Mandarin Essential Oil

Mandarin-bannerMandarin is the only official language of the Republic of China with more native speakers; similarly Mandarin essential oil is an exceptional natural remedy with numerous documented health benefits in the world of Complementary and Alternative medicine including Ayurveda and the Traditional Chinese Medicine. Known as skin-friendly oil, its essential oil is cold pressed from the rind of the Mandarin fruits.

The book Ayurveda and Aromatherapy states that Mandarin oil can be combined with Orange oil to make ‘happy oil’. It is also said that this oil is known to bring liveliness in the atmosphere. With excellent pacifying properties, Mandarin essential oil is used in Ayurveda for treating insomnia, nervous tension, stress, mental exhaustion, digestive problems and skin disorders like acne, eruptions and stretch marks.

Purchase Mandarin Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE

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Historical importance of Mandarin:

Mandarin is indigenous to China and is now cultivated all around the world including America and Europe since 1805. Italy has been ranked as the top producer of Mandarin essential oil in the recent years. This fruit gained its name from the verity that it was given as a conventional gift to the Mandarins of China.

As a rich source of vitamin C, Mandarin oranges have been in use since the primordial times for meeting the nutritional requirements of children as well as elderly people. Mandarin is considered as a safe medicine for treating indigestion, strengthening the liver and the digestive system in aged people in France.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine makes use of the dried rind of these fruits for regulating the ‘Qi’ or ‘Chi’ meaning life force, life energy or energy flow and is defined as the basic principle that is a part of every living thing on earth. It was also used in treating improper digestion, excess deposits of phlegm and abdominal distension.

Mandarin oranges are also regarded as a Christmas tradition in the United States and Canada where they are individually wrapped in supple green paper and given in Christmas stockings. These oranges were initially a New Year gift for the Japanese immigrants and the advent of Japanese Mandarin oranges were considered as a special signal for the start of the holiday season. Mandarin oranges are also celebrated as a traditional representation of good fortune and abundance during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Therapeutic properties and chemical constituents of Mandarin essential oil: Mandarin essential oil has antispasmodic, tonic, antiseptic, cicatrisant, digestive, diuretic, sedative, circulatory, cholagogue, depurative, hepatic, stomachic, nervous relaxant and cytophylactic properties. The major chemical components of Mandarin oil are limonene, citronellal, citral, linalool, myrcene, neral, terpineol, geranial, camphene, a-thujone, g-terpinolene, a-pinene, b-pinene, geraniol, and sabinene.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Mandarin essential oil:

Ayurveda is the mother of all healing systems on earth and is said to be the strongest root for the growth of other Complementary and alternative medical practices like Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Chiropractic and Aromatherapy.

Ayurvedic philosophy trusts that every human being is a part of nature and one’s wellness depends upon his/her harmony with nature. Illness according to this science of life is an opportunity to discover what’s wrong in a person’s system.  Ayurvedic healing does not stop with treating the illness as such instead it traces out the underlying root cause of the disease. This aids in treating the sickness as well as preventing it in future.

All the natural remedies in the world fall under the roof of Ayurvedic healing as it strongly state that nature is the best medicine. Herbs, essential oils, rays of the rising sun, yoga, meditation, physical exercises and spiritualism are all the most important natural remedies used in Ayurveda.

The best thing about Ayurveda is that it considers every individual as a unique part of nature where every person is made up of an individual constitution that is comprised of three vital bio-energies known as doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha. These energies govern the functions of the human body physically, emotionally and spiritually. Balance between these doshas indicates healthiness and dosha imbalances cause sickness.

Ayurvedic remedies are focused on harmonizing dosha imbalances. Mandarin essential oil is known to aggravate vata energy and pacify kapha and pitta dosha.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Mandarin essential oil are:

mandarin-brouccher1. Relieves digestive problems:

Mandarin essential oil is a popular citrus oil with excellent benefits to the digestive system. The rich, tangy and citrus aroma promotes digestion and stimulates the flow of bile and other digestive juices.

The stomachic and digestive properties of Mandarin essential oil aids in fighting against stomach infections, protects the stomach and intestines from ulcers by maintaining the optimum level of acids and enhance the appetite. You can add 1 drop of Mandarin oil to your hanky or add 2 drops of this oil to your diffuser to improve your appetite and support the process of metabolism.

Adding 2 to 3 drops of Mandarin oil to warm bathing water can help in relieving gas, flatulence, nausea and indigestion. Gently massaging your abdomen with 2 drops of this oil blended with 10 drops of wheatgerm oil can assist in treating ulcers, gastritis, esophageal spasms, intestinal infections, colitis, dyspepsia, bloating, flatulence, hiccups and indigestion.

2. Pacifies the mind:

Mandarin oil is known as ‘happy oil’ for its uniqueness in bringing joy and solace in the environment.  The well-known book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ quotes Mandarin oil as “calming and soothing for stress.”  The soothing, calming, nervine, sedative and hypnotic actions of this oil appease the mind and boost your self-confidence.

Mandarin essential oil is a natural mood-lifter that assists in reducing tension on the nervous system, promote peaceful sleep, nourish the nerves, lessen distress and encourage absolute tranquility and calmness.

2 drops of Mandarin oil added to warm bathing water before bed can alleviate your tensed muscles, mental disturbances, epilepsy, convulsions and nervous afflictions. This medicated bath can help you to fall asleep soon by evoking a sense of encouragement and stillness.

You can also add 3 drops of Mandarin oil to your diffuser, burner or vaporizer for treating anxiety, restlessness, fear, fatigue, irritability, stress, tantrums and other negative emotions. This formula works even with children who are over-excited and stubborn especially during the nighttime.

3. Enriches the skin:

Mandarin essential oil has enormous benefits to the skin with its antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, cytophylactic, tonic and depurative properties. Excess toxins and deposits of salts and uric acid in the body deteriorate skin health and lessen its natural glow. This is the major reason behind pimples, blackheads, boils and other skin eruptions. Being a depurative, Mandarin essential oil aids in eliminating the unwanted toxins from the body and purifies the skin.

This oil is effective in clearing acne, healing wounds, scars, marks, abscesses, boils and lifeless skin. Mandarin oil supports the growth of new skin cells by which it helps in healing scars and wounds. This formula works like a magic especially on stretch marks and Mandarin essential oil is considered safe even on pregnant women.

Adding 2 drops of Mandarin oil in steam therapy assists in removing skin impurities, blemishes, black heads, marks and pimples. It augments the natural beauty and glow of the skin. Massaging with 2 to 3 drops of Mandarin oil with 15 drops of jojoba oil aids in improving blood circulation, enhancing the suppleness of the skin and diminishing scars and marks. You can also add 3 drops of Mandarin oil to your regular skin care cream or lotion and apply it on the affected area.

4. Eliminates toxins and treats spasms:

Toxic deposits in the body are the predominant factor disturbing the regular functions of the body like respiration, digestion and excretion. This is known as ‘ama’ in Ayurveda. Eliminating ‘ama’ or the harmful toxins from the body is one among the major treatment methodologies in Ayurvedic Panchakarma or the art of purification of the mind and body.

Mandarin essential oil is an exuberant oil for eliminating hazardous toxins, uric acid and salts stagnated in the body in the form of sweat and urine. The high-spirited aroma of this oil is known to drain out negative emotions and purify the mind.

Add 3 drops of Mandarin oil to warm bath or massage your body with 5 drops of this oil with 2 ml of coconut oil to get rid of the unwanted substances from the mind and body. This massage also helps in treating spasms in the respiratory system, intestine, muscles and the nervous system.

5. Improves circulation and stimulates the system:

When massaged onto the skin, 5 drops of Mandarin essential oil with 2 ml of sesame oil improves blood circulation and helps in relieving from varicose veins, blood clots, rheumatic pain and arthritis.

Mandarin oil acts as a tonic to the system and checks the regular functioning of all the vital parts of the body including the nervous system, digestive system, respiratory system, circulatory system, cardio-vascular system and the excretory system.

This oil is also said to make the body resistant against contagious diseases by improving immunity. You can add 2 drops of oil to vaporizer, burner or diffuser during any time of the day or night to get yourselves rejuvenated and recharged instantly.

Disclaimer:

All citrus oils have photo-toxicity effect and do not go out in sun as soon as applying Mandarin oil as it may harm your skin. Never use essential oils internally as these oils are highly concentrated liquids and should always be used topically in a diluted form. Consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner before using essential oils for your unique individual constitution and state of health. This article is only for the purpose of information and is not meant to make a diagnosis or replace prescribed medicines or professional advice.

Thought for the day:

All things are artificial, for nature is the art of God.  –Thomas Browne

Suggested Reading:

  1. Citrus Oils: Composition, Advanced Analytical Techniques, Contaminants, and Biological Activity (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) from CRC Press
  2. ISO 3528:1997, Oil of mandarin, Italian type (Citrus reticulata Blanco) by ISO TC 54
  3. Facelift at Your Fingertips: An Aromatherapy Massage Program for Healthy Skin and a Younger Face by Pierre Jean Cousin M.B.Ac.C
  4. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller

Reference Links:

  1. Mandarin Orange by Wikipedia
  2. Mandarin in Ayurveda and Aromatherapy by Light Miller and Bryan Miller
  3. Health Benefits of Mandarin Essential Oil by Organic Facts
  4. Health Benefits of Mandarin Essential Oil by Yoga wiz.com

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea-tree-bannerTea tree oil is a knight in shining armor as it acts as a shield against all kinds of infections including bacterial, viral, fungal and microbial. It is a must-have essential oil in your medicine cabinet and can assist you in times of distress. Although Tea Tree has nothing to do with the tea we drink, I often remember this magnificent herb as a tea for the entire system that has the potential to heal, pacify and cure us in a number of ways.

The essential oil of Tea tree is extracted from the leaves of this tree. Ayurveda, the science of natural healing makes use of Tea tree and its essential oil for treating many infectious diseases, respiratory problems like asthma, tuberculosis and bronchitis, venomous bites and skin problems like acne, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Purchase Tea Tree Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE

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Historical importance of Tea tree oil:

Born in Australia, Tea tree is the love and pride of the Australian kingdom where more than 300 species of Tea trees grow naturally. The Aborigines are regarded as the first ones to use Tea tree leaves before thousands of years as an antiseptic for healing wounds, cuts, burns and insect bites.

It was the British explorer Captain Cook who named this tree as ‘Tea tree’ when he found the native people using the leaves of this tree in preparing a medicated tea and he used this drink to prevent scurvy in his men.

As an excellent antimicrobial and antiseptic oil, Tea tree oil was prevalently used in war fields for healing the wound of soldiers (especially in the Australian Army during World War II) and keeping them protected from the infestation of harmful microbes.

One of the pools in Australia is known as the ‘Magical Lagoon’ just because it was surrounded by Tea trees and leaves fall in the water and make it a medicated bathing pool. People who take bath in this pool have said that it helped in healing burns, wounds and certain other skin infections.

Tea tree oil is held-high for its anti-poisonous effects and is generally known as Snake oil just because the fact that this oil has enormous detoxifying properties that aids in taking way the venom of a poisonous snake bite.

The fresh leave juice was also applied on the affected area for treating scorpion stings and other poisonous insect bites. Tea tree leaves are also used in poultices and the decoction extracted from boiling these leaves are known to heal wounds and inflammations both internally and externally.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report (GC) of Tea tree oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Tea tree oil constitutes of 8 chemical components that contribute to its unique fragrance, remedial properties and quality. Tea tree oil is enriched with about 41.9% of Terpinen-4-ol constituent.

Just click on:

For knowing more about the specific information of these key constituents of Tea tree oil.

The table below on the Gas Chromatography report talks about the principal chemical constituents and its role in granting the therapeutic and other attributes to Tea tree oil.

Teatree-OilRemedial properties of Tea tree oil:

This oil has antimicrobial, fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral, stimulant, disinfectant, antiseptic, anti-infectious, antipyretic, vulnerary, expectorant, balsamic, cicatrisant, sudorific and insecticide.

The chemical constituents responsible for these therapeutic properties are 1,8-cineole, limonene, terpinen-4-ol, myrcene, a-pinene, linalool, sabinene, a-terpinene, y-terpinene, a-terpineol,  b-pinene a-phellandrene, terpinolene and p-cymene.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Tea tree essential oil:

Ayurveda is a holistic healing methodology that not only treats illnesses but aims to prevent it in future. It does not recommend same remedies for all even with the same disease as it regards that every individual is a unique part of nature and their illnesses should also be treated in a unique way.

For this, Ayurvedic treatment starts with identifying the unique individual constitution that is built up of 3 energy elements known as doshas. They are vata, kapha and pitta dosha. Vata is said to govern the movement of air, metabolic functions, process of elimination and much more.

Pitta is responsible for digestion, decision making, body temperature and creation of energy. The structure of our body, movement of fluids, skin health, stability and lubrication of joints are all controlled by kapha dosha.

Every human being is said to have a predominance of any one of these doshas that determines their personality, character and behavior. Balance between these three doshas indicates that a person is healthy and imbalance causes illness. Ayurvedic remedies like essential oils, herbs, yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic routine are prescribed in such a way that it helps in bringing perfect balance between these doshas.

Tea tree essential oil is said to have equal effects on all the three doshas with its cooling and moisturizing energies. The book on ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ by Light Miller and Bryan Miller states that Tea tree oil is extremely beneficial for skin, respiratory system and nervous system.

Let’s have a look at the Ayurvedic health benefits of Tea tree essential oil.Tea-tree-broucher1. Benefits to the skin and hair:

Tea tree essential oil has been proved 12 times better than carbolic acid that has been used as an antiseptic bactericide in primeval times. This is mainly because of its effectiveness in treating various skin ailments with its antimicrobial, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, disinfectant and antiviral properties.

Tea tree oil is an excellent remedy for acne and this is substantiated by a 1990 study on ‘A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne’, which states that both Tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide are effective in treating acne.

It says that Tea tree showed “a significant effect in ameliorating the patients’ acne by reducing the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions (open and closed comedones)” with fewer side effects than BP where about 79 percent of people who used BP had various side effects like dryness, itching, stinging and burning sensation.

This exemplary oil also has antiseptic and cicatrisant properties that promote wounds, boils, cuts, burns and rashes to heal quickly. It reduces scars and marks by stimulating the growth of new skin cells and eliminates the dead skin cells.

Mix 2 drops of Tea tree oil with 15 drops of Jojoba oil or with your skin care cream or lotion and apply it on your acne for visible results and on your wounds for quicker healing. This blend is also effective on scars left by pox, accidents, acne, surgical and stretch marks.

Dandruff and lice are the major hair problems that screw your hair’s health most often. Being an effective fungicidal and antimicrobial oil, Tea tree oil fights against the harmful agents causing dandruff and nourishes the dry scalp with its moisturizing properties and it also kills head lice. Add 2 drops of Tea tree oil in your mild shampoo and massage it gently on your scalp for quick relief.

2. Benefits to the respiratory system:

Having enormous anti-infectious properties, Tea tree oil is one among the best essential oils for fighting against viral infections like cold, cough, congestion and other respiratory problems like sinusitis, bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma and pharyngitis. Most of these problems start worsening when the infection spreads all over the system.

Tea tree oil fights against all kinds of contagious foreign bodies and arrest their further growth. The expectorant properties of this oil make it powerful in loosening the phlegm and mucous deposits that causes breathing difficulties.

Add 2 to 3 drops of Tea tree oil to warm bathing water and go for a refreshing bath. You can add 2 drops of this oil to steam inhalation for opening blocked nasal passages, treat chest congestion and get relief from headache and sinusitis. You can also add 2 drops of Tea tree oil to your rub and gently massage on your chest, neck and back for significant relief.

3. Benefits to the mind:

With its warm, spicy, refreshing, camphoraceous, soothing, aromatic-terpenic (monoterpenes of pine) fragrance pacifies and encourages the mind. Tea tree oil is said to appease the mind and body after shock, anxiety, fear and fatigue.

Massaging your body with 5 drops of tea tree oil blended with 40 to 45 drops of coconut oil can help in uplifting your mood, relax the muscles, strengthen your emotions and alleviate stress and depression. You can also add 3 drops of Tea tree oil to your burner, diffuser or vaporizer to encircle your mind with a clean and fresh feeling.

4. Guards against all kinds of infections:

Tea tree oil protects the body from harmful organisms and by killing the existing ones and preventing the growth of new ones. It strengthens your immunity and makes your body resistant against the effects of all kinds of infections.

A comparative study of Tea tree oil along with clotrimazole tested 112 people affected by toenails fungal infection and Tea tree oil was proved as powerful as an antifungal remedy. Add 2 drops of Tea tree oil in warm foot bath to cleanse your skin and kill the infectious agents on the skin followed by topical application of 2 drops of Tea tree oil with 8 drops of olive oil can help in treating fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, fungal infection of the toenails, dermatitis, vaginal infections and other skin ailments caused due to fungi.

The study on ‘Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties’ proved that Tea tree oil is effective in fighting against numerous bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium avium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes. This contributes to the antiseptic and antibiotic values of this oil.

This oil has been studied in Europe and US as an effective douching treatment for candida albicans. 5 drops of this oil added to 1 half pint of water can serve as a powerful vaginal douche Susanne Fischer-Rizzi.

Topical application of 2 drops of Tea tree oil mixed with 10 drops coconut oil aids in treating bed sores, psoriasis, abscesses, boils, wounds, insect bites, cold sores, diaper rashes, herpes, dermatitis, genito-urinary infections, cystitis, vaginal thrush, ear infections and deep wounds.

Other health benefits:

Tea tree has become a common ingredient in many popular anti-dandruff shampoos, acne soaps, skin care creams and lotions. It can also be used to treat rheumatic pain, bad breath, oral infections (as a gargle by adding 2 drops of this oil to warm water), cankers, candida, flea bites, jock itch, plantar warts, mosquito bites, sciatica, ticks, seborrhea, sunburn and much more.

Disclaimer: Never use essential oils internally. This article is only for the purpose of educations and is not meant for diagnosis or to replace any prescribed medication or professional advice. Always remember to use essential oils in a diluted form for topical application. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using the right essential oil for your health condition and individual body type.

The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of Tea tree essential oil is readily available for your enhanced safety and better usage.

Gas Chromatography Report (GC) of Tea tree oil.

Thought for the day:

Nature teaches more than she preaches. There are no sermons in stones. It is easier to get a spark out of a stone than a moral. -John Burroughs

Suggested Reading:

  1. HEALING POWERS OF TEA TREE OIL (The Aromatherapy Professional: Healing with Essential Oils) By KG Stiles
  2. How to Use Tea Tree Oil – 90 Great Ways to Use Natures “Medicine Cabinet in a Bottle” – Acne, Boils, Head Lice, Nail Fungus, Ringworm, Skin Tags, – Health … Uses, Dilutions and Lots More! (What Is?) By Ruth Elston
  3. How to Use Tea Tree Essential Oil (Aromatherapy) By Miriam Kinai
  4. Australian Tea Tree Oil Guide By Cynthia Olsen

Reference Links:

  1. Tea tree oil by Wikipedia
  2. Tea tree oil by The American Cancer Society
  3. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne by Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW published in PubMed
  4. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties by C. F. Carson, K. A. Hammer, and T. V. Riley published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews by the American Society For Microbiology

Thyme Essential Oil

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’.Thyme-oil-bannerThis 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.

Purchase Thyme Essential Oil – Retail – CLICK HERE

Purchase Thyme Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

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 isa 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:

Thyme-oil-broucher1. 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:

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

Reference Links:

  1. Thyme in Medicine by Natural Standard the Authority on Integrative Medicine
  2. Effects of Thymol and Carvacrol, Constituents of Thymus vulgaris L. Essential Oil, on the Inflammatory Response by PubMed
  3. Thyme, Garden by Botanical.Com