In the aromatherapy world, you may have come across a few terms used to describe Essential Oils. Hopefully this will help you to understand their definitions;
- Organic – an organic essential oil is produced from plants grown without the use of chemicals like fertilizers or sprays.
- Certified Organic – same description as above but is authorized by an organization like Ecocert Canada which provides organic and environmental certification in Canada.
- Chemotypes – plants of the same species that are chemically different but otherwise indistinguishable resulting in different therapeutic properties.
- Wild Crafted – essential oils that have been extracted from wild grown plants.
- Selected Farming – only specific plants are grown on a particular farm.
- Fractionated – essential oils that have had part of their undesirable chemical composition removed like terpenes which can make it photo-toxic and non-volatile, an example would be bergamot FCF.
- Quenching – is a process of adding a chemical to a whole oil to help prevent unwanted side-effects like a skin irritation, for example adding d-limonene to lemongrass. This process is mainly used in the perfume industry.
In the aromatherapy industry using whole oils is very important because each essential oil has a unique chemical combination that affects the body’s chemistry.
Please visit our website for more information on essential oils and to have a look at our product listing.
Thyme Essential Oil is known to strengthen the body’s defense mechanism and help prevent infection, especially respiratory infections. It also helps to stimulate your appetite, relieve fatigue and ease your mind.
Thyme Oil has a sweet, green, fresh fragrance and blends well bergamot, lemon, pine, lavender as well as other herbs.
Listed below are the aromatherapy uses of Thyme Oil:
- Anthelmintic – expels or destroys parasitic intestinal worms
- Antimicrobial – resists or destroys pathogens that cause disease
- Antioxidant – inhibits oxidation
- Antiputrescent – counteracting, or preserving from, putrefaction; antiseptic
- Antirheumatic – relieves or reduces the symptoms of rheumatism
- Antiseptic – destroys or controls pathogenic bacteria
- Antispasmodic – relieves spasms & cramps of the smooth muscles
- Antitussive – relieves coughs
- Antitoxic – counteracts poisoning
- Aperitif – stimulate the appetite before a meal
- Aphrodisiac – increases or stimulates sexual desire
- Astringent – contracts & tightens tissues
- Bactericidal – prevents the growth of/or destroys bacteria
- Carminative – settles digestion, flatulence & eases gripes
- Cicatrizant – promotes healing through the formation of scar tissue
- Diuretic – increases the production & secretion of urine
- Emmenagogue – promotes & regulates menstruation
- Expectorant – helps to expel mucus from respiratory system
- Fungicidal – resists or destroys fungal infections
- Hypertensive – increases blood pressure
- Nervine – stimulates & strengthens the nervous system
- Parasiticide – destroys parasites
- Revulsive – relieves pain by means of diversion of blood or disease from one part of the body to another
- Rubefacient – warms the skin & increases blood flow
- Stimulant – stimulates the physiological functions of the body
- Sudorific – helps to induce sweating
- Tonic – invigorates & strengthens the body
- Vermifuge – expels worms or parasites from the body
Red thyme oil, serpolet (from wild thyme), thymol and carvacrol type oils contain large amounts of toxic phenols which can irritate the mucus membranes and cause dermal irritation as well as sensitization in some individuals. Thyme oil should be used in moderation and in low dilutions only. It is important to avoid during pregnancy. White thyme is not a complete oil and is often adulterated. Lemon thyme and linalol types are generally less toxic, non-irritant and with less possibility of sensitization in some individuals (safe for use on skin and with children).
Please check out our Clearly Essentials’ website to see our list of essential oils and carrier oils we supply.
