20 Health Benefits of Thyme Oil

Via Mercola Natural Health Articles by communities@mercola.com (Dr. Joseph Mercola)

By Dr. Mercola

Essential oils carry biologically active volatile compounds in a highly concentrated form that can provide
therapeutic benefits in very small amounts. One such oil is thyme oil, which is derived from steam
distillation of fresh thyme flowers and leaves.

Thyme, a member of the mint family, has a sweet, earthy flavor that lends itself well to cooking.
Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” counted thyme as a culinary herb,1 although it was used also used
as a form of medicine in ancient times, particularly for respiratory conditions. According to the American
Botanical Council: 2

“The ancient Sumerians and Egyptians used thyme as a medicine and to embalm the
dead. The ancient Romans used thyme to flavor cheese and alcoholic beverages, burned it
to deter wild animals, and bathed in it to 'provide vigor.' Medieval women embroidered
thyme on gifts for knights.”

Many of thyme’s beneficial properties come from its essential oils, which include potent compounds like
thymol, camphene, linalool, and carvacrol. Thymol, which makes up 20 percent to more than 50 percent
of thyme oil is known as a biocide, which means it can destroy harmful organisms and gives thyme oil
strong antimicrobial properties.

Perhaps not surprisingly, due to its antimicrobial effects thymol is often used in mouthwash as well as in
cosmetics (as a preservative/biocide). Because thyme also has a pungent aroma, it’s also used in
aromatherapy and potpourri, and sometimes as a fragrance in cosmetics.

20 Health Benefits of Thyme Oil

The benefits of thyme oil have been recognized for thousands of years in Mediterranean countries, and
it’s also commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s the perfect example of a natural compound that
exerts multiple, often synergistic, effects on your health – nearly two dozen in all (that we know of).3

1. Cancer

Wild thyme has been used to induce cell death in breast cancer cells. After 72 hours of
treatment, thyme essential oil killed 98 percent of human breast cancer cells, with
researchers concluding wild thyme “may be a promising candidate in the development of
novel therapeutic drugs for breast cancer treatment.” 4

2. Acne

Thyme oil has strong antibacterial properties, including against Propionibacterium acnes, a
bacterium that causes acne. In one study, a tincture made from thyme was more effective
against the bacterium than tinctures made from marigold or myrrh. In addition, the thyme
tincture had a stronger antibacterial effect than the common acne treatment benzoyl
peroxide.5

3. Anti-Spasmodic

Spasms are involuntary muscle contractions that may lead to coughs, cramps, and aches.
 Thyme oil has anti-spasmodic activity, which explains why it’s traditionally been used to
treat respiratory ailments and coughs. According to the American Botanical Council:

“In vitro and in vivo studies show that thyme flavonoids relax tracheal and
ileal smooth muscles.”6

4. Anti-Rheumatic

Thyme oil is anti-rheumatic because it acts as a diuretic, helping to increase urination and
remove excess toxins from your body. In addition, it stimulates circulation, which may help
lower concentrations of uric acid in your bloodstream.

Thyme oil also has anti-inflammatory properties. In research published in the Journal of
Lipid Research, six essential oils including thyme oil showed the ability to suppress the
inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme in the same manner as the antioxidant
resveratrol does.7 It was noted that the chemical constituent carvacrol was responsible for
this effect.

5. Antiseptic

Compounds in thyme oil, including caryophyllene and camphene, are powerful antiseptics
that can guard wounds against infections.

6. Anti-Hypertensive

Wild thyme extract (Thymus serpyllum L.) has been shown to reduce blood pressure in
animal studies, with researchers noting, “Our results indicate that TE [wild thyme] may
protect against hypertension in experimental model of essential hypertension.”8

It’s important to note that not all thyme varieties have this effect and, in fact, some may
have the opposite effect by increasing circulation, which elevates low blood pressure.

7. Bactericidal

Thyme oil has strong antibacterial properties. A study presented at the Society for General
Microbiology’s spring conference in Edinburgh pointed out that essential oils may be
efficient and affordable alternatives to antibiotics in the battle against resistant bacteria.9

Among the essential oils tested, cinnamon oil and thyme oil were found to be the most
successful against various Staphylococcus species, including MRSA. Researchers said
that this can help lower antibiotic use, and minimize the formation of new resistant strains
of microorganisms.

8. Health Tonic

Thyme essential oil is known for benefitting the circulatory system, heart, digestive system,
nervous system, muscles, and skin, as well as boosting immunity.

9. Heart Health

Because thyme oil is anti-spasmodic, it helps relax your arties and veins, lowering blood
pressure and stress to your heart. It may also help strengthen and tone your heart muscles.

10. Flatulence

Thyme oil is carminative, 10 which means it not only helps prevent the formation of gas in
 your gastrointestinal tract but also helps your body to remove excess gasses, helping to
combat flatulence.

11. Diuretic

As a diuretic, thyme oil may help your body to remove excess water, salt and toxins from
your body, helping with weight, blood pressure, digestion, and more.

12. Menstrual Regularity

Thyme is an emenagogue, which means it stimulates blood flow to the pelvic area and
uterus, and may stimulate menstruation in women. Thyme oil may therefore be useful for
irregular periods, premature menopause, and other menstrual problems.

13. Scars and Skin Marks

As a cicatrisant, thyme oil may help with the removal of scars and other skin marks, such
as those left by acne, chicken pox, and other sores.

14. Expectorant

Thyme oil is an expectorant, which means it can help remove mucus from your airways
and lungs. Thyme oil is approved by Germany’s Commission E in the treatment of
bronchitis, whooping cough, and upper respiratory inflammation.11

15. Low Blood Pressure

As mentioned, certain types of thyme have hypertensive effects, i.e. they may increase
blood pressure. This is beneficial for those suffering from low blood pressure, who are at
risk of becoming unconscious, for instance.

16. Repel Pests

Thyme oil is very effective against insects and pests. It can be used to repel mosquitoes,
fleas, lice, bed bugs, flies, beetles, moths, and more.

17. Stimulant

Thyme oil can stimulate your circulation, digestion, secretion of hormones, and your entire
metabolism.

18. Cough

As mentioned, thyme oil is an expectorant and anti-spasmodic, and it’s also bechic, which
means it helps relieve or cure coughs and may also help heal infections in your chest.

19. Parasites

Thyme oil is a vermifuge, which means it kills worms, including round worms, tape worms,
maggots, and hook worms.

20. Yeast

Thyme oil has anti-fungal properties, and has been shown to be effective against candida
albicans, which is a common cause of yeast infections. According to one study, thyme (red)
essential oil “significantly enhanced intracellular killing of C. albicans…”12
Thyme Oil Comes in Different Chemotypes
Thyme comes in more than 300 varieties and chemotypes, or plants that appear similar but have
different chemical compositions. Depending on the chemotype, the oil may have slightly different
chemical structure that can impact its uses. The known chemotypes are, according to Prevent
Disease: 13

Thymus vulgaris thymol – This chemotype has strong antiseptic activities and is 60 to 70
percent thymol. It goes by the name of “thyme” and “red thyme” and is harvested during the fall.
Thymus vulgaris linalool – This is the most gentle of all thyme chemotypes. Referred to as
“garden thyme,” this variation has potent antiparasitic and antifungal properties, and is grown in
high altitudes.
Thymus vulgaris carvacrol – As its name suggests, this type contains the chemical constituent
carvacrol. Its amount will depend on when it is harvested. When collected in the spring, it will
contain 30 percent carvacrol and 60 to 80 percent when harvested right after flowering or during
the fall. T. vulgaris carvacrol is known for its antiseptic properties.
Thymus vulgaris thujanol – Found only in the wild, this plant contains 50 percent thujanol and is
known for its beneficial effects on the immune system and hormones. It is often called “sweet
thyme.”
Thymus vulgaris alpha -terpineol – This type is harvested during the early spring and has a
pepper-like smell.
Thymus vulgaris geraniol ​ – The geraniol chemotype has a lemon-like fragrance and is grown in
high altitudes. It is often picked during autumn.
Thymus vulgaris 1,8 cineole – This contains 80 to 90 percent cineole and has diuretic,
anticatarrhal, expectorant, and analgesic properties.
Thymus vulgaris p-cymene – This should be obtained within spring or else it becomes a
different chemotype.
Thymus vulgaris phenol​ – These are thyme plants that grow in high altitudes and contain up to
90 percent of phenol compounds.

How to Use Thyme Oil at Home

Once you’ve chosen a thyme oil, remember that it is a powerful compound and should not be used
directly on your skin, as this can cause sensitization and irritation. It must first be diluted with a carrier oil
(like olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil), and it’s a good idea to test it on a small area first to see if you
have any allergies.

Thyme oil can be used in a variety of ways. It can be inhaled via aromatherapy, applied topically, or used
as a mouthwash, for instance. You can also try the following remedies: 14

Relieve pain – Mix three drops of thyme oil with two teaspoons of sesame oil. Use this mixture as
a massage oil and apply on your abdominal area to relieve pain. This may also be used as a
massage oil to treat other types of pain, including insect and animal bites and stings.
Alleviate fatigue – Add two drops of thyme oil to your bath water.
Improve sleep – Add a few drops to your diffuser.
Promote oral health – Use thyme oil as a mouthwash by adding one drop to a cup of warm
water.
Reduce appearance of scars and skin marks – Apply oil of thyme mixed with any carrier oil
(like almond oil) on the affected area. You can also apply it for eczema, athlete’s foot, and
dermatitis.
Use as cleanser – Add a few drops of thyme oil to your facial wash.
Treat or protect against respiratory problems – Add two drops of thyme oil to hot water and
 use for steam inhalation.
Uplift mood – Simply inhale the scent of thyme oil.

A Few Words of Caution…

Thyme oil should not be taken internally, as it can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and
muscle problems. Doing so may also negatively impact your heart, lungs, and body temperature. It may
also stimulate your thyroid gland, which is why this essential oil is not recommended for people with
hyperthyroidism.

Since thyme oil can be used to increase circulation, certain varieties should be avoided by people with
high blood pressure . Pregnant women should also steer clear of thyme oil because it can stimulate
menstrual flow. In addition, thyme oil should be kept away from infants and young children, who may be
more sensitive to its effects.

Sources:
Prevent Disease March 18, 2015

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