Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops of Thyme plant. Thyme is a member of the Labiatae plant family. This low-growing perennial plant is indigenous to Asia and Europe. The name ‘Thyme’ is extracted from the Greek word ‘Thymos’ meaning ‘Perfume’. This herb was initially used as incense in the temples of Greece. Thyme plant has a long historical use. It was used by the Romans, Greeks and the Egyptians of the ancient period. The people of Egypt used this herb in the embalming process and were also kept in the courtrooms to keep away many diseases. This evergreen plant grows up to a maximum height of 18 inches. The leaves of this shrub are extremely aromatic and greenish gray in color. The elliptical leaves of Thyme plant are the main source of the Thyme essential oil. It has multi-branched stems with a woody root system. Thyme plant bears white or pale purple colored flowers.
Thyme oil is extracted from the fresh or dried leaves and flowering tops of the Thyme plants by steam distillation method. This oil has a strong, sweet, floral, appealing, herbaceous and inviting aroma. The color of this oil ranges from reddish-brown to amber. Thyme oil blends well with rosemary oil, lemon oil, pine oil, lavender oil, grapefruit oil and bergamot oil.
Latin name: Thymus vulgaris.
Alternative names: Serpyllum, Red thyme, Thymus aestivus, Tomillo, Common Thyme, Thymus velantianus, Thymus ilerdensis, Winter Thyme, Black Thyme, German Thyme, English Thyme, Garden Thyme, French Thyme.
Thyme plants grow well in light and well-drained soil types with slight alkaline in it. These plants cannot thrive in wet and heavy soils. It requires full sunlight and a spacious area supporting its growth. Thyme plants are propagated by sowing the seeds, obtaining layering or by planting the stem cuttings. The ideal time for harvesting is before the flowers begin to bloom. The key chemical components of Thyme oil are carvacrol, a-thujone, linalool, b-caryophyllene, b-pinene, a-pinene, borneol, thymol, camphene, a-terpinene and p-cymene. This oil has stimulant, vermifuge, cardiac, antirheumatic, bechic, expectorant, antiseptic, diuretic, hypertensive, tonic, antispasmodic, emenagogue, bactericidal, cicatrisant, cardiac, carminative and insecticide properties.
Uses: Thyme oil helps in aiding respiratory disorders, nervous complaints, urinary tract infections, digestive disorders, poor blood circulation, bronchial troubles, asthma, sinusitis, whooping cough, tonsillitis, catarrh and sore throat. The warming effects of this oil suit the treatment of problems like arthritis, rheumatism, gout and sciatica. Thyme oil also assists in wiping out depression, strengthening the nervous system, enhancing the concentration and memory power.
