Scent Spotlight – Thyme

When you think of thyme, you might be taken back to the bright, slightly floral smell wafting through the kitchen on roast chicken day at Grandma’s house. Thyme is a relatively small herb, but it packs a powerful punch. Not only is thyme a popular and versatile flavoring, but it has protective properties, giving it a multitude of uses. If you haven’t discovered the many ways to enjoy this aromatic herb, it is most definitely thyme!

Story Thyme

Today we are going to learn all about an amazing little herb called thyme.

Thyme began its long and impactful life in the Levant region of the Mediterranean. This area corresponds with modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Israel. The Romans used it as an antiquated air freshener and to flavor their cheese. In ancient Egypt, thyme was used for embalming bodies, aiding the spirits of the dead as they made their way to the afterlife. In the 1300’s, thyme was introduced into the medical world for various treatments during the bubonic plague. During the middle ages, Europeans placed sprigs of thyme under their pillows to keep bad dreams away, and fair maidens offered nosegays of thyme to bring courage to their favorite knights. Finally, the green dells of wild thyme were believed to be the stomping grounds for fairies.

Growing Thyme

Thyme is easy to grow. All it needs is a bright, sunny setting and well-drained soil and it is good to go. This little herb is a sturdy plant, surviving deep freezes and tolerating accidental neglect (i.e., forgetting to water it!). Thyme is cultivated for its medicinal, ornamental, culinary, and even janitorial uses. Thyme essential oil is packed full of a compound called thymol, which is used in many commercial products such as mouthwash.

Some thyme species are cultivated as a lovely ground cover. Others, for their beautiful flowers. Culinary varieties are the ones used in a variety of delicious, savory dishes. It is a favorite herb around the world for flavoring soups, stocks, stews, marinades, poultry, fish, pork, lamb, beef, and vegetables.

At Nature’s Fusions, our thyme hails from beautiful Spain, and is of the Thymus zygis variety. Thyme essential oil is extracted through steam distillation, and it is bursting with terpenes. Thyme oil is used to improve the appearance of skin spots, uplift moods, cleanse, and protect.

Thyme to Clean

When it is thyme to clean, don’t forget the thyme. Thyme is one of the best essential oils for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms because of its protective properties. You can make a simple disinfectant spray by combining 1 cup hot water, 10 drops thyme essential oil, and ¼ cup citric acid in a spray bottle. Spray the surface you want to clean and let it sit for a couple of minutes, then wipe it dry with a fresh towel.

If the air needs some deodorizing, use thyme essential oil as a natural air freshener. Simply diffuse a very small amount of thyme oil and be amazed at how fast those bad odors dissipate.

You can also use thyme essential oil to create your own homemade hand soap. Fill a soap pump almost full of water. Add 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap, 1 teaspoon grapeseed oil (or any liquid oil that is good for skin), and 15 drops thyme essential oil. This natural soap will moisturize your hands as it cleans, and it won’t dry out or irritate your skin. As an added plus, thyme essential oil is invigorating and warming. It is safe for your skin, but it is powerful. It should be used in a dilution of no more than 2% thyme.

Play Thyme

One of the best things about essential oils is that you get to play around with them to discover new combinations. Try it with Bergamot to lift your mood, Grapefruit to combat fatigue, Lemon to freshen the air, Lavender to instill calm, Rosemary to improve your focus, and Pine to relieve tired muscles.

Thyme essential oil is also an important part of Strength, our essential oil blend for increased strength and motivation. It is also one of the oils included in our extreme protection blend, Nature’s Sword.

Who knew that this little herb from Grandma’s chicken was such as powerhouse? Used for cooking, cleaning, soothing, freshening the air, and lifting your mood, one bottle of thyme essential oil will offer you a host of benefits.