Thyme ct Carvacrol - Organic

Organic Thyme ct. Carvacrol Essential Oil

We are so very pleased to offer this organic Thyme ct Carvacrol from Spain, without doubt a special find. It is wild harvested in July and August where it is found only in some of the Iberian regions – Cataluña, Málaga and the Almería coast through Granada and the Guadalquivir River Valley. According to our supplier, ancient Phoenicians and Greeks brought seeds of this plant with them to propagate an ongoing supply for use in their culinary recipes.¹ The quality of this remarkable Thyme oil is revealed in the exact expression of its predominant chemotype characteristics and properties, and even more so, in the quality of its aroma.

Chemotypes are how botanists describe chemically distinct species. There are at least six distinct chemotypes of Thyme: α-terpineol, carvacrol, geraniol, linalool, thymol and trans-sabinene hydrate.² Of these, only the carvacrol, linalool and thymol chemotypes are in widespread global commerce. These chemical distinctions are the result of differences in terrain, altitude, climate, soil, rainfall and other factors, showing just how great an influence a specific bioregion can have on certain plants. A chemotype designation determines, to a great degree, therapeutic activity as well as informs potential safety considerations of a given essential oil. Both the carvacrol and thymol chemotypes of Thyme, which may be used interchangeably³, are strong skin and mucous membrane irritants and are most safely utilized for inhalations; the gentle linalool chemotype may be used in blends for face and body care with no adverse effects.

The predominant constituent of this chemotype of Thymus capitatus is the ‘hot’ monoterpene phenol, carvacrol, plus smaller quantities of more than a dozen other constituents.⁴ At the beginning of the growing season, the constituent ρ-cymene, a precursor to carvacrol, is present in the plant, but as the season progresses from spring to autumn, ρ-cymene transforms to carvacrol, thus the plants harvested in autumn yield a higher percentage of carvacrol than those harvested in spring or summer.⁵

Used in a wide range of foods, beverages, cosmetics and even mainstream dental solutions, Thyme oils are among the top dozen or so globally traded essential oils with consistent commercial value.⁶ While both carvacrol and thymol display some of the strongest effects of the scientific claims made, the research is clear that when isolated, these highly phenolic compounds as well as the essential oils containing them – such as Thyme ct carvacrol, Thyme ct thymol and Oregano – are also strong skin and mucous membrane irritants.⁷ (Please see Safety Considerations below.) Given that essential oils are highly effective at low concentrations, creating formulas with higher than recommended percentages are simply not more effective and are potentially harmful. Essential oils rich in phenolic compounds should be used at suitable dosages and with appropriate respect.

 For information regarding the aromatherapeutic attributes of Thyme ct Carvacrol essential oil, please see:

• L’Aromathérapie Exactement, Pierre Franchomme and Dr. Daniel Pénoël, 1990, p. 403.
• Essential Oils – A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice, 2^nd ed., Jennifer Peace Rhind, 2012, pp. 176-8.
• Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 2^nd ed., Shirley and Len Price, 1999, pp. 11-14, 349.
• The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, Kurt Schnaubelt, 2011, pp. 159-60.
• The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Julia Lawless, 2013, pp. 191-3.
• “Carvacrol and thymol; Strong antimicrobial agents against resistant isolates,” M Y Memar, P Raei, et al., Reviews in Medical Microbiology, February 2017, 28: 63-68, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313428025_Carvacrol_and_thymol_Strong_antimicrobial_agents_
  against_resistant_isolates
• “Antimicrobial activity of thyme oil, oregano oil, thymol and carvacrol against sensitive and resistant microbial isolates from dogs with otitis externa,” J X F Sim, M Khazandi, et al., Vet Dermatol, September 2019, 30(6): 1-9, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335704093_Antimicrobial_activity_of_thyme_oil_oregano_oil_thymol_
  and_carvacrol_against_sensitive_and_resistant_microbial_isolates_
  from_dogs_with_otitis_externa
• “Potential use of wild Thymus algeriensis and  Thymus capitatus as source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents,” W Megdiche-Ksouri, M Saada, et al., Journal of New Sciences – Agriculture and Biotechnology, November 2015, 23(4); 1046-0156, http://www.jnsciences.org/agri-biotech/31-volume-23/111-potential-use-of-wild-thymus-algeriensis-and-thymus-capitatus-as-source-of-antioxidant-and-antimicrobial-agents.html

Aromatic Profile: Very fresh, diffusive, penetrating, powerfully green herbaceous aroma with slight peppery and soft woody undertones.

Appearance: Pale yellow to colorless, transparent, mobile liquid.

Use: Aromatherapy, Natural Perfumery.

Blending Suggestions: Dilute and add drop by drop to your blends until the desired effect is achieved. A maximum dermal use level of <1.3% is recommended.

Blends Well With: Balsam of Peru, Basil, Bergamot and other Citrus oils, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Cypress, Elemi, Eucalyptus, Fragonia, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lavandin, Lavender, Lemon, Manuka, Marjoram, Melissa, Niaouli, Orange (Sweet), Oregano, Palmarosa, Peppermint, Pine, Ravintsara, Rosalina, Rosemary, Spearmint, Tea Tree. “Added to perfumes or colognes in trace amounts, thyme oil may lend body and sweet freshness in lavenders, fougère colognes, citrus colognes, spicy after shaves, etc. The oil is highly interesting as a top note material.”^[8]

Safety Considerations: Drug interaction; may inhibit blood clotting.⁹ Low risk of skin irritation, moderate risk of mucous membrane irritation; a maximum dermal use level of <1.3% is recommended.¹⁰ Because of this oil’s very high carvacrol content, we also advise caution in the case of recent major surgery or if any bleeding disorders exist. Dilute before using. A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.