Thyme

Springfields Thyme is a single, undiluted essential oil steam distilled from Thymus vulgaris, the common garden thyme. The aroma is sharp, warm and distinctly herbaceous with a woody edge, sitting as a top to middle note, and it is a strong scent that a very small quantity will carry. It blends particularly well with citrus oils, which soften its bite. Thyme is one of the most potent oils in the Springfields range, so read the safety section before you use it. Springfields is an Australian owned aromatherapy company based at Kulnura in New South Wales. It is the 10 mL bottle.

Product Strengths

• Thyme is traditionally used in aromatherapy as a strong, clearing herb note in a room blend.
• One ingredient: 100 per cent pure thyme essential oil, with nothing added and no carrier.
• Steam distilled from Thymus vulgaris rather than solvent extracted.
• Sharp herbaceous aroma: warm, green and woody, a top to middle note with real carrying power.
• A little goes a long way: one of the strongest oils in the range, so the 10 mL bottle lasts.
• Blends well with citrus oils, and Springfields also lists geranium, clary sage, frankincense, rosemary, eucalyptus, cypress and pine.
• Vegan.

Suitable For / Not Suitable For

Suitable for: Vegans and vegetarians; General household use.

Not suitable for: Pregnant or breastfeeding women, unless advised by a health professional.

Botanical Source

Botanical name Thymus vulgaris. Plant part: the leaves and flowering herb. Extraction: steam distillation. The chemotype is not declared, which matters for this oil because the thymol, linalool and other chemotypes of Thymus vulgaris differ substantially in how gentle they are; the safety guidance below is written for the thymol type, which is the common commercial grade. The country of distillation is not declared either; thyme oil is generally distilled in France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey and the United States.

How to Use

The directions for this oil are as follows. Diffuser or vaporiser: add 6 drops. Massage: mix 6 drops into 12ml, about two teaspoons, of unscented jojoba cream or a base oil and massage over the body. Bath: mix 6 drops with 6 drops of dispersant and add to warm bath water. Note that standard aromatherapy safety references advise against using thyme oil in the bath at all, because the irritation risk is higher when an oil floats on bath water, so the manufacturer's bath direction and the reference guidance do not agree. Given the dermal maximum below, the diffuser is the easiest way to use this oil. Confirm directions from product label.

Safety

• Thyme is a strong dermal irritant. Two independent aromatherapy references give a maximum dermal use level of 1.3 per cent for thyme ct thymol, which is well below the 1 to 3 per cent normally used for adult skin blends. Keep any skin blend at or under that level.
• Always dilute before skin contact. Never apply neat to the skin.
• Patch test first. Apply a small amount of the diluted blend to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use, and stop at the first sign of redness or stinging.
• Not for internal use. Do not swallow this oil unless you are under the supervision of a suitably qualified practitioner.
• Keep away from the eyes and mucous membranes. Thyme carries a moderate risk of mucous membrane irritation. If the oil gets into the eyes, flush with a plain vegetable oil and then water and seek medical advice.
• Pregnancy. Thyme is one of the oils traditionally avoided during pregnancy in aromatherapy practice. Springfields and its Australian stockists publish no pregnancy statement for this oil, and the standard references say only that anyone pregnant should use oils under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner, so the published positions differ in emphasis. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use it without advice from your doctor or a qualified aromatherapist.
• Children. The thymol type is not regarded as a child safe oil and gentler thyme chemotypes are recommended instead. Keep the bottle out of reach of children.
• Blood clotting and medicines. One standard aromatherapy reference notes that thyme oil may inhibit blood clotting and poses a drug interaction hazard. If you take anticoagulant medication or are due for surgery, speak with your doctor before using it on the skin.
• Flammable. Essential oils are flammable. Keep away from naked flame, candles and other ignition sources.
• Discontinue use if any sensitivity occurs.

Storage

Replace the cap firmly after use and store upright below 30 degrees Celsius in a dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep out of reach of children. Confirm storage directions from product label.

Disclaimer

This is an aromatherapy product, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and no therapeutic claims are made for it. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition or are taking medication, speak with your doctor or a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils. This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for advice from your health professional.

steam distillation of herb Thymus vulgaris

Blends well with: citrus oils, geranium, clary sage, frankincense, rosemary, eucalyptus, cypress and pine.