Thyme
and its varieties
Regardless of the type of thyme, essential oils are classified into different chemotypes (ct.) based on their main components: Differences in the composition of essential oils from the same plant genus arise depending on the growing region, climate, soil conditions, altitude, and sunlight exposure.
At sea level and slightly above, one finds ct. Carvacrol, formerly known as black thyme. At the average European altitude of 250–approx. 700 m, ct. Thymol occurs, known as red thyme. Thyme growing at altitudes of 1,250–1,500 m yields ct. Geraniol, while ct. Linalool is found primarily above 1,500 m.
Thyme and Science
Antibacterial effect
Preclinical studies (e.g., Tohidbour et al. (2010), Sakkas H. et al. (2017)) have demonstrated that thyme oil has antibacterial effects against MRSA and other bacterial strains (Gram-negative and Gram-positive). Components of thyme oil are capable of both reducing the number of bacteria and lowering the risk of resistance.
Antiviral effect
Setzer (2014) writes about the effects of individual essential oils against influenza viruses. For example, thyme oil inhibits the H1N1 virus even at a concentration of 0.3%, while vapor (from room sprays or aroma lamps) inhibits 70% of the virus after 30 minutes. Thymol has an antiviral effect, and both thymol and carvacrol act as cough suppressants. Vimalanathan and Hudson (2014) also describe the antiviral effect of essential oils and their vapors against influenza viruses. In this study, thyme oil was also able to deactivate the H1N1 virus 100% at a dilution of up to 0.3%. Jackwood et al. (2010) describe the effect of an essential oil blend on avian influenza viruses in chickens and birds. The result: significantly lower infection rates and a milder course of the disease.
· Thymus vulgaris (red thyme) with a thymol content of 50–70% is the significantly stronger variety and can irritate the skin. It should not be used on infants, pregnant women, or young children. It is also typically the thymol-type variety described in studies.
· Thyme DAB 6 ct. Thymol (DAB6 = German Pharmacopoeia) is an affordable option containing 25–50% thymol, in accordance with the old German Pharmacopoeia (DAB).
· A few drops in an aroma lamp or diffuser help fight viruses through the vapors that are released.
· A mixture of alcohol and 1% thyme oil is an effective solution for disinfecting door handles, railings, and frequently used surfaces.
· I put a drop of thyme oil—preferably the “Protect Me” blend—on my face mask when I go shopping.
· For a bath, the oil needs to be diluted. If you already have a prepared bath oil, simply add a few drops. You can also dissolve the oil in milk—10 drops in 25 ml of milk—shake well, and then add it to the bath as the water is running in.
· Rubbing the chest and back helps loosen mucus and has antiviral effects. Add 10–20 drops of essential oil to 50 ml of St. John’s wort oil, jojoba oil, or any other carrier oil. If you have other oils at home, you can also mix in eucalyptus, cajeput, and fir—just keep the total number of drops the same.
Thyme oil, with its antiviral and antibacterial properties, can be a valuable aid to us during this time. We offer 3 different types of thyme oil:
· Thymus vulgaris (red thyme) with a thymol content of 50–70% is the significantly stronger variety and can irritate the skin. It should not be used on infants, pregnant women, or young children. It is also typically the thymol-type variety described in studies.
· Thyme DAB 6 ct. Thymol (DAB6 = German Pharmacopoeia) is an affordable option containing 25–50% thymol, in accordance with the old German Pharmacopoeia (DAB).
Applications
· A few drops in an aroma lamp or diffuser help fight viruses through the vapors that are released.
· A mixture of alcohol and 1% thyme oil is an effective solution for disinfecting door handles, railings, and frequently used surfaces.
· I put a drop of thyme oil—preferably the “Protect Me” blend—on my face mask when I go shopping.
· For a bath, the oil needs to be diluted. If you already have a prepared bath oil, simply add a few drops. You can also dissolve the oil in milk—10 drops in 25 ml of milk—shake well, and then add it to the bath as the water is running in.
· Rubbing the chest and back helps loosen mucus and has antiviral effects. Add 10–20 drops of essential oil to 50 ml of St. John’s wort oil, jojoba oil, or any other carrier oil. If you have other oils at home, you can also mix in eucalyptus, cajeput, and fir—just keep the total number of drops the same.
·
For children, thyme ct. linalool is suitable. You can also mix in blue chamomile and lavender—just halve the number of drops. For children, these oil blends work very well when applied to the soles of the feet. You can also use our “Babys Breath Easy Oil” or “Kids Breathe Easy Oil,” as these blends are balanced and appropriate for their age.
