Thyme Essential Oil

Posted on August 16, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Fall in love with Thyme essential oil if you love Mother Nature and trust its innate wisdom of healing. Thyme is such a galvanizing herb and has its use etched in the history of various parts of the universe. When I started with this post, I was just hit with an important term that Thyme is often referred to and that is ‘Mother of Thyme’.This phrase brings out the significance of Thyme in both the conventional and contemporary medicinal practices, chiefly for addressing gynecological problems. Greeks named this plant as thyme meaning ‘to fumigate’, mainly because of its invigorating aroma and it is also said that this name is extracted from the Greek word ‘thumus’ denoting courage.

Apart from its use as a culinary herb, thyme and its essential oil has been in use for more than thousands of years, where the ancient Ayurvedic philosophers explored every essence of this powerful herb in treating an extensive range of illnesses naturally.

Saints, warriors and scholars of the prehistoric period valued Thyme for its power to grant physical endurance and valor along with emotional and spiritual insight to pursue their life’s vision perfectly.

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Historical Uses of Thyme and its essential oil:

History has a cluster of pages talking about the curative powers of Thyme. Almost all the continents of this world from Antarctica to Australia have used thyme for its impressive medicinal values.

Ayurveda, the science of life suggested the use of thyme for its expectorant, astringent, anti-microbial, antiseptic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. The ancient texts of Ayurveda suggests thyme for treating respiratory problems, headaches, halitosis, spasms, colic, dental disorders, gastrointestinal problems and few others.

Ebers Papyrus, the oldest Egyptian medical text which dates back to 1550 BC has recorded the healing values of thyme. The ancient Greeks offered thyme as a sacred herb to Adephaghia, the Greek Goddess of food and good eating.

Thyme was also burnt in Greek temples for sanctifying and purifying the environment. According to Greeks, thyme signified ‘graceful elegance’ and represented bravery, heroism and energy.

Bible honors thyme as the lining for the manger, which was the bed of Jesus Christ at the time of birth. European Pharmacopeia recommends the use of this herb for healing upper respiratory congestion and coughs.

Africans use thyme for its tranquilizing properties. It was in use in traditional Jamaican medicinal system to induce labor and support child birth, attributed to the emmenagogue properties of thyme. In southern France, thyme was honored as a sign of extreme Republicanism.

Nicholas Culpeper, the renowned English Botanist recommended thyme for treating musculoskeletal problems, warts, ophthalmic problems and certain other illnesses. He said Thyme is “a noble strengthener of the lungs, as notable a one as grows, nor is there a better remedy growing for whooping cough.

It purges the body of phlegm and is an excellent remedy for shortness of breath. It is so harmless you need not fear the use of it. An ointment made of it takes away hot swellings and warts, helps the sciatica and dullness of sight and takes away any pains and hardness of the spleen: it is excellent for those that are troubled with the gout and the herb taken anyway inwardly is of great comfort to the stomach.”

The primeval Sumerians, Assyrians and Babylonians have used thyme before 5,000 years and the traditional food known as Zaatar in the Middle East countries contains thyme and is popular for its curative values.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Thyme essential oil:

Ayurveda, the oldest of all healing sciences on earth trusts on natural herbs including aromatic plants for healing human health conditions. It is known for its use of aromatics in treating numerous illnesses ranging from insomnia to bipolar disorders.

This healing power by using aroma is connected to the limbic system, which is known as the ‘center of control’ of the human brain. Another celebrated Ayurvedic therapy of healing is Abhyanga, the art of Ayurvedic massaging.

Ayurvedic texts strongly recommend massaging with therapeutic essential oils for relaxing the mind, strengthening the immune system and helping the system to strike perfect balance with nature.

Essential oils are extracted from plants. They are pure, free of chemicals, highly concentrated and contain the real essence of the plants from which they are extracted. Thyme essential oil is extracted from thyme herb, botanically known as Thymus vulgaris. The most significant constituent of thyme essential oil contributing to its healing properties is thymol.

The major Ayurvedic health benefits of thyme essential oil are:

1. Time-honored emmenagogue:

The oil of thyme is regarded as a natural remedy for handling womanly problems in a gentle manner. Historical references report the use of thyme for inducing labor, encouraging easy child birth, irregular periods, obstructed menstruation, treating pains, depression, fatigue and nausea associated with menstruation. This is mainly because thyme oil stimulates the production of estrogen hormones in women, which is responsible for reproductive health.

Massaging a blend of 3 drops of thyme oil with 2 teaspoons of sesame oil gently on the abdominal area can grant relief from severe pain and foster blocked menstruation. 2 drops of Thyme oil can also be added to your bathing water for giving a refreshing start to the day and for alleviating fatigue. It can also be used in your diffuser for soothing your senses especially during the night time for a peaceful and relaxed sleep.

2. Overcomes oral problems:

Ayurvedic Vaidyas strongly recommended thyme oil for treating oral problems like bad breath or halitosis, gingivitis, plaque and tooth decay. Thyme essential oil is known as a powerful germ-killer with its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. This is the main reason for the use of thyme oil in many popular mouthwashes like Listerine and certain other oral cleansers.

Thymol, the active constituent in thyme oil along with chlorhexidine is used as a dental varnish for treating and preventing tooth decay. Thyme oil is an important ingredient in popular toothpaste and liniment brands in the market for these special reasons. Adding 1 drop of thyme oil to a cup of warm water can serve as an effective mouth gargle in the morning for treating oral problems.

3. Absolutely skin-friendly:

The presence of caryophyllene and camphene components in Thyme essential oil contributes to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It helps in protecting the skin from harmful bacterial and fungal infections while effectively aiding in healing burns, wounds, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, rashes, cuts and sores. Thyme essential oil helps in keeping the skin free from marks, wrinkles and certain other symptoms of aging.

Scars and marks after surgeries, accidents, acne, chicken pox, measles and even stretch marks fade on eventual cosmetic application of thyme oil on the affected areas after blending it with mild carrier oils like almond oil. You can add few drops of thyme oil to your regular face wash for better results as thyme oil has excellent skin-cleansing properties.

4. Guards the respiratory system:

Thyme essential oil protects the respiratory system from various infections and is a trusted Ayurvedic remedy for treating prolonged coughs and cold. The essential oil of thyme acts as a powerful cough suppressant by checking the coughing spasms.

The presence of thymol strengthens the immune system and makes the body defensive against respiratory infections. The warming nature of this oil helps in clearing congestion and breaking up mucous and phlegm. 2 drops of thyme oil added to hot water for steam inhalation can open blocked nasal passages and soothe the respiratory system.

5. Natural stimulant:

It stimulates the functions of the liver and digestive system. Thyme essential oil acts as a tonic for the liver, nervous system, circulatory system and muscular system. This oil assists in treating dyspepsia, gastric formation, heartburn, stomach upset, cramps, nausea, headache and lack of sleep associated with digestive disorders. Intestinal worms like tapeworms, hook worms and round worms can also be discarded with the vermifuge properties of thyme oil.

6. Alleviates pain and inflammation:

Just like Eucalyptus oil, thyme oil is also an effective pain relieving oil by suppressing the inflammatory COX-2 enzyme. A 2012 study on ‘Effects of Thymol and Carvacrol, Constituents of Thymus vulgaris L. Essential Oil, on the Inflammatory Response’ proved that the anti-inflammatory property of thyme oil is attributed to the rich presence of monoterpene phenols like thymol and carvacrol constituents present in this oil. This makes thyme as an effective pain relieving massage oil in alleviating rheumatic pains, muscular aches, bruises, nerve stimulation, migraine headaches and skin inflammation.

7. Supports the entire system:

Thyme essential oil supports the entire body from head to toe and it is proven effective in treating hair loss, head lice, swelling, throat pain, sciatica, low blood pressure, convulsions, colic, bed-wetting, gout, diarrhea, athlete’s foot etc. This oil is also said to have antioxidant and antiviral properties.

It acts as an effective diuretic and helps in alleviating the toxins from the body through urine. Thyme essential oil is extremely beneficial for the heart as it fortifies the cardiac muscles and enhances blood circulation. Inhaling the aroma of thyme essential oil stimulates the mind, improves concentration and uplifts the spirit.

And now, you would have realized why I wanted you to fall in love with Thyme essential oil. Let me start. Thyme…. I love you.

Disclaimer: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children below 2 years should not use this oil. Do not ingest essential oils as they are highly concentrated and do not apply them directly to your skin unless it is recommended by your Ayurvedic Practitioner.

Thought for the day:

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Suggested Reading:

The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy by Kurt Schnaubelt
Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
The Practice of Aromatherapy by Dr. Jean Valnet

Reference Links:

Benzyl acetate

Posted on August 15, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Benzyl acetate is an ester made from the condensation of acetic acid and benzyl alcohol. It has a pleasant odor and is the chemical that imparts the sweet fruity smell to strawberries, apples, and bananas. It is also responsible for the pleasant smell in flowers like roses, and jasmine.

Owing to its fragrance, benzyl acetate finds a place in the industry of cosmetics and food, to impart fragrances of Jasmine and Rose to perfumes and cosmetics, and the flavor of apples and pears to confectionary and more in the food industry.

The fragrance is seen to be attractive to bees, and helps in the synthesis of pheromones. It is also used in the bee industry to attract them for the purpose of study. It also acts as a chemical intermediate and used to produce other organic compound. It is also used in plastics, resins, ink and polishes as a solvent.

It is found in limited amounts in ester and flowers. In ester benzyl acetate is seen to be antispasmodic, and sedative and less irritant when compared to the others like Methyl salicylate. Benzyl acetate is commonly seen in perfume oils and is most commonly seen in Jasmine, ylang-ylang, and Gardenia fragrances.

Therapeutic uses of Benzyl acetate:

Benzyl acetate as an antidepressant in Jasmine oil:

Benzyl acetate in Jasmine oil is said to be effective in boosting the mood. It elevates the sense of happiness and stimulates a poetic and romantic mood as experienced in poetic history and music. This is an effect of release of hormones like serotonin in the body as a result of inhalation of the aroma, causing an upliftment in the mood.

Benzyl acetate as an antiseptic in Jasmine oil:

The constituents like Benzyl acetate, benzaldehyde, benzoic acid and Benzyl benzoate seen in jasmine oil exhibit fungicidal, bactericidal, germicidal, and antiviral properties. It is used topically to eliminate infections, and prevent open wounds from tetanus. It does also serve to resolve internal problem as well.

In the case of respiratory illnesses, Jasmine oil is inhaled to relieve coughs and colds. A study was conducted to understand the antibacterial activity of jasmine oil against E.coli. The results stated that the effect was bactericidal, and this was reflected due to the inhibited synthesis of the cell membrane.

Benzyl acetate as a sedative in Jasmine oil:

The constituents of Jasmine oil have a very calm soothing effect in addition to its antispasmodic, sedative and expectorant qualities. When used it facilitates a deep sleep, and helps you stay asleep.

It’s a beautiful, naturally available remedy that can be used in the treatment of insomnia. A study was conducted to understand the sedative effects brought about by jasmine tea odor in 24 volunteers. The results proved positive with the decrease in heart rate resulting in a calm and restless sleep.

Benzyl acetate as an aphrodisiac in Jasmine oil:

The chemical constituents of Jasmine oil have the capacity to spark off a romantic life. Inhalation of the fragrance can alter the senses by bringing about a change in the release hormones.

It is said to be effective in treating premature ejaculation, impotency, frigidity and other sexual related disorders. It’s also used to boost or enhance the sexual desire making it one of the most used flowers in a newly- wed couple’s room; and is been followed as a culture in the subcontinent of India.

References:

The Family of Esters (Benzyl acetate) by iTech Dickinson

Antibacterial Potential Assessment of Jasmine Essential Oil Against E. Coli published in Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Neral

Posted on August 12, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Neral is always spoken of in reference with citral which is an oil synthesized from lemon myrtle, Ocimum gratissimum, Lindera citriodora, Calypranthes parriculata, Litsea cubeba, lemongrass, Litsea citrata, petitgrain, lemon tea-tree, lime, lemon balm, lemon verbena, lemon ironbark, lemon and orange.

Neral also known as citral B is an isomer of citral or lemonal, which is a mixture of terpenoids.

The compounds from citral generally have a pleasant smell and Neral has an odor that is sweet and less concentrated. Due to this effect, Neral like other citral compounds is used in perfumery, and food industry.

They also have antimicrobial and pheromonal properties and find their use in production of therapeutic drugs, and pesticides. Citral compound have also been identified for their allergen effects, to reduce the same and exploit their positive properties, citral compounds are mixed with de-sensitizing agents.

Therapeutic uses of Neral:

Neral, a constituent of lemongrass has been studied to treat conditions related to nervous disorders, menstrual problems, stomach problems, arthritis, fever and cancer as well. These effects were noticed right from the ancient times and have been in use in the Chinese cultures for ages.

When used externally the plant extract can be used to increase blood flow, treat join pains, tendinitis, athlete’s foot, sprain and cuts. In most parts of the world, Lemon grass is used to make citrus drinks that act as refreshing health boosters.

Neral exhibit powerful antibacterial effect on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, concludes a 2011 study on the Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus, stapf (Lemon grass).

Carcinogenic properties of Neral in Citral:

A study was conducted to understand the effects of citral in the treatment of cancer seen in rats. The study was carried out over a period of two years and the results proved positive with the occurrence of malignant lymphoma seen in the rat.

Neral in Lemon Grass as a Caspase-3 Introducer:

The study was conducted to understand the effects of citral as a carcinogen and it’s mode of action. It identified the effects of Neral in lemon grass as a caspase-3 Introducer in cancer cells, and the tests proved positive.

Antimicrobial properties of Neral in Lemon Grass:

The study was conducted on an extract from lemongrass. Generally, the tea made from lemon grass is used worldwide for its analgesic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used as a sedative and diuretic as well.

The essential oil was tried on R. stolonifer and P. italicum to study its antimicrobial activities, and on Rhizopus stolonifer, and Penicillium italicum, to understand its antibacterial action.

It also shows effectiveness towards methicillin resistant fungi and bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and shows antibacterial activity greater than that of antibiotics like nalidixic acid, nitrofurantoin and ampicillin.

Numerous scientific uses of Neral in Lemon Grass:

The oil of lemon grass contains Citral b, Terpinolene, Nerol, Geranyl acetate, Geraniol, Citronellal, Citral a, Myrcene and Terpineol Methylheptenone.

A study conducted to understand the scientific uses of lemon grass proved that the plant contained therapeutic activities such as anti-diarrheal, antibacterial, antifilarial, anti-amoebic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory.

In addition to this behavior, the study proved its anti-mutagenicity, anti-malarial, antioxidant, anti-mycobacterial, hypoglycemic and neurobehavioral attributes.

Since the results proved very positive, it was suggested that extensive studies on the same be carried out.

Reference Links: