Thyme essential oil has been in use since the time of the Romans. Both red and white thyme oils are manufactured commercially and are in products ranging from cough drops to perfumes. White thyme oil is made by re-distilling red thyme oil. Red thyme oil has a higher amount of phenols, which the oils are prized for, but is more expensive than white thyme oil.
Antimicrobial Properties
White thyme essential oil contains phenols that have antimicrobial properties, which can inhibit growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses. While these antimicrobial properties exist, they are not foolproof, according to the results of a study published in the October, 2008 issue of "Meat Science." The thyme essential oil in the study only inhibited E. coli at certain concentrations and temperatures, reveals study author N. Solomakos.
Invigorating Properties
The phenols found in white thyme essential oil also have invigorating and warming properties, according to the All 4 Natural Health website. The oil can be used topically in a liniment or utilized to boost blood circulation, according to the Intekom website. Such a boost enhances nutrient and oxygen delivery in the body.
Topical Use
White thyme oil can be added to massage oils to help relieve rheumatism, advises the Botanical site. It can also help with sore muscles and sciatica.
Infection Fighter
White thyme oil is useful for fighting bacterial and viral infections when inhaled. The best way to utilize the oil is with a vaporizer, advises Yogawiz. It can aid in treating pulmonary, urinary and intestinal infections.
Clear Airways
Vapor with thyme oil also helps clear a person’s airways. This is one of the longest-standing folk medicine uses of thyme, according to Natural Standard. Thyme oil acts as an expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the lungs and throat. The oil also is a common ingredient in lozenges and cough drops that people use when fighting off respiratory ailments.
Oral Use
White thyme oil is used commercially in mouthwash and toothpaste, where it is added to help reduce plaque formation and gingivitis, according to Natural Standard.
Scent
The fragrance in white thyme oil is extensively used commercially in soaps, detergents and perfumes, according to Botanical.
Warnings
Before you use white thyme oil on your skin you should do a skin sensitivity patch test. Apply a small amount of thyme oil on the inside of your arm. Wait 24 hours to see if you have a reaction to the oil, such as swelling, redness or burning. Do not use white thyme oil on children or during pregnancy.
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Writer Bio
Linda Tarr Kent is a reporter and editor with more than 20 years experience at Gannett Company Inc., The McClatchy Company, Sound Publishing Inc., Mach Publishing, MomFit The Movement and other companies. Her area of expertise is health and fitness. She is a Bosu fitness and stand-up paddle surfing instructor. Kent holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Washington State University.