Thyme grows as a small, woody evergreen shrub with many branches that are covered with fragrant foliage. Common thyme, Thymus vulgaris, has tiny, gray green oval leaves and pink, lilac or white flowers. Thymus citriodoria, or lemon thyme, has lemon-scented leaves and lavender-colored flowers. These perennial members of the Lamiaceae family grow to about one foot tall. Native to The fresh or partially dried leaves and flowering tops of the plant are steam-distilled to produce thyme oil. The first distillation yields red thyme oil, which is red, brown or orange in color and has an intense warm and spicy smell. Further distilling renders white thyme oil, a clear or pale yellow oil with a sweet, fresh and mild green aroma. White thyme oil contains fewer irritants than red thyme oil. There are several different chemotypes of the thyme plant (plants with similar appearances whose essential oils have different chemical compositions) that produce oils with different therapeutic properties. Some of these, such as thyme linalol and thyme citral, are less irritating than common thyme.
Beauty Benefits
Thyme oil increases circulation to the skin and helps regulate oily skin. It also encourages the elimination of wastes that contribute to cellulite.
Emotional Effects
Thyme oil can strengthen your nerves when you are experiencing emotional fatigue. It eases nervousness, stress and some stress-related complaints. It enhances memory and increases concentration. Thyme oil is stimulating, although when used in a bath it helps overcome insomnia. It can balance you, either keeping you alert or helping you to sleep.
Reprinted from Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Beauty by Roberta Wilson with permission of Avery Books, a member of Penguin Putnam Inc. Copyright © 1995 by Roberta Wilson.
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