A member of the Mint family and related to oregano, thyme is a perennial evergreen herb that thrives in the summer months.
Its blooms are sweet-smelling and pretty. In the wild, thyme is indigenous to the warm sunny climates with well drained soil such as; Mediterranean scrubland, Provence int the south of France, Greece and Malta.
There are about 400 species of thyme, but the most common one is Thymus Vulgaris, the leaves and flowers of which are used for essential oils.
Thyme is a hardy plant that is known to survive even the chilly rocky soil of England and the frigid highlands of Scotland.
Current production occurs mostly in France, Spain, Morocco and the United States, where it is widely used by the world’s foremost perfumers.
The use of thyme essential oil date back to the days when the world was young. Thyme was an embalming agent in the wondrous realm of ancient Egypt.
The Romans cleansed with thyme-infused bath water and soldiers believed its use helped to instill courage and bravery before going to battle.
It was also a vital ingredient in their cosmetics, body waters and balms. Historians believe that the Romans were responsible for spreading the use of thyme throughout Europe. Pliny (c23-79 AD), who was a Roman authority on all things scientific wrote: “when burnt, it puts to flight all venomous creatures’.”
Greeks used thyme as incense for their temples and to promote restful sleep.
The word itself is Greek in origin and derives from the Greek, thymon, which further translates into an offer of incense or sacrifice.
Thyme essential oil is thought to have healing properties that have undergone limited testing on animals, but it is never meant to be used exclusively as a treatment for any disease.
Thyme may, however, have beneficial results when combined with other applications.
Thyme essential oil contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that are known to heal cuts, bruises and scrapes.
Rich in plant compounds, it is believed to empower the nerves and fight depression and exhaustion.
It also can affect circulation and relax arteries and veins, which in turn reduces stress levels to the heart.
When diffused with a carrier oil via aromatherapy, thyme can be helpful in stimulating blood flow and circulation, flushing out toxins in the skin and leaving it with a more youthful, healthy glow.
Some studies have indicated that the thymol in the essential oil reduces inflammation and infection, making it beneficial to oral health.
For this reason, thyme is found in mouthwashes, especially Listerine Cool Mint.
Inhaling its deep fragrance can be helpful during times of stress, fatigue or grief.
For centuries untold, thyme has been used for its aromatic properties. Its unusual scent is spicy, sunny, a bit leathery, warm and unexpectedly exhilarating.
Today, it can be found in many of the chypre or woody family of perfumes. Although more likely to be included in masculine fragrances, thyme has made its way into some unisex colognes as well.
The quality of the thyme scent is greatly dependent on the method used in the extraction of the essential oil. Usually part of a fragrance dry down, thyme is said to have a scent that somewhat resembles oregano but is more resinous and closer in comparison to rosemary.
Some other descriptions lean toward very intense and fresh or herbaceous and medicinal. Ultimately, the smell, it would seem, lies in the nose of the beholder.
When used in fragrance, thyme is a heart or middle note. It blends well with spicy, floral bergamot, clean, balsamic cedar wood, warm, fruity chamomile, woody, sweet and crisp juniper, fresh, clean lemon, pleasant, sugary Niaoli oil, luxurious, lemony and soothing Melissa oil, aromatic rosemary and piney, medicinal tea tree.
Thyme Was Once Used To Ward Off The Bubonic Plague
During the 14th century when The Black Death was ravaging Europe, thyme was one of several herbs used in posies that were believed to have the magical power to ward off disease and nightmares. It was also often placed in bedding and under pillows.
Thyme Was Once A Popular Tea
Scottish highlanders were once known to drink a tea made of wild thyme. It was believed to grant courage to warriors in battle.
Thyme was Once An Incense Ingredient And Decorated Coffins
The Middle Ages marked a period when thyme was infused in funerary incense and was placed on top of coffins because it was believed to assure safe passage into the next life.
In Medieval Europe Women Gifted Their Warriors With Thyme Leaves
It was believed that the leaves would bring courage to whoever carried them. Ladies of the period also often embroidered the emblem of a bee hovering over a sprig of thyme on scarves that they would lovingly give to their knights.
Thyme Essential Oil Was Used As a Sanitizer During World War One
Thyme sanitized hospital wards and operating rooms during the First World War, and clinical trials have ascertained that thyme oil is highly effective against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Thyme Is Mentioned in The Bible
It is a Christian belief that thyme was one of several plants used to fill the holy manger. This accounts for its religious significance to this day throughout the Mediterranean region of the world.
Thyme As An Antidote For Poison
The Romans thought that eating thyme before or during a meal would cure poisons. This made it an important plant to keep around, especially among Roman emperors who cultivated the herb in wild profusion in their private gardens.
Romans Made Money From Thyme
The Romans planted thyme near their beehives and sold the honey as a specialty item.
This woodsy, exotic fragrance is incense-inspired, and is a center-piece of our newly-launched Air-Scent collection of diffuser oils.
Facets of both herbs and florals merge seamlessly with tropical, sugary and green white tea bud, rich, intoxicating night-blooming jasmine, sensual rose and earthy, slightly spicy and nutty sage.
Base notes of spicy, potent thyme, waxy bright lily, warm, dark amber and dry cedar complete this fanciful fragrance.
Head notes of fresh, clean, citrusy and intensely fruity fig introduce this glorious fragrance from our Air Wisp collection, which come in three sizes (100ml, 500ml and 1000ml).
Facets quickly fade into a heart note bouquet marked by aspects of exotic, soft and sugary white tea bud, rich, intense jasmine and dreamy, musky red rose.
A dry down of somber, balsamic cedar, warm, honeyed amber, spicy thyme and sensual, passionate musk completes this luxurious, soothing and sophisticated fragrance that whispers of the eternal allure of the Far Eastern corners of the world.
So sit back, relax and take in one of our Thyme-infused diffuser oils!
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