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Thyme aetheroleum

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

All authors of this article

Last updated on: 27.02.2025

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Synonym(s)

oleum thyme; Thmyus vulgaris oil (INCI); Thyme oil

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

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

IngredientsThis section has been translated automatically.

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.

EffectsThis section has been translated automatically.

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

Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.

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.

Pregnancy/nursing periodThis section has been translated automatically.

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

DosageThis section has been translated automatically.

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).

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  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

Authors

Last updated on: 27.02.2025

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter AltmeyerProf. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles