THYME VULGARIS ESSENTIAL OIL
A strong, warm and pungent herbal essential oil requiring chemotype-specific assessment.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
Common Name: Thyme
Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Origin of Plant: Mediterranean region
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the flowering herb
Note: Middle
Colour: Colourless to yellow or reddish-brown, depending on material
Aroma: Strong, warm, herbaceous and pungent
About This Essential Oil
Thyme Essential Oil is steam distilled from Thymus vulgaris. Its strong herbal aroma is used sparingly in specialist perfumery, soaps, household fragrance and diffuser formulations. Thyme occurs in several chemotypes with materially different chemical profiles and safety limits. The current chemotype and batch analysis must therefore be identified before any application is selected.
Key Benefits
• Provides a strong, warm and herbaceous aroma
• Adds intensity to specialist aromatic formulations
• Popular in robust herbal and household blends
• Complements selected citrus, woody and herbal oils
• Effective as a middle note at low proportions
• Requires chemotype- and product-specific assessment
History
Thyme has a long history as a culinary, aromatic and ceremonial herb around the Mediterranean. Its name has been linked with Greek terms associated with fumigation, spirit or courage, although etymological accounts vary. It later appeared in European fragrance, household and customary preparations. Historical use of the herb does not establish that concentrated Thyme Essential Oil treats infection, respiratory illness, fatigue or other medical conditions.
Main Chemical Components
40% Esters, 35% Alcohols, 10% Monoterpenes
Aromatic Characteristics
• Strong and herbaceous
• Warm and pungent
• Persistent middle note
Aromatic Uses
• Adds intensity to specialist diffuser blends
• Provides herbal character in natural perfumery
• Used sparingly in soaps and household fragrance
• Requires product-specific formulation limits
Aromatic Profile
• Powerful, warm and distinctive
• Dominant even at low proportions
Blends Well With
Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajeput, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Melissa, Niaouli, Rosemary and Tea Tree. Use sparingly.
Health & Safety
• Some chemotypes can severely irritate skin and mucous membranes.
• Not recommended for routine topical use, massage or baths.
• Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless professionally advised.
• Do not assume suitability for babies or children; seek age-specific advice.
• Seek medical advice for epilepsy, high blood pressure or other conditions.
• Diffuse only in very small amounts with good ventilation.
• Stop if irritation, coughing, headache, nausea or unusual effects occur.
• Oxidised oil may sensitise; keep tightly closed and use fresh oil.
• Keep from children and animals; store below 25°C away from sunlight and heat.
