Thyme Oil
Thymus vulgaris
Thyme is commonly used as a seasoning, but it also produces a potent essential oil that has cleansing and purifying effects for the skin.
Description
Thought to impart courage to its bearer, Thyme was given to knights and warriors before they went into battle by ladies of the Middle Ages. During this same period, Thyme was often placed beneath pillows to help promote a peaceful sleep and to ward off nightmares. The ancient Greeks used Thyme in their baths and burned it as an incense in their temples while the Egyptians used it in their traditional ceremonies. Today, Thyme is commonly used as a seasoning, but it also produces a potent essential oil that has cleansing and purifying effects for the skin; however, due to its high thymol content, Thyme should be diluted with a carrier oil before application. Experimental research suggests that internal use of Thyme essential oil may benefit the immune system, due at least in part to the thymol and carvacrol content.*
Uses
- Add two drops to veggie capsules and take during winter time to support a healthy immune system.*
- Use when gardening to naturally repel insects.
- Use one to two drops in meat and entrée dishes to add a fresh herbal flavor.
- Dilute with a carrier oil then apply to targeted areas on the skin to promote healthy-looking skin.
Directions for Use
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in four fluid ounces of liquid.
Topical use: : To apply topically, dilute 1 drop essential oil to 10 drops carrier oil. See additional precautions below.
Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, face, and sensitive areas.
Primary Benefits
- Experimental research suggests that Thyme essential oil may have antioxidant qualities when consumed internally.*
- Take internally to support a healthy immune system*
- Naturally repels insects
Aromatic Description
Warm, herbaceous, floral, powdery
Collection Method
Steam Distillation
Plant Part
Leaf
Main Constituents
Thymol, paracymene
In a fast-paced world filled with commotion, enter Thyme. Full of antioxidants and powerful immune support when taken internally,* Thyme keeps you going forward through it all.
Usage Tips:
- Use as a natural insect repellent while gardening or hiking.
- Add a few drops to a veggie capsule to access the internal benefits.
- Diffuse with Bergamot, Grapefruit, or Lavender essential oils.
- In your next recipe that calls for thyme, use a toothpick’s amount up to one drop of Thyme oil instead of the dried herb.
- Dilute with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil and apply topically for a soothing massage.
Learn More
What is Thyme Good For?
More than just a delicious seasoning, the perennial herb also produces a potent essential oil with powerful benefits. Thyme has been used since ancient times to support the immune and respiratory systems* and healthy-looking skin. It was also used as a purifier and preservative.
The main chemical constituent of Thyme essential oil is thymol. Thymol promotes healthy immune function and provides antioxidant support.* Another of Thyme’s constituents is carvacrol. Carvacrol also contains antioxidant properties and supports the health of the circulatory, immune, respiratory, musculoskeletal, digestive, and nervous systems.* Both thymol and carvacrol are also cleansing and purifying.
How Do You Use Thyme Oil?
When taken internally, Thyme essential oil supports a healthy immune system,* which means you are protected against all those pesky environmental threats that steal away your time and energy and keep you from feeling your best.
Thyme essential oil also provides powerful antioxidant properties when taken internally,* keeping you “younger, longer” by protecting your cells from the effects of nasty free radicals.*
To take Thyme oil internally, add a few drops to a veggie capsule. You can also use it in your cooking! Because Thyme essential oil is more potent than the dried herb, start with just a toothpick’s amount. You can always add more if it needs the flavor!
Can Thyme Oil Be Applied to Skin?
There are also benefits to using Thyme topically. Thyme essential oil is cleansing and can be used on the skin to purify and promote healthy-looking skin. You might also try applying Thyme to the spine or bottoms of the feet.
Be aware that due to the high thymol content, Thyme oil should be diluted before topical application to minimize any skin sensitivity. To dilute, use doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil or another carrier oil of your choice.