COMMON NAME: Thyme, White

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Thymus vulgaris, T. zygis

FAMILY NAME: Lamiaceae (Mint)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Mediterranean

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Spain

HISTORY INFORMATION: White Thyme is the rectified version of Red Thyme. It is not considered a whole oil or aromatherapy grade because it is rectified. In Essential Oil Therapy, it is recognized as a valuable oil. This is a commercial oil whose scent is being controlled synthetically or naturally. In fact, this oil after testing showed to have more thymol than the red thyme and not less as it should have. The tip off is always the scent. If white tyme has a strong thyme odor, suspect that it is stretched.

GENERAL INFORMATION: All thymes need to be used with care because of toxic phenols, carvacrol, and thymol. Very difficult to get Red thyme without some adulteration. I have heard all kinds of stories about how Red Thyme is produced: its gathered earlier in the year while white thyme is gathered later or visa vera; it is the first distillation and White Thyme is produced later in the distillation process; or Red thyme is aged White Thyme. It seems that commercial food processors want a dependable thyme scent. Most red thyme is controlled by stretching with natural or synthetic materials. You can tell it by the smell. True Thyme does not smell as strong.

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

PARTS PROCESSED: Thyme vulgaris oil. Red crude thyme oil.

PROCESSING METHODS: Stretched. Rectified (redistilled).

COLOR RANGE: Clear to yellow. Orange.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Varies to manipulation. Redistilled, thymol can be less 50%. Thymol added can be higher than 50%

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Anti-infectious, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, analgesic, expectorant, cholagogue, choleretic, cicatrizant, anthelmintic, febrifuge, tonic, general stimulant. Used for acne, impetigo, abscesses, wounds, flu, coughs, asthma, muscular aches and pains, upset stomach, flatulence, edema, and depression.

MENTAL USES: I can express my anger to God without fear of punishment or retribution. I am connected with my higher self.

EMOTIONAL USES: Tired, lonely, stressed, self-centered, self pity, anger (at God), abuse issues TO self-reliant, able to express anger and clear it, feel connected with higher source.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you have some anger with God. White Thyme clears issues of abuse and anger that is often blocked because we feel that we can't express it because it is directed towards God and it will be this anger that allows a spiritual disconnect. The individual, because of the anger, will disconnect from God and then wonder why God allows bad things to happen or why isn't God there for them. This anger is more refined than the anger that can be lodged in the lower chakra. Clears the crown chakra and connects with spirit. Use this oil with caution and with spiritual guidance.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath (under proper supervision and fixed oil), diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, liquid candle, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Toxic, avoid in pregnancy, with children and babies, skin irritation, avoid with high blood pressure.