Adriatic Thyme Essential Oil

What makes Eastern Adriatic/Herzegovina region-grown, Thyme herb/essential oil profoundly special?

During the domestic research work on project of introducing the Immortelle seedlings into the organic production, it was shown that the area of town Ljubinje, i.e. Herzegovina region, has better climatic and pedological (soil) conditions for breeding not just Immortelle, but numerous other herbal and plant species, as well, which results in their prominent therapeutic/healing characteristics, in comparison to Europe’s/French well-known regions of Provence, and Corsica.

The “exclusivity” of the two lastly mentioned French regions, in upper stated context, is nothing more than a decades-long/well-financed, branded myth.

Herzegovina region, a worldwide heritage of more than 700 medicinal herbs and plants, many of which are endemic, specific/unique climatic, and soil characteristics, represent the mix of a warm Mediterranean, and cold Alpine mountains atmospheric conditions, followed by the rocky soil, rich in limestone.

It is exactly these, above highlighted, Nature itself-given aspects, that are resulting in the inimitable chemotype structure of Thyme, and other essential oils, made from the herbs and plants, collected within the Herzegovina region borders. 

Pay close attention to what you are purchasing, and using, that markets as a “essential oil”, furthermore, and especially, as a “therapeutic-grade”, “food-grade”, “pure”, “local”, and similar!

It is not uncommon, and not a big secret, as a matter of fact, that many essential oil manufacturers, and retailers, are using shady/dishonest practices while distilling, and/or distributing their products.

These include, among other:

1. Completion of the distillation process within the period of time that is too short, and using temperatures/pressure that are too high/strong, in order for the essential oil extraction process to pass properly/smoothly, and to result in a final extract/essence that possesses all of the therapeutic/healing components of the herbal/plant raw material, in a concentrated form (this is a common, shady practice, with the industrially-made products)
2. Diluting the concentrate (essential oil/s), with natural and/or synthetic matter (for example, with using the following: Almond oil, fragrance chemicals, etc.)
3. Diluting the concentrate (essential oil/s), with other essential oil/s, which possess similar aroma, and are, usually, incomparably cheaper than the original concentrate being diluted; (classical example here is Melissa essential oil – it is often times diluted with citrus essential oils, whose smell resembles Lemon balm)
4. Subterfuge of synthetic/fragrance substances, marketed as “natural” “essential oils”
5. Deception regarding the location where the essential oil was distilled (for example, the Lemon/Orange/Melissa essential oils, marketed as “Mediterranean”, are, actually, made in India, China, etc.)
6. Increasing the amount of certain beneficial/valued compounds within the essential oils, explained within the following examples – the levels of neryl acetate, a valued/healing compound within the Helichrusym Italicum, is being increased by some distributors, through citrus fruits derived one, and/or it’s levels are being increased by mixing the two, different manufacturers produced, Helichrysum essential oils (one possessing lower levels of neryl acetate, and the other one higher levels of this compound).

Eastern Adriatic Thyme Healing Essential Oil

Thyme is a hardy perennial subshrub of the Lamiaceae family, reaching a height of 10 to 40 cm, with hairy pointed, gray-green leaves, and small white-lilac flowers. It originates from the European Mediterranean area.

There are over 300 types of thyme. Red thyme (Thymol chemotype) has a very warming (read: spicy), herbaceous, and stimulating aroma.

It is believed that it’s healing properties were known to the ancient Sumerians, which most likely burned it as an aromatic fumigant. Egyptians used it in the embalming process, while the Greeks enjoyed it as a culinary herb. They also used it to disinfect the air, thus, preventing the spread of viruses.

Aromatic compounds of Thyme were considered so important, that its name hailed from the Greek “thymon”, meaning “to fumigate.”. Other narrative ties its name with the Greek word “thumon”, i.e. “courage”, as the plant was associated with bravery.

Historically, dried thyme has been burned as an air disinfectant in hospitals, used in poultices, as an ingredient in teas, and to flavor dishes.

Thyme essential oil is one of the hottest and most invigorating essential oils, classified by the herbalist John Gerard in 1597 as “hot and dry in the third (strongest) degree”. It is a powerful tonic for the Yang energy, strengthening the functions of the Lungs, Heart, Kidneys and nervous system.

Health Benefits, Uses:

Circulatory system: Raises blood pressure. It has a cardiotonic effect. Optimizes capillary circulation.

Digestive system: Stimulates appetite, improves and normalizes digestion, disinfects the gastrointestinal tract, eliminates flatulence, relieves intestinal spasms. The antimicrobial properties of thyme are beneficial for gastroenteritis. Effective for helminthic (parasite) invasions.

Immune system: A powerful immune stimulant, promotes adequate production of leukocytes and lymphocytes in infectious disorders. Thyme oil of the thymol chemotype has the strongest immune stimulatory effect, especially in cases of recurrent infections.

Respiratory system: An effective remedy for bronchitis, cough, laryngitis, sinusitis, sore throat, colds, flu, tonsillitis, nasopharyngitis, tuberculosis.

Urogenital system: Due to its diuretic and antiseptic properties, acts as an effective remedy for urinary tract infections, and is recommended for cystitis.

Skin system: Promotes healing of wounds, cuts, burns, ulcers. Relieves skin irritation in eczema, psoriasis and other types of dermatitis. Relieves itching after insect bites. An effective remedy for fungal-induced skin disorders (Thymol chemotype is especially effective here, but it should be used with caution, as it can cause skin irritation). It has an antiparasitic effect (pediculosis, scabies, dermatoses).

Musculoskeletal system: Anesthetic, anti-edematous action for joint pain, myositis, neuritis, gout, rheumatism, arthritis, sports injuries.

Psycho-emotional action:

• Tones and strengthens the nervous system, highly useful in asthenia, nervousness, depression and mental fatigue. Uplifts mood.
• Eliminates symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome
• Stimulates brain activity, improves memory
• Recommended for headaches, helps with insomnia
• Stimulates the functioning of brain cells and, as a result, improves memory, concentration
• Has the ability to deconstruct an emotional stupor, heal mental wounds.
• Helps to look at the future with optimism.

Cosmetic action:

• Recommended for dull, oily skin. Highly effective with acne.
• Has antioxidant properties
• Powerful cellulite remedy
• Induces a strong wound healing effect, prevents the formation of scar tissue
• It is used to treat ulcers, carbuncles, dermatitis
• Prevents hair loss, stimulates it’s growth, relives from dandruff

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris

Extraction Method: Steam distilled

Part of Plant Distilled: Flowers and leaves

Country of Origin: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Composition: 100% Thymus vulgaris

Consistency: Thin

Cultivation Method: Wild-Crafted, Organic

Scent Description: Fresh, warm, penetrating, powerful green grassy aroma, herbaceous