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Thyme Essential Oil

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Thyme (Thymus) essential oil has a rich history and is derived from the thyme plant, a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. 

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History

  1. Ancient Uses: Thyme has a long history of use dating back to ancient civilizations. It was widely used by the Egyptians in embalming and as incense. The Greeks and Romans used it for culinary and medicinal purposes. Hippocrates, the "Father of Medicine," recommended thyme for respiratory ailments.

  2. Medieval and Renaissance Period: In the Middle Ages, thyme was used to ward off evil spirits and was placed under pillows to prevent nightmares. It was also a common remedy for various ailments. During the Renaissance, it gained popularity as a culinary herb.

  3. Modern Uses: Today, thyme essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its soothing and therapeutic properties. It is also found in various culinary dishes and is valued for its flavor and aroma. Medicinally, it is used as an ingredient in throat lozenges and herbal remedies for respiratory issues.

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Plant Description

The thyme plant (Thymus vulgaris) is a small, woody perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region but is now cultivated worldwide. Here are some key features of the thyme plant:

  1. Appearance: Thyme is a low-growing shrub that typically reaches a height of about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm). It has a bushy and spreading growth habit.

  2. Leaves: The leaves of the thyme plant are small, oval-shaped, and green-gray in color. They are highly aromatic and contain the essential oils responsible for its distinctive scent and flavor.

  3. Flowers: Thyme produces small, tubular flowers that vary in color from pink to purple to white, depending on the variety. The flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.

  4. Aroma: Thyme leaves and flowers have a strong, pleasant aroma characterized by a warm and herbaceous scent.

  5. Cultivars: There are several cultivars of thyme, each with its unique flavor and aroma profile. Some popular cultivars include lemon thyme, orange thyme, and silver thyme.

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To obtain thyme essential oil, steam distillation is commonly used to extract the aromatic compounds from the leaves and flowering tops of the thyme plant. Thyme essential oil is highly concentrated and should be used with caution and dilution, especially in aromatherapy and topical applications.

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Take a Closer Look

EXTRACTION METHOD

Steam Distillation

 

AROMATIC DESCRIPTION

Warm, herbaceous, flowery

 

PLANT PART

Leaf from Thymus zygis and vulgaris

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MAIN CONSTITUENTS

Thymol, paracymene

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DIRECTIONS FOR USE

  1. Aromatic use: Add three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.

  2. Topical use: Dilute one drop essential oil with 10 drops of carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. See additional precautions below.

  3. Internal use: Dilute one drop in four fluid ounces of water.

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RECOMMENDED USES

  • Take internally to help support a healthy immune response.*

  • Dilute with a carrier oil and apply topically to promote healthy-looking skin.

  • Diffuse to freshen the air.

  • Add to recipes for a fresh herbal flavor.

BENEFITS

  • Respiratory Support: Thyme essential oil may offer respiratory support and help alleviate stuffiness and irritated throat when used in a diffuser or inhaled.

  • Antioxidant Properties: Thyme oil contains antioxidants that can help protect the body's cells from oxidative stress.

  • Healthy Inflammatory responses: Helps fight against free radicals and promotion of a healthy inflammatory response.

  • Digestive Aid: When diluted and used topically, thyme oil might provide relief from occasional digestive discomfort when massaged onto the abdomen.

  • Oral Health: Thyme oil may help maintain oral health when added to mouthwash or used in a diluted form for gargling.

  • Skin Health: Due to its soothing properties, thyme oil may support skin health and soothe minor skin irritations when diluted and applied topically.

  • Natural Insect Repellent: Thyme essential oil may act as a natural insect repellent when diluted and applied to the skin, helping to ward off unwanted insects.

  • Muscle Relaxation: Thyme oil, when diluted in a carrier oil, can be used in massages to potentially ease muscle tension and discomfort.

  • Hair Health: Some individuals use thyme essential oil diluted in a carrier oil as a scalp massage to promote healthy hair and a clean scalp environment.

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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, and other sensitive areas.

10 ways to use thyme oil

  1. Aromatherapy Diffusion: Add a few drops of thyme oil to an essential oil diffuser to fill your space with its aromatic, herbaceous scent. This can promote a sense of relaxation and clarity.

  2. Massage Oil: Dilute thyme oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oil) and use it for a soothing massage. Thyme oil may help ease muscle tension and discomfort.

  3. Sinus Steam: Add a couple of drops of thyme oil to a bowl of steaming hot water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam to relieve stuffiness and support respiratory health.

  4. Thyme-Infused Bath: Mix a few drops of thyme oil with Epsom salts and add it to your bathwater for a relaxing and aromatic bath experience.

  5. Topical Application: Dilute thyme oil with a carrier oil and apply it topically to areas of concern, such as sore muscles or minor skin irritations. Ensure proper dilution to avoid skin sensitivity.

  6. Throat Soothe: Mix a drop of thyme oil with honey or warm water for a soothing throat gargle. Gargling with thyme oil may help ease throat discomfort.

  7. Homemade Cleaning Products: Add thyme oil to homemade cleaning solutions to harness its cleansing properties. It can be used to clean countertops, floors, and surfaces.

  8. Natural Deodorant: Create your own natural deodorant by mixing thyme oil with baking soda and coconut oil. This can help combat body odor.

  9. Hair Care: Add a few drops of thyme oil to your shampoo or conditioner to promote a healthy scalp and potentially reduce dandruff.

  10. Foot Soak: Make a foot soak by adding a few drops of thyme oil to warm water. Soak your feet to refresh and revitalize tired and achy feet.

diy recipes with thyme oil

1. Thyme and Lavender Relaxation Massage Oil

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba oil, sweet almond oil)

  • 3 drops thyme essential oil

  • 3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Mix the carrier oil, thyme essential oil, and lavender essential oil in a small bowl.

  2. Massage the oil blend onto your neck, shoulders, and back for a calming and relaxing experience.

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2. Thyme and Eucalyptus Steam Inhalation 

Ingredients:

  • A bowl of steaming hot water

  • 2-3 drops thyme essential oil

  • 2-3 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Add the thyme and eucalyptus essential oils to the hot water.

  2. Cover your head with a towel, creating a tent over the bowl.

  3. Inhale the steam to help relieve stuffiness and respiratory discomfort.

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3. Thyme and Tea Tree Blemish Spot Treatment

Ingredients:

  • 1 drop thyme essential oil

  • 1 drop tea tree essential oil

  • A small amount of aloe vera gel or a carrier oil

Instructions:

  1. Mix the thyme and tea tree essential oils with a small amount of aloe vera gel or carrier oil.

  2. Apply the blend directly to acne spots or blemishes before bedtime to help soothe and clear the skin.

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4. Thyme and Lemon All-Purpose Cleaning Spray

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup distilled water

  • 1/4 cup white vinegar

  • 10 drops thyme essential oil

  • 10 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Combine the distilled water, white vinegar, thyme essential oil, and lemon essential oil in a spray bottle.

  2. Shake well before each use.

  3. Use this DIY cleaning spray on various surfaces to clean and refresh your home.

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5. Thyme and Peppermint Scalp Treatment

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba oil, coconut oil)

  • 3 drops thyme essential oil

  • 3 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Mix the carrier oil, thyme essential oil, and peppermint essential oil in a small bowl.

  2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage it in.

  3. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes before shampooing to promote a healthy scalp and hair.

Discover a soothing blend of thyme and lavender essential oils mixed with a carrier oil for a calming massage experience that eases tension and promotes relaxation.
Thyme and Eucalyptus Steam Inhalation for Congestion: Relieve congestion and respiratory discomfort with a simple steam inhalation remedy featuring thyme and eucalyptus essential oils in hot water.
Thyme and Tea Tree Acne Spot Treatment: Combat acne and blemishes with a potent spot treatment combining thyme and tea tree essential oils, offering natural skincare support.
Thyme and Lemon All-Purpose Cleaning Spray: Create a refreshing DIY cleaning spray infused with thyme and lemon essential oils, perfect for disinfecting and revitalizing various surfaces in your home.
Thyme and Peppermint Scalp Treatment: Nurture a healthy scalp and hair with a revitalizing blend of thyme and peppermint essential oils mixed in a carrier oil, ideal for a soothing scalp treatment.
essential emotions & spirituality

Thyme - The Oil of Releasing and Forgiving

Emotional Benefits

  1. Energizing: Thyme oil's invigorating aroma may help boost energy levels and combat feelings of fatigue and lethargy, promoting a sense of vitality.

  2. Stress Relief: Inhaling thyme oil's herbaceous scent may have a calming effect, potentially reducing stress and anxious feelings.

  3. Mental Clarity: Some individuals find that thyme oil's aroma enhances mental clarity and concentration, making it useful during periods of focus or study.

  4. Emotional Balance: Thyme oil may be used aromatically to support emotional balance and stability, helping individuals manage their mood.

  5. Confidence: The uplifting and empowering aroma of thyme oil may instill a sense of confidence and self-assuredness.

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Spiritual Benefits

  1. Purification: In some spiritual practices, thyme oil is believed to have purifying properties, helping to clear negative energy from spaces and individuals.

  2. Protection: Thyme oil may be used symbolically to provide protection against negative influences or energies, creating a sense of security.

  3. Spiritual Awareness: The aromatic qualities of thyme oil may be used to enhance spiritual awareness, meditation, and introspection, aiding in inner growth.

  4. Grounding: Some individuals find that the earthy scent of thyme oil can promote a sense of grounding and connection to the physical world, helping balance the spiritual and material aspects of life.

  5. Cleansing Rituals: Thyme oil may be incorporated into spiritual cleansing rituals or ceremonies, such as smudging or anointing, to promote purification and renewal.

Discover the Purity and Potency of doTERRA Thyme Essential Oil. Our Thyme oil is sourced from the finest Thymus vulgaris plants, delivering a rich and robust herbaceous aroma. With a wide range of potential benefits, doTERRA Thyme Essential Oil is your natural solution for health, wellness, and culinary delights. Explore the versatility and quality of doTERRA Thyme Oil today.
thyme oil affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements or phrases that individuals use to challenge or replace negative thoughts and beliefs. They are designed to promote a more positive mindset and boost self-esteem. By regularly repeating affirmations, people aim to rewire their thinking patterns and cultivate a more optimistic and empowering outlook on life. Affirmations can be used as part of self-improvement practices, such as meditation, visualization, or daily self-talk, to enhance mental and emotional well-being.

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Here are five positive affirmations you can use in conjunction with thyme essential oil to promote well-being and positivity:

  1. "I am grounded and balanced, just like the earthy scent of thyme oil."

  2. "With each breath, I inhale the healing power of thyme oil, nurturing my body and mind."

  3. "I release stress and embrace clarity, allowing the herbaceous aroma of thyme oil to soothe my senses."

  4. "Thyme oil empowers me with strength and confidence to face life's challenges with resilience."

  5. "As I use thyme oil in my daily rituals, I invite positivity, protection, and renewal into my life."

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Repeat these affirmations while inhaling the scent of thyme oil or as part of your mindfulness and self-care routine to enhance their effectiveness.

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