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Thyme oil (the second name of the herb is thyme), which has a complex chemical composition, has a positive effect on all organs and systems of the human body. Aroma oil is widely used in medicine, cooking and cosmetology. The main rule when using it is to strictly follow the instructions, observe the dosage. The product can be purchased at the store or prepared independently.
The chemical composition of thyme oil
Thymol gives antiseptic properties to thyme essential oil. Its content in the product ranges from 20-54%. The production of aromatic oil from thyme is a rather laborious process. In addition, the chemical composition and quality of the product depends on the environment in which the raw material grew.
Thyme aroma oil can have both medicinal properties and be toxic.
The chemical composition of the medicinal product includes:
- vitamins of group B, C;
- ursolic and oleic acid;
- tannins;
- gum;
- organic pigments;
- terpene;
- monoterpene alcohols;
- carvacrol and thymol.
For the manufacture of the product, a double distillation method is used. This allows the irritants to be removed. It is because of this factor that the oil differs in its composition, chemotype and healing qualities. The properties of the product depend on the time when the raw material was collected.
There are three main chemotypes:
- Thyme carvacrol. The product acts as a strong irritant, but has antiseptic properties. The action is enhanced if the raw materials for production are harvested after the thyme has faded.
- Thyme linalool. It has antiparasitic and antifungal properties.
- Thyme thymol. It has a pronounced antiseptic effect. Grass for the production of the product is harvested in autumn.
During the spring harvest of raw materials, aromatic oil is obtained, which will become an excellent pain reliever.
Benefits of thyme essential oil
Humanity has known about the beneficial properties of thyme oil since ancient times. Aroma oil is valued for its medicinal qualities.
Useful properties of thyme oil:
- has an anti-inflammatory effect, promotes disinfection and rapid healing of cuts, wounds, eczema;
- improves blood circulation, increases blood pressure;
- has a beneficial effect on men, preventing rapid ejaculation, increases potency;
- activates the brain, improves memory, helps to cope with depression;
- relieves pain and swelling after sports injuries;
- benefits women’s health, normalizes the menstrual cycle and hormonal levels;
- has an antiseptic quality, increases the resistance of the immune system to viral or bacterial infections;
- eliminates bad breath;
- helps with myositis, gout, rheumatism, arthritis;
- improves digestion, treats gastrointestinal ailments, helps with nausea and poisoning.
Thyme aroma oil has found application not only in folk medicine. It is used in cosmetology, cooking.
How to make thyme oil
The largest amount of essential oils is found in the inflorescences and leaves of the herb.
The algorithm for preparing thyme aroma oil at home:
- The grass is washed, spread on a paper towel to dry.
- Thyme is rubbed in a mortar.
- The grass is transferred to a container with an airtight lid, poured with calcined olive or vegetable oil so that it covers the crushed grass by 2 cm.
- The container is placed in the kitchen cabinet. The product should be infused in a warm room.
A month later, the oily liquid is drained, filtered. Store homemade oil in dark glass containers. The shelf life of a self-prepared product is no more than three months, while a pharmacy product is 5 years.
The use of thyme oil in folk medicine
In folk medicine, black thyme oil has been used in the treatment of such diseases:
- diabetes;
- syndrome of increased capillary permeability;
- sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia);
- prostatitis;
- inflammation of the appendages;
- malfunctions of the thyroid gland;
- anemia;
- rheumatism;
- insomnia;
- Chronical bronchitis;
- liver disease.
Tea with aromatic oil helps to quickly cope with a cold, along with this, healthy sleep is restored, it treats anemia, headaches caused by a skull injury or vasospasm.
Experts have found that other essential oils will help to better unlock the potential of thyme. Thyme is best combined with aromatic oils:
- lemon balm, mint;
- marjoram, eucalyptus;
- lavender, chamomile;
- rosemary, cypress;
- pine, cedar;
- ginger, bergamot.
Thyme oil for insomnia and rheumatism
Thyme aroma oil is mixed with the base oil in a ratio of 1:3. One drop of the resulting mixture is applied to the bread crumb, added during the preparation of meat or fish dishes, mixed with honey or jam. You can drink the product with wine, kefir, tea, juice.
Thyme oil for upper respiratory tract infections
With rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngotracheitis, bronchitis, a mixture of oils is filled into the aroma lamp:
- thyme – 5 ml;
- cloves – 2 ml;
- eucalyptus – 3 ml.
In this composition, aromatic oils purify the air, prevent the spread of infection, and destroy viruses.
Thyme oil in home cosmetology
Thyme oil has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair, so it is actively used to prepare cosmetic masks at home. With regular use of the product, the curls become strong, look well-groomed. The oil also restores fat balance, helps in the fight against inflammation and acne.
Aroma oil relieves dryness and brittle hair
From acne
Ingredients for the preparation of a therapeutic composition of oils:
- thyme linalool chemotype – 10 ml;
- rosemary, neroli, tea tree, lavender – 5 ml each;
- jojoba (if the skin is dry, almond) – 100 ml.
A mixture of these components destroys pathogenic bacteria, improves blood circulation, cleanses the skin. The composition is applied pointwise to problem areas.
To improve hair structure
Means with aroma oil reduces oiliness of hair. To do this, twice a week, a mixture prepared from basic (15 drops) and thyme oil (5 drops) is rubbed into the scalp. From 3 to 5 ml of the resulting product is added to the conditioner.
Some sources advise applying a few drops of the mixture directly to the comb, then brush through the hair.
Contraindications to the use of thyme oil
Aroma oil from thyme has the ability to reduce the resistance of cells to the adverse effects of light. It is strictly forbidden to use the product without a preliminary allergy test. The use of the composition may cause discomfort in the form of a burning sensation and irritation.
Thyme oil has a number of contraindications for oral administration. For which ailments it is better to refuse to use the product:
- heart failure, atrial fibrillation, angina pectoris;
- duodenal ulcer;
- hypertonic disease;
- emphysema of the lungs;
- acute and chronic hepatitis;
- cholecystitis in the acute stage.
The product is contraindicated for use in children under the age of six and pregnant women. Excessive passion and excess dosage of aroma oil leads to hormonal failure, which is associated with disorders in the thyroid gland.
Only a natural product can be taken orally, the information is indicated on the label
How to choose thyme oil
In order not to get into a mess when buying aroma oil from thyme, you should pay attention to:
- A natural product has a label on the bottle in the language of the manufacturer or in Latin.
- The container in which the product is sold is made of dark glass. You should not buy a product in a plastic bottle. The product is either of poor quality or unnatural.
- Aroma oil is sold in standard containers of 5 and 10 ml.
- When purchasing a product, it is recommended to give preference to proven brands. For example, Vivasan (Vivasan).
A natural remedy cannot be cheaper than 200 rubles. per vial of 5 ml (data as of September 2021).
Conclusion
Thyme oil has found wide application in folk medicine. The healing properties of the herb, which is also called thyme, has long been known to mankind. The chemical composition, color and properties of the product vary depending on growth conditions and climate.
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