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Thyme Essential Oil Uses for Skin, Hair, and Aromatherapy

Overview Of Thyme Oil

A popular herb found in seasoning and food, Thymus Vulgaris or thyme, can also be extracted to form an essential oil. In its essential oil form, thyme helps with acne breakouts, alopecia as well as oral health.

What Is Thyme Essential Oil?

A traditional herb from the mint family, thyme is not only a culinary staple; It is considered a remedy for all sorts of ailments because of its overall health benefits. Going by the botanical name Thymus Vulgaris, this plant is native to Southern Europe and grows in Western Asia.

Research has found the use of Thyme to embalm mummies in ancient Egypt.

Derived from the Latin word thymus, thyme gets its name from its smokey and refreshing aroma. The ancient Greeks and Romans burned this traditional herb as incense in temples, homes, and symbolic religious places to keep the atmosphere fresh and free from bacteria.

Today, thyme oil helps boost immunity, relieve muscle aches, improve oral health and increase hair growth. This oil is harnessed through the use of steam distillation to make its many benefits shine through.

Benefits & Uses of Thyme Essential Oil

Main Constituents of Thyme Oil

The main component of thyme essential oil contains 40% thymol, followed by p-cymene, carvacrol, linalool, beta-caryphyllene and terpinen-4-ol.

Name

Thyme Essential Oil

Botanical Name

Thymus vulgaris

Native to

Southern Europe

Properties

Antiseptic, carminative, hypertensive, diuretic, stimulant, tonic, expectorant, vermifuge, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, cicatrizant

Main ingredients

Aplha and beta pinene, borneol, linalool, carvacrol, thymol, alpha-thujone, camphene, para-cymene

Aroma

Herbaceous and spicy

Blends well with

Bergamot, lemon, rosemary, Melissa, pine, mandarin, cedarwood, lavender and chamomile essential oils

Category

Herbaceous

Substitute

Lavender, lemon, rosemary or tea tree essential oil

23 Benefits, Uses And Blends Of Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme Essential Oil Benefits

Now, let’s get into some of the many reasons thyme is a staple in the essential oil world. Here’s a quick guide to navigating this powerful health-boosting extract.

1

It May Help Reduce Acne

Rich in antibacterial properties, thyme essential oil can help cleanse and remedy several skin problems, including acne and pimples. Applying it with skincare products can help reduce the appearance of oily skin for a clean and smooth complexion.

2

It Relieves Coughs And Colds

An oil with expectorant properties, thyme essential oil is a one-stop remedy for respiratory issues such as coughs and common cold. Breathing in thyme oil can help clear mucus and phlegm deposits from the nasal canal, so you can breathe better and feel freer.

3

It’s Beneficial For Oral Health

Thyme oil is also imbued with thymol, which is a plant-based anti-inflammatory agent and, along with antibacterial properties, makes this oil beneficial for your oral health.

It is used as an ingredient in mouthwash as it is proven to eliminate certain strain of bacteria from the mouth.

4

It’s An Antiseptic

Thyme oil has antiseptic properties and is imbued with properties like caryophyllene and camphene. Applying this oil on open wounds can help eliminate the chances of bacterial growth or even infections, making it a perfect addition to any home first aid kit.

5

Increases Blood Circulation

Thyme essential oil is also a stimulant that increases blood circulation in the body. Using it as local massage oil will increase the blood circulation to that particular region. It has a positive effect on the circulatory system.

6

Repels flies and bugs

The compounds in thyme act as a repellant to flies, mosquitoes and bed bugs. It can be stored in a sprayer and a slight amount can be sprayed in the corners of the house and in the bed.

7

Heart Health

By boosting the circulation of blood in the body, thyme essential oil also oil opens the blood vessels and ensures proper functioning. It is also used to lower high blood pressure levels.

8

Powerful Immunity

Research has proven the immunity-boosting prowess of camphene and alpha-pinene, two of the compounds present in thyme. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of the concentrated plant oil fight free radicals and neutralize it. This is a popular thyme oil uses and benefits.

9

Youthful Skin

The antioxidant oil neutralizes the free radicals and prevents oxidative stress that has an adverse effect on the skin and speeds up the ageing process besides making the skin dull. The topical application of the oil on the skin every night combats the free radicals and maintains the skin's youthfulness. The aromatic oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties that can tackle dermatitis and inhibit biofilms on the skin.

The antifungal properties of thyme oil and its ingredients were studied and published in the Letters in Applied Microbiology. (1)

10

Wound Healer

The cicatrizant properties of thyme have been in use since ancient times. Wounds of soldiers were treated with the paste or juice of the thyme leaves. Nowadays the concentrated oil of the plant is diluted and applied on the scars to heal wounds and fade away the scars. This oil is used by women after childbirth to fade stretch marks. It is also applied on the face and skin to fade the scars left behind by chickenpox.

11

Controls Cramps and Coughs

Muscle cramps, menstrual cramps and whooping coughs are caused due to convulsions and spasms within the body. The antispasmodic properties of thyme oil also control the involuntary contractions in eth body and controls these cramps and coughs.

12

Reduces Joint Pains

Joint pain due to arthritis and rheumatism arises from toxins in the body and improper blood circulation. Being a stimulant, thyme oil can also increase the blood circulation in the joints; it has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the swelling in the region; and, it is a diuretic which eliminates toxins through urination. Hence thyme oil is an antirheumatic that mitigates the symptoms of the oil.

13

Two of the components in thyme are caryophyllene and camphene. These compounds are known to have antibacterial properties. When the oil is topically applied it protects the body from bacterial infections both from inside and outside. Research has shown that the compounds in thyme could treat respiratory tract infections and bacterial infections in the intestinal and digestive systems.

There is another component in thyme oil and that is thymol. Research first published in 1994 in the Journal of Applied Bacteriology established the antibacterial properties of Thyme and thymol. (2)

14

Get Rid of Flatulence

The carminative properties of the oil of thyme are useful in eliminating gas from the abdomen. Accumulation of gas in the stomach and intestines can result in a wide range of health issues from headaches to gastrointestinal diseases.

Thyme essential oil is also important in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, a crucial gastrointestinal function. The study was published in British Poultry Science in 2014. (3)

15

More Urination

The more you urinate, the more you remove excess salts, acids, bile and toxins from the body thus purifying it.

16

Energy Booster

Proper digestion of food and circulation of blood boosts the energy level of the body and does away with tiredness.

Thyme Essential Oil For Skin

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17. It Promotes Healthy Skin

An essential oil rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, thyme oil may naturally boost skin health. Applying it to the skin can help soothe rashes, reduce the appearance of scar tissue, and improves skin conditions.

The antimicrobial activity of thyme essential oil has been tested against drug-resistant bacteria and the results were promising. The study was published in the Microbial Drug Resistance in 2012. (4)

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18. It Brings A Youthful Glow

Thyme essential oil’s vitamin and antioxidant-rich content also help prevent oxidative sun damage for a healthy, even skin tone. It is also these properties that help reduce the signs of aging for a rejuvenated look always. To get young shiny skin, apply this oil to the area of skin after mixing it with either olive oil or jojoba oil.

Thyme Essential Oil For Hair

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19. It Promotes Healthier Hair

An ingredient found in many hair-care products, thyme oil is rich in nutrients that help stimulate healthy, thick hair. It also eliminates stubborn dandruff and flakes for sleeker-looking locks.

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20. It’s Been Proven To Treat Alopecia

There are many ways that people harness the benefits of thyme oil as it has many medicinal properties. Some people do it via direct inhalation from the bottle, while others incorporate it with a carrier oil to make it friendlier on the skin and hair. Here are some uses of thyme oil you can incorporate into your daily life.

21. Thyme Essential Oil For Respiratory Congestion

A remedial wonder, one of the medicinal benefits of thyme oil is that it can help ease congestion and ease breathing. This is due to the thymol-rich content of thyme, an antispasmodic property that helps decongest the lungs and breathing canals. Here’s a diffuser blend that can help ease breathing difficulty:

Ingredients:

Directions: Simply combine the ingredients into an oil vaporizer, and it will work its magic, soothing your breathing difficulty.

22. Thyme Essential Oil As an Insect Repellant

Nobody likes having to deal with bug bites or even the presence of bugs when they are adventuring through the great outdoors, and this is where thyme oil comes in handy. Exuding a scent that naturally keeps mosquitoes away, thyme will keep life's little annoyances at bay. Here’s a DIY essential oil recipe that keeps the bugs away and brightens your everyday.

Ingredients:

Directions: Simply combine the following ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well to incorporate. Spritz on before going outdoors for added protection from pesky bugs.

23. Thyme Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser Blends

Want to uplift the atmosphere in your home and improve the ambiance? Here are some thyme essential oil-inspired diffuser blends that do just that.

Garden Fresh

Ingredients :

Bright-Eyed Morning Blend

Ingredients:

Snore-Stopper Blend

Ingredients:

Directions:

Simply choose one of these recipes and blend them into a diffuser to achieve the ambiance and mood that you desire.

Safety When Using Thyme Oil

Essential oils are great for self-care routines. However, we should also take care and follow caution when using them to keep ourselves and loved ones safe from its side effects. Generally essential oils are safe, but a few guidelines must be followed to avoid any adverse effects. Also, the oils are different, made up of different compounds. Some people may be allergic to certain compounds while others may be allergic to others. Concentrated oil must be bought after careful deliberation. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

  1. Read the label and instructions to make sure you’re using the oil correctly.
  2. While buying essential oils be wary of the terms fragrance oil, perfume oil and natural identical oil.
  3. The term pure essential oil can be widely seen on the bottles. These maybe made from substandard sources.
  4. Ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients or compounds in the oil.
  5. Make sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe application.
  6. Do not add too much of the oil in the diffuser.
  7. Avoid using essential oils of sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
  8. Don’t apply it on broken skin either unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label.
  9. Keep it out of reach of kids and fur kids.
  10. Do not diffuse the oil near kids and pets. Consult a doctor before doing so.
  11. Some oils may make you sensitive to sun damage, so be sure to load up on SPF.
  12. Check the label to see if the oil is photo-toxic.
  13. Always do a small patch test before topical application.
  14. If aromatherapy is performed directly from the bottle, make sure that the oil does not touch the skin.
  15. The common unwanted effects caused by essential oils up on topical application are rashes, redness and swelling.
  16. If you show signs of irritation, stop use and consult a health professional.
  17. Some essential oils cannot be used by people with kidney problems, whereas some essential oils cannot be used with blood disorders. It is always advisable to consult a doctor about your essential oil needs and predisposition for diseases.

Recommended Thyme Essential Oil Products

Want to harness the many remedial benefits of thyme oil? There is no better place to get this remedial wonder than here! Click the link below to add our 100% pure and natural thyme oil to your checkout cart today.

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