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What are Thymol Seeds?

Thymol seeds are the English name for the Indian spice, ajowan. These seeds are popular staples in Indian cooking, however, that is not their only use. The essential oil of the thymol seed can be extracted from the seed and used as an ingredient in a large amount of products. Thymol oil is also found in both thyme and horsemint. The thymol compound is used in cooking, in some pesticides, in perfume, mouthwash and in makeup.

  1. The Plant

    • The ajowan plant is a small annual shrub that appears to have soft fine hairs. It consists of multiple branches with leafy stems. The leaves look like small feathers that contain 4 to 12 flower heads. Each flower head is able to bear anywhere from 6 to 16 flowers apiece. The fruits, or thymol seeds, are tiny and egg shaped.

    Food Use

    • Thymol seeds are popular in Indian cooking. The seeds are small and greenish gray, with a similar size to cumin or caraway seeds. The seeds themselves taste bitter with a slight thyme flavor. Raw seeds are hot when eaten, but the seeds lose their heat as they are cooked.

    Pesticide Use

    • In 1964, thymol seeds were listed as the leading ingredient of pesticides in the United States. These pesticides are still used for repelling domestic animals, according to Third Planet Foods. While thymol seeds have been allowed for the use in pesticides, the thymol seed is on the "Generally Recognized as Safe Food List" by the Food and Drug Administration. There have not been any known side effects on either humans or the environment from the exposure to thymol seeds.

    Medical Uses

    • Third Planet Foods lists thymol as an antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal agent. Thymol is also used as a disinfectant, and is a popular ingredient in mouthwash. Many common medicines contain thymol. Medicines for acne, athletes foot, and hemorrhoids contain thymol, as well as ointments for chest congestion. Thymol is also a useful medication for treating hook worms and other parasites. The spread of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can be limited with the use of thymol. This is because thymol reduces the ability for the bacteria to adhere to cells.

    Other Uses

    • Because thymol oil is an antifungal with preservative properties, its is used frequently in manufacturing cosmetics. Thymol oil helps to extend the shelf life of makeups and perfumes. It is also an important ingredient in perfumes because of its caustic taste. This taste can help prevent the ingestion of potentially fatal perfumes by children.

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