History of Thyme Natural Herb - Medicinal Benefits of its Essential Oil

Thyme herb is a perennial shrub, which belongs to the Labiatae family of shrubs that grows up to 15 cm to 30 cm in height. Thyme has dark lilac flowers and tiny green leaves. The leaves of thymus citriodorus variety are wide and have a lemon scent and that is why this variety is also called lemon thyme. Before the invention of refrigerator, amazing essential oil concentration of thyme was used for preserving food due to its purification and preservative qualities. The Romans used thyme essential oil in their bathrooms for its stimulating qualities. Romans also used thyme in their kitchens with wine and cheese. In the middle ages, ladies used to give thyme to the knights to protect them in battle, as it was a symbol of courage for them. The scientific name of thyme is thymus vulgaris, which has been known since ancient times as a culinary and medicinal herb and has been used in natural and alternative medicine since that time period. According to aromatherapy, the aroma of thyme is pervasive, persistent, and strong. Thyme has powerful disinfectant and bactericidal effects, which are helpful in preventing infections and it has been used as a herbal remedy for many other ailments mentioned below due to its medicinal benefits. Also, thyme is called banajwain in Hindi.

Symbolism of Thymus Vulgaris - History of Thyme Natural Herb

The word “thymus” is derived from Egyptian word “tham” which means strong smelling and Egyptians used thyme in embalming. Thyme was then used later by Greeks who used to call it a fragrant plant. Thyme was then translated into Latin by Virgil, the famous poet and beekeeper. He used this name for the first time in his poetic works. In natural medicine, thyme has been recognized for its miraculous medicinal benefits in patients suffering from lung disorders.  Also, Galen, the Greek physician and philosopher, advised the use of thyme for people suffering from joint disorders. He also considered thyme as the most powerful antiseptic ever known.

Origin of Thyme Natural Herb

Botanical historians have contradictory proofs of origin of thyme. The exact time of thyme existence is unknown. Some historians believe it was the Romans who introduced thyme in England and on the other hand, some say that thyme began to get popular from North of the Alps between 850 and 1250. In 16^th century, thyme was cultivated everywhere in the world. The famous German chemist, Neumann, was the first person who extracted the essential oil of thyme in year 1725. This powerful antiseptic herb is still used nowadays in various pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations and natural and alternitive medicine.

Extraction of Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme essential oil is extracted by distillation of its parts to get 2 volatile essences, one is red which is the purest form of thyme essential oil and another one is of a whitish color.

Medicinal Benefits of Thyme Essential Oil

• The essential oil of thyme has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
• Inhalation of thyme oil has expectorant effect, which makes it ideal in treatment of colds and flu of the bronchial origin
• Thyme essential oil massage tones the skin.
• Thyme essential oil inhalation stimulates appetite.
• Thyme is an anti-fungal herb.
• Medicinal use of thyme essential oil helps the body's immune system.
• Medicinal thyme oil treats urine infections and nocturnal enuresis in children.
• Thyme stimulates, energizes, and tones body, strengthens the defense system, cleanses and purifies mind.

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