Thyme Oil: Natural Antiseptic with Therapeutic Benefits

Thyme Oil is an essential oil derived from the thyme plant, known for its antiseptic and therapeutic properties.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Available in health food stores and online retailers
Thymol
Active compound
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Thyme Oil FAQ


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What is thyme essential oil used for?

It is one of the main compounds of thyme essential oil. Both thymol and thyme essential oil have long been used in traditional medicine as expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic agents, mainly in the treatment of the upper respiratory system.

What are the medicinal properties of thyme?

The medicinal properties of thyme come mainly from its essential oils which are extracted through steam distillation of fresh flowers and leaves. The chief constituents of its essential oil are alpha-thujone, alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, para-cymene, alpha-terpinene, linalool, borneol, beta-caryophyllene, thymol, and carvacrol.

What are the components of thyme essential oil?

The main constituents of thyme essential oil often include thymol, carvacrol, beta-caryophyllene, borneol, linalool, alpha-terpinene, para-cymene, beta-pinene, camphene, alpha-pinene, thujanol, 1,8-cineole, geraniol, p-cymene, phenol, and alpha-thujone.

Is thyme oil good for You?

There are several studies that support thyme essential oil’s ability to reduce or eliminate foodborne bacteria, support heart health, and alleviate inflammation in the body, among other benefits. Before you go out and buy a bottle, it’s important to realize that there’s no indication that thyme oil used on its own will cure any specific disease.

What is thyme essential oil?

The chief constituents of its essential oil are alpha-thujone, alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, para-cymene, alpha-terpinene, linalool, borneol, beta-caryophyllene, thymol, and carvacrol. Thyme essential oil has many benefits and people may use it for improving their skin, blood circulation, and strengthening the immune system.

Where does thyme oil come from?

Thyme oil comes from the perennial herb known as Thymus vulgaris. This herb is a member of the mint family, and it’s used for cooking, mouthwashes, potpourri and aromatherapy. It’s native to southern Europe from the western Mediterranean to southern Italy.

What is thyme oil used for?

Other than essential oil, thyme oil can also be found in commercially made products, including cosmetics, toiletries, and foods. It’s often used for its preservative and antimicrobial qualities. Thyme oil has been shown to have benefits for several conditions, and to support heart and oral health.

Thyme Oil References

If you want to know more about Thyme Oil, consider exploring links below:

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