COMMON NAME: Lemon Thyme, Citral Type of Thyme, Citral Thyme

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Thymus hiemalis, T. vulgaris ?

FAMILY NAME: Lamiaceae (Mint)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Mediterranean

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Spain, France

HISTORY INFORMATION: The thymes have an ancient history to the people of the Mediterranean basin. Hippocrates and Dioscorides described its uses. Thymes are considered quite powerful and often used with caution. Lemon Thyme is more gentle and non-irritating, but it is also not an anti-viral as it cousins are. This thyme is more suited for shampoos and insomnia. Some references say it is safe enough for children, but I have seen no documented evidence of this.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Thymus hyemalis is said to be related botanically to T. vulgaris. This oil may be a different oil and held separately from the other thymes.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: An evergreen perennial herb growing to 1ft high with small gray-green leaves and flowers.

PARTS PROCESSED: Flowering plant

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled

COLOR RANGE: Dark yellow to orange

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Aldehyde. Citral, limonene, frenchone

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Understudy. Appears antispetic, anti-infectious, digestive, expectorant. Used for acne, skin and scalp, bronchitis, asthma, colds, sore throat, muscle aches, digestion, mental fatigue, exhaustion. Used to promote sleep.

MENTAL USES: I am a good thinker. I am also playful. I can balance my intuitive self with my rational self. I can be rational at times and irrational at other times. I do not always have to have a reason for what I am doing. I trust my inner guidance.

EMOTIONAL USES: Cautious, predictable, logical, rational, serious, stuffy TO playful, spontaneous, trusting inner self, spiritual nonchalance, confident that what you want you will get.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate you have been taking life too seriously. Your best friend may be your logical or rational mind. It is time to make new friends with your intuitive or emotional side. Do your emotions scare you? Do you think it is a waste of time to get emotional? Does it bother you to see someone act irrational or emotional? Maybe you can take more time to play and be more spontaneous. Be silly and do something that no one would expect you to do. Surprise people and yourself with your playfulness. You may find yourself stuck in the how of life instead of getting your intentions clear. What do you want? Ask yourself that question first. The How of it you leave to the universe.

APPLICATIONS: Bath, diffusor, gargle, inhalation, massage, tea.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: No formal testing so avoid in pregnancy. Use caution with children. Avoid with high blood pressure.