Thyme ct. Linalool Essential Oil Profile
Thyme ct. Linalool (Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool) Oil
Botanical Family: Lamiaceae Chemical Families: Monoterpenes, Monoterpenol
Note: Middle-Top Sourced: SW Europe, N Africa
Method: Distilled from flowers and leaves Shelf life: 5 years
Aromatic notes – vibrant, slightly sharp and complex, herbal essence of Thyme is quietly present with citrus notes reminiscent of Lemon and Lime, slightly dry and medicinal with deeper almost floral notes.
Energetic Properties – refreshing and reviving, restores clarity and focus, calming and supportive
Chemical Families Profile
Monoterpenols: Linalool, teinene-4-ol, thuyan-4-ol, borneol
Monoterpenes: B-myrcene, y-terpinene, a-pinene, a-terpinene, d-limonene
Sesquiterpenes: B-Caryophyllene
Therapeutic Properties – Several therapeutic properties have a strong presence due to the fact that the chemical constituents named above repeat the same action but from a different molecular makeup. This is why Thyme ct. Linalool has strong action in the following:
activates white blood cells, airborne antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-anxiety, antibacterial, antibiofilm, anticholinesterase, antihistaminic, anti-hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antitumoral, antiviral, anxiolytic
Supportive actions: anticonvulsant, antifungal/antifungal (candida), antiulcerogenic, anxiolytic, cicatrisant (skin healing), CNS depressant, cognition enhancement, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective (liver protective), hypotensive, immunomodulatory, local anesthetic, mucolytic, neuroprotective, prevents bone loss, sedative, skin penetration enhancer, treats scabies, vasorelaxant, kills head lice.
Thyme is a fascinating and multifaceted plant. Essential oil of Thyme is also a huge multitasker. If you aren’t aware, there are many chemotypes – or varieties of Thyme, reportedly over 2000! The properties and qualities of each can vary greatly. Here we are talking about Thymus vulgaris ct. Linalool (Linalool).
The name Thyme is from Ancient Greek meaning “to fumigate” as it was used as an airborne disinfectant in sick rooms and public places. It is no secret that Thyme has a lengthy history. Emotionally and energetically, Thyme is recognized for reviving, protecting, and emboldening. Roman soldiers would bathe in Thyme before battle. During the Crusades, ladies would sew Thyme into the scarves of the knights for spiritual protection.
During the plague in Europe, Thyme was one of the herbs carried in pocket posies to help ward off the plague; though, we now know it wasn’t spread in the air but rather by fleas. It is an effective insecticide against some insects such as lice, aphids, Varroa mites, and kills mosquito larvae and fleas!
Thyme Linalool essential oil's wide array of medicinal values were recognized in ancient times and it has been a staple ever since. Egyptians utilized thyme in the embalming process. No wonder since it is great for healing and disinfecting skin.Europeans used it for digestive disorders (Meister et al. 1999), infections, fever, respiratory illnesses and reduce congestion. This relates to its antispasmodic, mucolytic, expectorant, and decongestant attributes.This is supported by the WHO documenting its usefulness for dyspepsia and other gastrointestinal issues, coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis.
Thyme Linalool is one chemotype that is safe for use on the skin as Linalool has healing properties. It is highly effective, yet it is also gentle enough to use with children or elderly by diffusing for respiratory ailments and to boost immune system function. It can be used (in proper dilution) for topical anesthetic, analgesic, and wound healing blends. And since it has many disinfectant properties, it is perfect for boo-boos!Topical applications of thyme have been used in the treatment of minor wounds, common cold, and “disorders of the oral cavity.” It has been documented for treating infections like anthrax, diphtheria and typhoid and is known for killing parasites that live on the skin.
Due in part to the Linalool content, it is especially good for anxiety, distress, and nervous energy in general. It is currently involved in much study for cognitive health. In her book Essential Oils to Boost the Brain & Heal the Body, Jody Cohen states “Thyme increases the permeability of the cell membrane allowing more nutrients in and waste to be moved out, which accelerates healing.” This includes crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier to help transport beneficial properties and detoxify the brain! This speaks to Thyme Linalool’s strong antioxidant action (Wei and Shibamoto 2010) as listed in the Therapeutic Properties section.
One study showed Thyme essential oils useful for the prevention of neuroinflammation and related neurodegeneration stating “Neuroinflammation is responsible for several diseases of the central nervous system. Some plant-derived bioactive molecules have been shown to have role in attenuating neuroinflammation by regulating microglia, the immune cells of the CNS” as long as the exact ratio of components are present –(Horvath et, al) which is easy enough with testing such as GC/MS.
A wonderful thing about essential oils is, since each individual EO offers a host of benefits, they can address several issues at the same time. For example, if you are nervous about a test or interview and brain fog is staring to set in – and a headache – and a nervous tummy, Thyme Linalool can help downgrade the stress reaction as well as help detox from the stress chemicals released into the body. I mean, it is all connected isn’t it? In the published paper titled Smell and Stress Response in the Brain: Review of the Connection between Chemistry and Neuropharmacology, the research team states regarding Thyme Linalool“Stress is thought to lead to anxiety and fatigue...Brain fatigue is caused by inflammation that occurs in the brain and affects the whole body... stress is one of the risk factors for developing mental disorders In the future, it will be necessary to link chemical research at the level of molecules with neuropharmacology and neurochemistry.”
If you like to listen to educational videos while you work or drive then you may enjoy this recording of a webinar on Thyme by Valerie Cooksley on the NAHA Youtube channel.
Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool is an excellent representation of how multifaceted essential oils are in general. Now that you are empowered with more information, try blending some Thyme L. with some of the other essential oils featured in our Oil of the Month blogs. You well definitely get more than you bargained for!
SAFETY DATA –
No known safety concerns or interactions at this time. More info is available at tisserandinstitute.org
COMMON USES: bath, diffusing, direct and diffused inhalation, flavoring (has GRAS status), topical dilutions
To help reduce germs and pathogens from the air add a few drops to a diffuser.
For respiratory, emotional, or cognition support add two drops to a cotton ball or bottom of a shot glass and inhale slowly and deeply for several repetitions (or inhale straight from the bottle).
Add 5-6 drops per ounce of carrier oil for a stress and pain relief massage, water retention, menstrual discomfort, digestive discomfort, or bug repellent.
Add a drop to unscented conditioner to reduce dandruff or to support hair rejuvenation.Inhale straight from the bottle (or make an inhaler) or place a couple drops on a tissue and place inside your pillow case for more restful sleep.
Inhale or diffuse for stress and immune support.
Add a drop or two to a diffuser necklace or patch for immune support or for revitalization.
Thyme Linalool is skin friendly, it can be added to moisturizing and healing blends for topical application (especially anti-itching blends).
Try your own calming focus blend by mixing a couple drops with Rosemary ct Verbenone and Lemongrass Rhodinol. Add 12-15 drops to a reusable inhaler and keep it with you and inhale often to help boost your immune system.
Sources & Studies:
Tisserand Institute https://tisserandinstitute.org/safety-guidelines/
Aromahead Insatitute https://www.aromahead.com/
Healthline.com https://www.healthline.com/search?q1=Thyme%20essentil%20oil
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Hink WF, Liberati TA, Collart MG. Toxicity of linalool to life stages of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), and its efficacy in carpet and on animals. J Med Entomol. 1988 Jan;25(1):1-4. doi: 10.1093/jmedent/25.1.1.
Horváth G, Horváth A, Reichert G, Böszörményi A, Sipos K, Pandur E. Three chemotypes of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oil and their main compounds affect differently the IL-6 and TNFα cytokine secretions of BV-2 microglia by modulating the NF-κB and C/EBPβ signalling pathways. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 May 22;21(1):148. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03319-w. PMID: 34022882; PMCID: PMC8140451.
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ADDITIONAL:
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Cheng Y, Dai C, Zhang J. SIRT3-SOD2-ROS pathway is involved in linalool-induced glioma cell apoptotic death. Acta Biochim Pol. 2017;64(2):343-350. doi: 10.18388/abp.2016_1438. Epub 2017 Jun 2. PMID: 28567457.
Sabogal-Guáqueta AM, Hobbie F, Keerthi A, Oun A, Kortholt A, Boddeke E, Dolga A.Linalool attenuates oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by glutamate and NMDA toxicity. Biomed Pharmacother. 2019 Oct;118:109295. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109295. Epub 2019 Sep 6. PMID: 31545255.
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