Benefits of Oil of Thyme

The oil of thyme has been around for centuries. Since its earliest medicinal use by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans, thyme oil has been an alternative aid for many ailments. The oil of thyme is red to amber in color and can cause some skin irritation. It has many health benefits and uses.

Cough Suppressant and Cold Remedy

• Thyme oil is an effective treatment for many lung issues.

  The main element active in thyme oil is thymol. It acts as a cough suppressant by subduing coughing spasms. As an expectorant, thyme oil has a warming quality that works to relieve mucous build up and phlegm. Thymol also benefits the immune system by increasing white blood cell count, helping the body defend itself against colds and other infections.

Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral

• Thyme oil has been shown to be effective in battling salmonella, a common bacteria found in raw chicken.

  Thymol is an effective antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. Because of these properties, thyme oil is a common ingredient in many mouthwashes for is effects against gingivitis and plaque-causing bacteria. It also provides defenses against a wide variety of disease-causing bacteria, including anthrax bacillus, typhoid bacillus and meningococcus. As an antibacterial, thymol also plays an integral role in the medicines responsible for battling salmonella, staphylococcus and tuberculosis. Thyme oil's role as an antiviral is similar to its role as a cold remedy in that it strengthens the body's natural defenses to ward against viral infections.

Pain Relief

• Like aspirin, thyme oil is an effective pain reliever.

  Thyme oil also provides effective pain relief from such sources as rheumatic aches, migraine headaches and nerve stimulation or damage. It may be applied topically or ingested. Topically, thyme oil soothes pain by warming the area. Ingested, it blocks the pain receptors in the brain and soothes irritated nerves that cause pain.

Symptom Relief

• Thyme oil relieves or improves many symptoms or conditions, particularly those involving the digestive system. Thyme oil can relieve stomach upset with its carminative (preventing gas formation) properties, stimulate the digestive system, and aid in the treatment of worms, gastric infections and dyspepsia (indigestion). Thyme oil has also been shown to eliminate uric acid, which aids in the treatment of and provides relief from gout, sciatica, arthritis and rheumatism.

Mental Enhancer

• Thyme oil has also showed great potential in strengthening mental faculties, such as concentration and memory.