When you aren’t feeling well, you may consider trying a natural treatment for whatever ails you. One of those treatments that are all too often overlooked is Thyme. It is a member of the mint family and originates from the Mediterranean basin. It is a powerful herb with a wonderful aroma. The name is derived from a Greek word which means ‘to perfume’.
The chemical components of the plant and the oil may be different, depending upon where it was grown. One of the best oils is Linalool ct. Thymus Vulgaris. It can be used on the skin and regardless of whether you are young or old, you may find that it is beneficial. There are also other popular oils, including thymus vulgaris ct. thujanol, thymus vulgaris c.t carvacrol, and thymus vulgaris ct. thymol.
According to Christine Ruggeri, CHHC:
“The oldest Egyptian medical text, called Ebers Papyrus, dates back to 1550 B.C., and it records the healing values of thyme.
The ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming, and the ancient Greeks used it in their baths and temples; they believed that it brought on feelings of courageousness.
In the European Middle Ages, thyme was placed beneath pillows to aid sleep and ward off nightmares; the herb was also laid on coffins during funerals because it was believed that it provided a safe passage to the next life.”
Mrs. Ruggeri added:
“Because the thyme plant is grown in many environments, climates, and soils, there are over 300 varieties with different chemotypes.
Although they all look the same, the chemical composition is different along with the corresponding health benefits.
The chief constituents of thyme essential oil typically include alpha-thujone, alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, para-cymene, alpha-terpinene, linalool, borneol, beta-caryophyllene, thymol, and carvacrol.”
Here are some of the more beneficial properties found in this herb. This information comes from The Truth about Cancer website.
Thymus vulgaris ct thymol – Between 60-70 percent thymol, this chemotype has strong antiseptic properties. It has a high level of antioxidants, with strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits.
Thymus vulgaris ct linalool – One of the gentlest of thyme chemotypes, it commonly grows at high altitudes and has potent antifungal and anti-parasitic properties.
Thymus vulgaris ct carvacrol – Between 30-80 percent carvacrol (depending on when it is harvested), it also has potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain relieving) and antioxidant properties.
Thymus vulgaris ct 1,8 cineole – Is 80-90 percent cineole, with an interesting array of benefits. It is a good expectorant (phlegm releaser), diuretic (increases the expulsion of urine), and analgesic properties.
Thymus vulgaris ct thujanol – About 50 percent thujanol, this chemotype is known to support the immune system. It is found mainly in the wild, known commonly as Sweet Thyme.
Thyme oil is sought after because it has very powerful antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, diuretic and anti-spasmodic properties. It helps to build up the immune system and destroys microbes.
There are also many other benefits to this herb.
It improves blood circulation and accelerates healing, builds memory and concentration. It is also good for low blood pressure.
Since it is antibacterial, it kills bacteria including Staphylococcus and purifies the air from various harmful bacteria.
It is often used for respiratory infections, colds, coughs, the flu, sore throats, bronchitis, asthma, and laryngitis.
For those who have psychological and physical weaknesses, it provides a lot of benefits. It helps to build the mind and the body and it can be used for treating chronic fatigue, insomnia, depression and help to recuperate after an illness.
The essential oil increases mucus secretion and helps to make a dry cough productive.
There are also many other medical properties to this herb, including:
You can use it as a natural hand sanitizer, and in the form of a hot compress to soothe rheumatic pain, sciatica, sprains, muscular pains, sports injuries, and gout.
Dilute it and apply it on the affected area to relieve Athlete’s foot, insect bites, and stings.
To improve the health and appearance of the hair, use it on the hair as a hair tonic.
Mix it with some other essential oil such as pine, lemon, lavender, rosemary, and grapefruit, and prevent skin irritations.
It destroys nail fungus.
The regular consumption boosts the DHA amount (docosahexaenoic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid) in the brain, kidney, and cell membranes in heart.
To treat alopecia, combine it with lavender, rosemary, and cedar wood in a jojoba and grape seed oils mixture, and massage the scalp daily.
To treats acne and warts, you can use it as a face wash.
Enjoy a bath with several drops of this oil.
Use 1% solution as an antibacterial spray for fresh produce.