17 Benefits and Uses of Thyme Essential Oil

With Thyme Essential Oil being as effective and powerful in just about every health and wellbeing related concern, it stands to reason why this all-natural gem has been leveraged since ancient times. With origins in France, Mediterranean regions, and parts of Southern Europe, Thyme Essential Oil contains high levels of thymol and a strong combination of organic chemicals, making it a well sought out resource for centuries across nations and cultures. Fast forward to today and still being just as rich as it has been throughout history, Thyme Essential Oil is widely utilized in society for its vast range of proven benefits. And those said benefits are nothing shy of impressive.

1 - Acne and Anti-aging Benefits

One of the most common reasons why people use Thyme Essential Oil is due to its potent skin-boosting compounds. Those with acne can take advantage of the antibacterial properties that this oil has, seamlessly reducing or even eliminating the acne-causing bacteria on the skin. For those seeking a way to hydrate their skin and re-obtain that youthful glow, Thyme Essential Oil is able to increase circulation, purify, and stimulate blood flow within your skin, all of which will leave you with favorable complexion outcomes.

2 - Combats Hair Loss

Those who are suffering from hair loss, also known as alopecia areata, can combat it with Thyme Essential Oil. When combined with a carrier oil and massaged on the scalp, Thyme Essential Oil can help reverse the adverse effects of alopecia while encouraging new hair growth. In fact, one study discovered that 44% of those who treated hair loss with Thyme Essential Oil saw improvement.

3 - Reduces Inflammation

Thyme Essential Oil is part of the elite group of essential oils that are proven to reduce inflammation. Research and studies have found that Thyme Essential Oil is able to suppress the inflammatory COX-2 enzyme just as resveratrol can. By merely applying Thyme Essential Oil with a carrier oil onto the affected areas, the anti-inflammatory agents within the oil will be able to reverse the side effects and promote better wellbeing.

4 - Cleaning Disinfect

Though this oil is used widely for health-related circumstances, that is not all it is capable of. Another benefit to note is the disinfecting elements, making it a perfect solution for those wanting to live a greener lifestyle. Thyme Essential Oil's cleansing and antifungal properties can remove grime, dirt, and lift unpleasant odors without subjecting yourself to harsh chemicals.

5 - Immune System Boosting

The immune system is vital for staying healthy and battling against the countless bacterial and viral infections in the air and water. For those who tend to get sick often, think about grabbing some Thyme Essential Oil for an immune system boost. This oil is packed with Thymol and is an excellent source of Carvacrol as well, both of which are known to improve immunity.

6 - All-Natural Insect Repellent

It is no secret that most people want to keep insects away, but also do not want to put harmful chemicals on their bodies either. With that being said, know that there is a way to get the best of both worlds. Thyme Essential Oil is a fantastic resource that contains chemical properties that repel insects naturally. Just a couple of drops on a cotton ball and dabbed onto the exposed skin keeps bugs away without risking any adverse health side effects that commercial repellents tend to hold.

7 - Homemade Mouthwash

Another hidden benefit is how Thyme Essential Oil can be used as a mouthwash. Thyme Essential Oil is rich in thymol, and this chemical, when used with chlorhexidine, is able to protect teeth from tooth decay. It is also a compelling germ-killer and, as mentioned above, is a great odor eater (kiss bad breath goodbye). This all makes it a prime natural mouthwash to consider for optimal oral health.

8 - Boosts Mood and Lowers Signs of Stress, Depression, and Anxiety

When used as aromatherapy, Thyme Essential Oil offers profound mental clarity and tranquility, primarily due to its active substance carvacrol. Carvacrol has been shown to positively affect neuron activity, boosting feelings of wellbeing. This means by using Thyme Essential Oil, you will be able to lift your mood, reduce stress, and support your mind in dispersing depression by getting control of your concentration. Whether it be in a diffuser or used in a warm bath, Thyme Essential Oil is perfect for relaxing the mind and body and instilling balanced happiness. 

9 - Remediates Yeast Infections

As noted above, Thyme Essential Oil is a well-known antifungal and antibacterial resource.  So, for those facing the unpleasantries of a yeast infection, Thyme Essential Oil could very well be the thing to fight against it naturally. For example, Candida Albicans is the most common yeast found in the body and is the one that Thyme Essential Oil has been proven to remediate.

10 - Helps with Skin Conditions and Infections

From atopic dermatitis (eczema), hives, cold sores, psoriasis, and much more, living with skin conditions is never a comfortable experience. Though there are tons of over the counter solutions, not all work well, and many have harsh chemicals that make them far less appealing. However, Thyme Essential Oil can support skin conditions and/or infections in the most natural way possible. Simply applying to the affected area with a carrier oil will get the job done successfully.

11 - Heals Wounds, Cuts, and Scars

Branching off of the skincare benefits, Thyme Essential Oil is also great at healing wounds, cuts and reducing the appearance of scars. It does this because this oil is capable of promoting fast cell and tissue growth. Plus, it is a strong antibiotic, antioxidant, and holds antiseptic properties, all of which quickly heal skin lesions and help repair damaged skin tissues.

12 - Supports Good Digestive Health

Remember how Thyme Essential Oil contains thymol? Well, this active constituent is also able to fight against Enterobacteriaceae and coccus bacteria, key things that contribute to poor digestive health. This means that taking Thyme Essential Oil can improve overall intestinal health while also substantially improving and fostering the population of beneficial gut microbes.

13 - Natural Urinary Infection Medication

Fighting UTI's with an essential oil may be tricky, but not impossible in the slightest. With Thyme Essential Oil being the antibacterial asset that it is, using it in either a diffuser to inhale or diluted in a carrier oil is the best way to reverse a UTI naturally. Furthermore, Thyme Essential Oil is said to be effective in killing off drug-resistant microorganisms and common harmful pathogens.

Tip: For females, make sure that you do not apply Thyme Essential Oil directly to the vagina or urethra's mucous membranes, as this can cause irritation.

14 - Lowers Blood Pressure

Between the stress-reducing realities, lowering cholesterol features, and its widely researched abilities in reducing heart rates, Thyme Essential Oil is a leading resource to lower blood pressure and improve life quality. Aside from inhaling to reduce cortisol levels, one of the best ways to obtain this benefit is by substituting salt for thyme oil, which is also a quite delicious alternative as well.

15 - Treat Colds, Coughs, and Respiratory Infections

The terpene thymol in Thyme Essential Oil is also an anti-spasmodic, which means it can help people overcome coughs associated with respiratory tract infections. In addition, the warming aroma is able to open the airways for those who are sick and ease them back to health naturally and quickly. What is even better is that those who use Thyme Essential Oil to fight colds, coughs, and respiratory infections will find they get sick less often, referred to in point number 5.

16 - Insomnia

Insomnia is something millions of people face. Before going to the local store and purchasing sleeping aids, try Thyme Essential Oil and watch how it is able to calm the mind, soothe the body, and instill the calmness needed to fall into a deep, restorative sleep. To gain this benefit, try using a diffuser at night to breathe in the captivating scent or apply it to the skin with a carrier oil. 

Fun Fact: Thyme Essential Oil can also clear airways, which can help those who snore or have sleep apnea get the quality sleep they deserve.

17 - Balances Hormones

There are a lot of reasons why someone’s hormone balance may be off. From poor diet, inadequate sleep, to lack of exercise, these are all things that can throw the body off-kilter. Though these are things someone will want to address regardless, know that Thyme Essential Oil contains adaptogens and can affect both estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones are the chemical messengers in the body, and when disrupted, it can lead to adverse side effects. What Thyme Essential Oil can do is raise the levels of progesterone, which then becomes the catalyst for causing a chain reaction for other hormones to recalibrate and become restored.

Conclusion

In the end, there is no denying that Thyme Essential Oil is a spearheading resource that is capable of successfully combating an astronomical amount of challenges to improve one’s quality of life. From aesthetic reasons, remediating health-related issues, to risk prevention, leveraging this powerful compound is ideal for advancing life quality in the most natural and effective form. What that being said, go ahead and try Thyme Essential Oil and experience the incredible, diversified advantages first-hand. Because if there is anything that should be apparent after reading this article, it is that benefits are something that Thyme Essential Oil certainly does not fall short of.

Written by Amber Dean