Winter is synonymous with warming, spice oils, yet there is one essential oil that may go unnoticed in this category, in favor of its popular cousins such as ginger (Zingiber officinale). But you really should start thinking about thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oil this season. Why? Thyme has a captivating, warming, spicy, herbaceous aroma which weaponizes it against winter aches and pains and those annoying coughs and colds which emerge at this time of year. This essential oil makes sure that you will be fighting fit, and strong enough to revel in the joys of the season – with the added bonus of smelling good!
In this blog we’ll talk about the benefits of thyme essential oil and how you can use it.
The Basics About Thyme
Thyme is probably familiar to you because of its use as a culinary herb, along with its relatives peppermint (Mentha × piperita) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Yet it is as an essential oil where it comes into its greatest powers.
The essential oil is extracted from those beautiful flowering tops and leaves of the herbs, and you may be familiar with it from the Mediterranean landscape, its native home. Our thyme essential oil is sourced from Spain. There are various chemotypes of thyme essential oil, so be sure you know which one you are using, as the dominant chemotype will dictate its powers.
Thyme essential oil can vary in color from red brown to pale yellow or white, just as its aroma can vary from slightly spicy and herbaceous to a sweet, green aroma. Our thyme essential oil is ct. thymol and red in color.
Benefits of Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil is the powerhouse oil that you simply have to have in your aromatherapy toolbox this winter. It knocks it out of the park with regard to winter sniffles, and winter pain. Here’s what thyme essential oil can do:
- Supports immune health
- Maintains strength through pain management
- Manages conditions such as arthritis, muscle pain, and joint pain
- Supports respiratory health with regard to asthma, coughs, and bronchitis
- Purifies the air of bacteria and germs.
How to Use Thyme Essential Oil
There are various ways to use this amazing essential oil. Use it in topical aromatherapy blends to relieve muscle tension, just like we’ve formulated in our Muscle Therapy Cream. Paired with other hard-hitting oils such as peppermint (Mentha × piperita) and rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), this cream hits the spot after exercising after the gym, taking the dog on a hike, or if stiffness sets in on a cold morning.
If you’re looking to strengthen your immunity system against winter woes and nasties, try out our Be Strong Blend of thyme, frankincense (Boswellia carteri), cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), clove (Eugenia caryophyllata), in a base of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis). It will make sure that you have the best chance of keeping healthy!
If you’d like to make your own blends with thyme essential oil, here are some ideas on how you can use it:
- Diffuse thyme essential oil in an aromatherapy diffuser to purify the surrounding area and keep it germ-free. Just be sure to diffuse in a well-ventilated space, and pay particular caution to babies and children, those who are pregnant, and pets.
- Add thyme essential oil to a spray bottle, combine with distilled water (or a hydrosol such as lemon tea tree), and spray down kitchen and bathroom worktops as an antiseptic cleaner. Use alone or combined with other antiseptic oils such as rosemary and eucalyptus. Use no more than a total of 12 drops of essential oil blend to 1-oz. of water. You can also use this blend to clean down your yoga mat.
- Add thyme to a carrier oil such as jojoba and use it as an alternative blend for muscle pain vs using a cream as a base.
Cautions for Using Thyme Essential Oil
Just like using all essential oils, you need to be make sure that thyme essential oil does not interact or be contraindicated for any conditions that you have. Use this oil with adults and avoid if pregnant. If you’re unsure of its safety for use with your conditions, check with a certified aromatherapist, physician and/or use in small quantities.
Why we Recommend Thyme at Your Body Needs
We love thyme essential oil. In fact, it’s it is our owner’s favorite oil! It packs the biggest punch against two of this season’s problems: Pain and respiratory/immune issues. Pick up some thyme today and be prepared for the season ahead!
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