About Essential Oils

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Photo copyright Henriette Kress, http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed

Essential Oils

Angelica Root
Anise
Bay
Bergamot
Birch
Black Pepper
Blue Hungarian Chamomile
Buchu Leaf
Cananga Java
Caraway
Cardamom
Carrot Seed
Cassia, Chinese
Cedarleaf
Cedarwood
Celery Seed
Chamomile, Roman
Cinnamon Leaf
Citronella
Clary Sage
Clove Bud
Clove Leaf
Clove Stem
Cognac
Coriander Seed
Cornmint
Cumin
Davana
Dillweed
Eucalyptus
Fennel, Sweet
Galbanum, Terpeneless
Garlic
Geranium
Ginger
Grain Fusel
Grapefruit, California
Gurjun Balsam
Jasmine
Juniper Berry
Lavandin Abrialis
Lavender, Bulgarian
Lavender, French
Lemon
Lemongrass
Lime
Mandarin Orange
Neroli Bigarade
Nutmeg
Onion
Orange
Oregano
Parsley Seed
Patchouli
Peppermint
Petitgrain
Pimento Berry
Pine
Rose, Bulgarian
Rosemary
Sage
Sandalwood
Spearmint
Tagetes
Tangerine
Tea Tree
Thyme
Vanilla
Vetiver
Wintergreen
Ylang Ylang

Thyme

thymus vulgaris

General Description
One of the earliest medicinal plants, Thyme is native to Spain and the western Mediterranean region, extending to southeastern Italy. The flowers are born in clusters near tips of shoots in early summer and then distilled either by steam or water with oil yields peaking in hot summer conditions. Thyme oil is mainly used in flavoring applications in the processed food industry. It is also used to fragrance soaps and detergents where its characteristic fresh, antiseptic aroma is desired.

How It's Made
The steam or water distillation of the fresh or partially dried leaves and/or flowering tops produces the oil.

Aroma: Fresh, nutty scent.

Strength: Fairly Strong

Properties
Muscles
Helps with Arthritis
Helps with Gout
Helps with Rheumatism
Muscular Aches
Sprain Pain Relief
Helps with Obesity
Helps with Edema
Cellulitis

Respiratory
Helps with Bronchitis
Helps with Coughs
Helps with Laryngitis
Remedy for Asthma
Helps with Sore Throats
Helps with Tonsilitis
Helps with Sinus Infections
Provides Relief from Catarrh
Helps with Chills

Digestive
Prevents Flatulence
Helps with Dyspepsia
Increases Appetite
Helps with Heartburn
Reduces Nausea
Helps with Diarrhea

Nervous System
Helps with Stress-Related Disorders
Helps with Nervous Strain

Immune System
Battles Common Cold and Influenza
Prevents and Cures Infections
Helps with Flu Symptoms

Skin
Reduces Acne
Relieves Insect Bites
Helps with Dermatitis
Helps with Burns
Helps with Cuts
Helps with Lice
Helps with Scabies
Useful for Gum and Tooth Care
Helps with Oily Skin
Can be Applied to Bruises
Helps with Eczema
Helps with Abscesses

Circulation
Increases Circulation

Other Uses
Reduces Bladder Inflammation


: about : Essential Oils, © 2005