Like All Essential Oils, Thyme Essential Oil is a Disinfectant.
Aromatherapists have several uses for thyme essential oil. I use it mainly as a disinfectant. In fact it is one of the most powerful disinfectants – stronger even than commercial chemical disinfectants. Thyme oil acts against viruses as well as bacteria. Bunches of thyme and rosemary used to be burnt in hospitals to kill germs, but it’s easier to use the essential oil.
To use Thyme oil as a disinfectant, mix several drops in a pint or so of water and use this to wipe down surfaces. You can also put a few drops in an essential oil burner or directly on a light bulb or radiator, to clean the air in a room. It discourages insects as well as germs.
If you have thyme growing in your garden, you can make your own disinfectant from the plant. Pour a pint of boiling water onto 2oz of dried or 4oz of fresh thyme, cover and leave it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and bottle when cool.
Thyme essential oil is particularly good for infections as it stimulates your immune system as well as killing germs. You can use the oil in all cases of infection. For instance, as an inhalation for throat and chest infections - put a few drops in a bowl of hot water, lean over the bowl with a towel over your head and the bowl, so that you breathe in the steam. Do this for a few minutes at a time.
You can use thyme oil in your bath. It stimulates your circulation and can revive you when you’re tired. Use 3 or 4 drops, and dilute it in a teaspoon of light oil such as sunflower oil before mixing it into your bathwater. It has been used to ease the pain of arthritis. Never use the undiluted oil on your skin or in the bath, as it is very strong.
Thyme has been used as a medicinal plant since earliest times. It is as useful today as ever, and the essential oil is an easy way to use it.
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