Thyme aetheroleum

Essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the fresh flowering herb of Thymus vulgaris (ÖAB) or Thymus zygis (Ph.Helv.) with the characteristic thyme odor.

See also under thyme oil.

Thymus vulgaris oil is the nomenclature used in the INCI for the essential oil obtained from the fresh or partially dried leaves and flowering shoot tips. This is used in cosmetic formulations.

Red thyme oil is the crude distillate, white thyme oil is produced by further distillation or rectification. Solvent extraction produces an absolute for the perfume industry.

Quality is defined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).
HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: Internal: Expectorant for coughs caused by colds, external: as liniment or bath for cold symptoms
ESCOP: not processed
Commission E: not processed

Carvacrol (1 to 5 %) thymol, (30 to 50 %), p-cymene (15-20 %), γ-terpinene (5-10 %), thymol methyl ether (1.4-2.5 %), borneol, camphene, 1,8-cineole, linalyl acetate, terpenyl acetate, various sesquiterpene hydrocarbons.

Antimicrobial, antiviral, bronchospasmolytic, expectorant. Further analgesic and spasmolytic (thymol effect).

Colds, bronchitis; internal applications only for persons > 18 years. Duration of use not longer than 1 week. Modification of this guideline only on doctor's instructions.

Use during pregnancy or lactation only when prescribed by a doctor.

Internally: 4-5Tr 3-5x dailyExternally
: Applications as a bath additive for people > 3 years.

Thymi aetheroleum can also be used for inhalation (add 5 tr. of thyme oil to an inhalation pot with 1-2L of water).

Thymi aetheroleum can also be used 10% in fatty oils as a chest compress externally (e.g. with olive oil).

1. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/thymian.php
2. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-thymus-vulgaris-l-thymus-zygis-l-herba_en.pdf
3. https://www.awl.ch/heilpflanzen/thymus_vulgaris/thymian.htm