Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum)
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Thyme is another plant used since antiquity. In Ancient Rome it was used to adorn the winners in sports competitions, while the Ancient Egyptians used it as an ingredient in the embalming of mummies. An Ancient Greek legend tells that thyme grew in the spot where Aphrodite took a bath after making love with Hephaestus. The word “thymos” means courage, strength, thought, in Greek.
Thyme oil helps the memory and concentration and can relieve exhaustion and combat depression. It fortifies the lungs and battles colds, coughs, asthma, laryngitis, sinusitis, catarrh, whooping cough, sore throats and tonsillitis.
Thyme oil is beneficial as an immune system booster and can fight infectious diseases. It also acts as a urinary antiseptic and is very helpful for cystitis and urethritis. The warming effect of this oil can help in cases of poor circulation, as well as for arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscular aches and pains, sprains and sport injuries.
In cosmetics, thyme oil is used for its hydrating effect and is recommended for dry skin and hair, against dandruff and hair loss.
Thyme oil is also used in the food industry, both as a flavoring and as a well-known preservative, especially useful for canning. It is also an excellent plant for producing honey.
Thyme is a very potent oil and should not be used during pregnancy and in cases of high blood pressure.
ESSENTIAL OIL PROPERTIES |
Appearance:
homogenous liquid
Color:
pale yellow to reddish
Aroma:
specific of thyme, with a slight lemon note
Plant parts used in distillation:
above ground parts
Growing method:
wild |
Macrocompounds:
thymol, carvacrol
Additional components:
linalool, linalylacetate, p-cymol, camphene, limonene, cariophylene, cineol, terpinene, cymol, borneol, terpinenol, terpineol, etc.
Storage:
in well-sealed containers at 5 to 15º C, away from direct sunshine or heat sources, in well-ventilated premises. The oil should not be stored for a long time in steel and zinc-coated barrels as it changes its color and deposits phenolates as a result of chemical reactions.
Shelf life:
unlimited
Harvesting period:
June through September |
DISCLAIMER
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and must be used with caution. The information on this website is provided as general knowledge only and is not intended as any medical or professional advice. The medicinal qualities of essential oils have not been evaluated by the FDA and should be applied only by licensed professionals. Rose Valley Oils does not assume any responsibility for the use of essential oils.
Copying and reproducing this text in any way or incorporating it in other texts is prohibited unless express written agreement is provided by Rose Valley Oils. |
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