, critically ill & children when using white thyme in massage therapy do skin patch test first to determine persons sensitivity to oil one source states this oil is one of the strongest antiseptic available & may cause toxic reactions this info comes from a poorly defined reference, & may refer to internal use of the oil

THYME ESSENTIAL OIL

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES antibiotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-microbe, anti-rheumatic, anti-infectious, antiputrefactive, aperitif, aphrodisiac, balsamic, carminative, cicatrisant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticide, stimulant, tonic, vermifuge THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS EMOTIONAL depression headaches insomnia nervous tension stress CIRCULATION stimulates the circulation raises low blood pressure DIGESTIVE GENITO-URINARY cystitis urethritis scanty periods leucorrhea speed up birth expel afterbirth NERVOUS SYSTEM strengthens nerves aids memory & concentration feeling of exhaustion combats depression RESPIRATORY fortifies the lungs colds bronchitis coughs asthma laryngitis sinusitis catarrh whooping cough sore throat tonsillitis

THYME ESSENTIAL OIL

SKIN acne abscesses bruises burns cuts dermatitis eczema lice very effective red thyme but be cautious of the skin irritant effect insect bites scabies oily skin sores & wounds compress has been used as a solution to disinfectant hands before surgery a much stronger antiseptic than those commonly used in hospitals eg. phenol, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate STRUCTURAL arthritis rheumatism gout muscular aches & pains sprains sport injuries OTHER cellulite anorexia obesity oedema one reference states that thyme has the rare property of counteracting adrenaline spasms this helps balance the adrenal cortex system, where there is an overproduction of adrenaline hormones, which can cause the kidneys & digestive system to malfunction calms spasms caused by too much acetylcholine only other eo with this property is melissa & sage lethal to mosquito larvae one of the most important actions attributed to thyme is that it stimulates the production of white corpuscles this strengthens the bodys immunity & the ability to fight off disease Oil of thyme is largely eliminated through the alveoli (Weiss)

THYME ESSENTIAL OIL

CHEMOTYPES at least 9 naturally occurring chemotypes CHEMOTYPE: the same botanical species that has been modified or is occurring in other forms due to conditions of growth such as soil, altitude, climate. Often referred to as CT. chemical properties in such a plant may vary from original plant EXAMPLES OF CT: thymol & carvacrol types warming & active oils thujanol type penetrating & antiviral oils alcohol & ester type non-irritant sweet-smelling oils There is a thyme eo often referred to as sweet thyme which is a chemotype of Thymus vulgaris. there are 4 types: Thymus vulgaris CT linalol CT linalol Thymus vulgaris CT geraniol CT geraniol Thymus vulgaris CT thujanol CT thujanol Thymus vulgaris CT terpinyl acetate CT terpinyl acetate

METHODS OF APPLICATION AEROSOL one of the most effective anti-infectious agents when diffused through the atmosphere bronchitis coughs respiratory problems sinusitis mucous congestion muscular pains & aches Excellent pulmonary disinfectant useful for all respiratory infections inhalant for nose, throat & chest infections people who are convalescing, fatigued, depressed or lethargic stimulates the appetite, which is often poor after illness revives & strengthens body & mind Stimulates brain & memory FOOT BATH DO NOT USE IN BATHS may irritate mucous membranes In footbath in proper dilution if there is no skin irritation present one reference will state it helps insomnia & is most effective when used in the bath, the other reference will state it has a well-earned reputation as a skin irritant & should be used on the skin with caution BLENDED MASSAGE OIL arthritis bronchitis colds flu THYME ESSENTIAL OIL 4

coughs gout rheumatism bruises eczema mucous congestion muscular aches & pains obesity USE WELL DILUTED SKIN PATCH TEST FIRST!!!

COMPRESS diluted! sores & wounds hot compress for rheumatic pain

NOTES

THYME ESSENTIAL OIL