Thyme Marches On
The following article is by
Katie Novak
Elizabeth Van Buren, Inc.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-425-8218
Every month we feature an article on an essential oil. For the month of March we are featuring Thyme (Thymus vulgaris or Red Thyme.) This herb is from the Lamiaceae Botanical family, the same family as Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Marjoram, Melissa, Basil, Clary Sage, Sage, Hyssop and Oregano to name a few. Many of these plants are herbs we use in cooking in order to flavor our foods and tantalize our pallets.
These plants are very aromatic and each contains essential oil chemical constituents that protect the plant from animals (especially deer), insects, bacteria and fungus. These chemical constituents are the immune system of the plant. When we (humans) distill the oils from these plants and use them in the many ways we use essential oils, we too are enhancing our immune systems.
Thymus vulgaris is thusly named because the main chemical constituent is a hot fiery phenol known as Thymol. When our resident chemist (and co-owner of Elizabeth Van Buren, Inc) Larry Jones tests samples of Thyme, he specifically looks for a peak of Thymol measuring between 42-48% on his Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer. Interestingly, this oil, so aptly named is one of the best oils for the Thymus gland. This gland plays an important role in fighting off illness. A white blood cell known as T-lymphocyte (Killer T cell) originates in the bone marrow and migrates to the Thymus. It is here the Thymus secretes a polypeptide hormone called Thymosin for a specific function of maturing the T-cells. These T-cells recognize and destroy invading bacteria, viruses, abnormal cell growth (such as cancer) and foreign tissue. The immune system is strengthened not only by the presence of a high peak of Thymol in Thymus vulgaris but also the existence of the other constituents in this anti-infectious oil such as: the phenol Carvacrol, the monoterpenes: Myrcene, Para Cymene and the alcohols: Terpin-4-ol, Linalool and Borniol.
Clinical trials have been performed over the years with Thymus vulgaris to prove the effectiveness of combating bacterial infections. Here are some examples of such trials:
Respiratory oil for infections resistant to antibiotics (Lawless J, Ency. Es. Oils 92)
Anti-bacterial Strength vs. staph aureus, Ecoli (Ramaneol S, Arch Inst Pasteur 87)(Gives strength at every level: physical, mental & emotional)
Antibacterial & G-test antioxidant activity (Piccaglia R, Programme Abstracts 1993)
Strong immunostimulant properties (Mailhebiaw P, Les Cahiers de L’Arom. 95)
Effective against Candida albicans & Trichophyton mentagrophytes (Giamperi, L, Fraternale D, Ricci D, J. Essential oil Res. 2002)
Effective Liver Antioxidant (Dorman HJD, Deans S, Noble R J Esst. Oil Res. 1995)
When customers call in who are fighting off a respiratory infection that does not respond to antibiotics we recommend the following steam:
Essential Oil of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): 1 drop
Essential Oil of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): 1 drop
Essential Oil of Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): 1 drop
Boil two cups of water and pour into a ceramic or glass bowl. Place one drop each of the above-mentioned oils. Cover head with a towel, close eyes and breathe alternately between nose and mouth. Steam until there is no more steam. Perform this 3 times over the period of 24-36 hours.
You could create a blend using 2oz. of vegetable oil (jojoba) with 1ml. Thymus vulgaris (Red Thyme), ½ ml. Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus) & ½ ml. of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil. This blend could be rubbed on the chest (especially the Thymus) or added to a bath.
We also have our Immune Blend formula on sale this month for 5% off which contains: Thyme, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Peppermint, Clovebud, & Niaouli in jojoba. This is a 10% essential oil blend in jojoba available in a dropper bottle, roll-on or bulk size. This can be used as is or further diluted in unscented massage oil or lotion for a massage. I prefer the roll-on applicator and apply it directly to the chest; you guessed it, right over the Thymus.
In addition to our sale on Immune Blend, we are offering our Cold/Flu Blend, Juniper Tonic Massage Oil and of course our Thyme essential oil for 5% off during the month of March. Add Thyme to your medicine chest and keep your Immune System strong all year long.
