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RED THYME _ RED THYME_01.png "RED THYME")
| | | INCI: | Thymus vulgaris | | CAS: | 8007-46-3 | | EINECS: | 284-535-7 | | Flavouring according to EC regulation 1334/2008 |
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RED THYMEThymus vulgaris (Lamiacee)
Origin: Portugal
Originally found in Spain, thyme now grows in many regions of the world, although mainly in the Mediterranean area. An evergreen perennial plant, thyme is aromatic in all its parts. It grows to a height of fifty centimetres and is highly ramified, with woody roots, grey-green highly aromatic oval leaves, and white or pinkish flowers.
EXTRACTION
OLFACTIVE AFFINITIES
The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and flower tops and is a clear liquid with a bright reddish-orange colour, and a strong and distinctive fragrance that's warm, grassy and spicy.
It combines well with the essential oils of Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Melissa, Pine, Ravensara and Rosemary.
PROPERTIES
(according to
popular herbalist tradition)
Thyme has been used in cooking for hundreds if not thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used it for their embalming processes. It was one of the first plants in the Mediterranean area to be used medicinally, a use which is documented in Hippocrates.
The essential oil of red thyme has anti-microbial (disinfectant), anti-septic, balsamic, bactericide, parasiticide, tonic and anti-helminthic properties. It is toxic, caustic and an irritant, and should always be used with extreme moderation. It's an excellent natural remedy for oily skin, acne, sores, cuts and insect bites, but should only be used when diluted - at low concentration - in a solvent such as almond or sesame oil.
It's used as a fragrance component in various personal hygiene products, and in the food industry (as a preservative for meats). It's also used for the extraction of thymol, a compound mainly used in medicines.
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