Unlocking the Power of Thyme
“Aromatherapy captures nature’s goodness and healing power in tiny bottles.” ~ Anonymous
This week, Shelly Izzi shares her love of Thyme -
It was a chilly Wednesday evening when I found myself standing in the kitchen, frantically searching for a solution to an unexpected problem. My husband had come down with a nasty cold, our daughter was unusually fussy, and I felt a tickle in my throat that I knew all too well. I needed a remedy, and I needed it fast. But before I reached for the tissues and medicine cabinet, I knew exactly what I needed to do: whip up a DIY steamer with some thyme essential oil. Thyme has always held a special place in my essential oil collection, not just for its earthy aroma, but for its powerful benefits that often go overlooked.
A Glimpse into History
Thyme has been cherished for centuries. In ancient Egypt, it was used in embalming practices due to its strong preservative properties. The Greeks burned thyme in their temples for purification and as a source of courage, fortitude, and admiration. They also used it as a disinfectant and cough suppressant. Medieval Europeans placed thyme under their pillows to promote peaceful sleep and ward off nightmares. It was even given to knights before battle, believed to impart courage. Talk about a confidence booster! Its historical significance is rich, demonstrating its long-standing value across cultures.
Fresh, spicy, herbaceous, aromatic, and green, its leaves may be tiny but they’re incredibly powerful. For this reason, Thyme essential oil should be diluted in a carrier oil such as avocado, almond, or fractionated coconut oil because it is a potent skin irritant when used alone. It belongs to the same family as peppermint, lavender, marjoram, basil, and oregano.
How I Use Thyme Essential Oil Today
Today, thyme essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to support the respiratory system. It's a fantastic choice to diffuse when you're feeling under the weather or to add to a homemade chest rub. But thyme essential oil's uses extend far beyond respiratory support. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use thyme essential oil:
Immune Support: I diffuse Thyme Essential Oil in our living room, especially during the colder months. Its purifying properties help cleanse the air, making it a safe haven for my family. I also add a few drops of Breathe Essential Oil to top it off.
Immune Boosting Roller Blend - 6 drops each of Thyme, Oregano, On Guard, Black Pepper, Melissa - in a 10ml roller bottle - top it off with Fractionated Coconut Oil.
Cooking Companion: Thyme's savory flavor adds a delightful twist to my culinary creations. A drop in soups or stews can elevate the dish and boost its nutritional value.
Skincare Routine: I mix a few drops of Thyme Essential Oil with a carrier oil for a soothing massage that not only relaxes the aches and pains in my muscles but also nourishes my skin. Here is why. Thyme oil perks up the skin through improved blood circulation, tissue repair, skin renewal, and fortified skin result. The better blood flow with thyme makes it possible to distribute nutrients throughout the body and skin, in particular, oxygen. Improved circulation assists the carrying away of metabolic wastes, toxicity, and pathogens that must be eliminated for overall health as well as luminous clear skin. This proper blood flow ensures even skin tone, nutrient delivery to the skin cells, and necessary detoxification of the skin—a key factor in healthy, glowing skin.
Respiratory Health: When my husband came down with that cold, I added a few drops of Thyme and Lemon to a bowl of steaming water for him to inhale and diffuse. It worked wonders in clearing his sinuses and easing his discomfort. Thyme also works to alleviate bronchial and intestinal disruptions.
Emotional Balance: On particularly stressful days, I diffuse Thyme Essential Oil to help create a calming atmosphere. Its grounding aroma provides emotional support and helps reduce feelings of tension and stress.
Cleaning: Thyme essential oil has natural cleansing properties, making it a great addition to DIY cleaning products. Add a few drops to your homemade all-purpose cleaner or laundry detergent for a natural boost.
Gardening: Use when gardening to naturally repel insects. Dilute with a carrier oil then apply to targeted areas on the skin.
Diffusing:I love blending Thyme with other doTERRA oils too. It pairs beautifully with Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lavender, Rosemary, and Tea Tree. My current favorite blend for diffusing is equal parts Thyme, Lavender, and Bergamot – it's like a spa day in a bottle!
Why This Oil is Important
Thyme Essential Oil is important not just for its versatile uses, but also for its potent properties. It is rich in thymol, a powerful compound known for its antibacterial and antifungal effects. This makes it a valuable oil for cleansing and purifying, whether it’s the air in your home or as part of your skincare routine. 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. Its antioxidant properties help protect the body from harmful free radicals, supporting overall health.
Emotional Benefits
Thyme Essential Oil offers profound emotional benefits. Its soothing aroma can help alleviate feelings of fatigue and stress, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. Its warm, spicy aroma is grounding and empowering. On days when I'm feeling overwhelmed or lacking motivation, I'll apply a diluted drop to my wrists and inhale deeply. It's like an instant boost of courage and clarity. It’s a wonderful aid for emotional resilience, helping to uplift the mood and enhance mental clarity. It also has a stimulating aroma that can help to promote feelings of alertness and focus.
Properties of Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme Essential Oil is known for its:
Antimicrobial properties: It helps in fighting off harmful bacteria and fungi. Dried thyme was burned in hospitals of old for its powerful germ-killing ability to prevent the spread of infection.
Antioxidant properties: It protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory properties: It reduces inflammation, making it useful for skincare and respiratory health.
Immune-boosting properties: It supports the immune system, helping to ward off common illnesses.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating Thyme Essential Oil into my daily routine has been a game-changer. I love thyme essential oil for its versatility and effectiveness. It's more than just a bottle on my shelf; it's a reliable companion in maintaining my family’s health and well-being. If you haven't yet experienced the wonders of Thyme Essential Oil, I encourage you to give it a try.
Here's a bonus marinade recipe to try in the kitchen:
