Uses of Thymol Oil

Thymol is an essential oil found in several species of thyme and oregano plants that contains significant antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and antioxidant properties. According to Gabriel Mojay, author of "Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit", thyme oil was used by ancient Egyptians during the embalming process and by ancient Greeks as a disinfectant. The name comes from the Greek word "thymon" meaning "to fumigate".

Antimicrobial

• Thymol is used as an active ingredient in toothpaste.

  Thymol oil is a powerful antibacterial and antiseptic agent and was used during WWI as a disinfectant in hospitals. In a study published in the medical journal "Pharmaceutical Biology" in 2010, Gholamreza Zarrini and colleagues found thymol was effective against a wide range of bacteria including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Thymol is found as an active ingredient in a variety of mouthwashes and toothpastes.

Antifungal

• Thymol is used to kill mold and fungi.

  Thymol is used to kill fungal and mold spores. In a study published in the medical journal "Letters of Applied Microbiology" in 2007, M. Šegvic Klaric and colleagues from Croatia found thymol was active against a wide variety of fungi and mold species. In this study thymol was also compared to thyme oil and was found to be three times stronger in killing mold and fungi.

Respiratory System

• Thymol helps fight coughs, colds and infections.

  Thymol is used to ease the symptoms of a variety of respiratory diseases and infections. According to Salvatore Battaglia, author of "The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy", thymol is specifically effective in treating colds, bronchitis, sore throats, whooping cough and asthma. Battaglia states thymol has significant expectorant, immuno-stimulant and antimicrobial properties that aid these conditions.

Digestion

• Thymol improves digestion and reduces bloating.

  Thymol helps to reduce bloating, spasming of the intestinal tract and improves appetite. Due to the significant antibacterial and antifungal properties thymol, helps to treat candida, gastroenteritis and putrefaction in the digestive tract. Salvatore Battaglia recommends thymol as a digestive stimulant

Nervous System

• Chinese used thyme to increase vigor and tonify the body.

  Thymol is a warm and stimulating essential oil that helps to increase the circulation and improve concentration. According to Gabriel Mojay, thymol helps to reduce lethargy, fatigue and depression and restores vigor to the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, thyme is used to stimulate yang Qi, due to its tonic effect on the heart and body during convalescence.

Warning

• Thymol may be toxic if ingested or cause serious harm if it comes into contact with the eyes. Thymol is only to be used through inhalation or on the skin as a diluted solution. If thymol is ingested or causes allergic reaction readers are urged to seek medical advice immediately.