• Distillation Method: Steam
• Country of Origin: France
• Plant Part: Leaves
• Latin name: Thymus Zugis
• Cultivation: Wild Grown
• Top to middle note

Aromatherapy use:
This is a blend of four strains of Thymus zygis scientifically formulated to be exceltionally antimicriobial, while still being more gentle than all thyme strains than pure c.t. linalool. The chemistry profile appears as a combination of thyme and tea tree, and it has been extensively researched to combat MRSA, the "superbug" bacteria that has become resistant to synthetic antibiotics. Strongly recommended for any antimicrobial purpose.

About the Oil

We have an excellent linalool chemotype from France, considered the safest of the common thyme varieties - and "Benchmark" Thyme, distilled from 4 strains of Thymus zygis. The "Benchmark" Thyme is likely the most potent antimicrobial Thyme oil, while retaining much of the gentleness of the linalool chemotype. It most certainly has the greatest "efficacy-to-safety" ratio of any oil used primarily for antimicrobial applicatoins which we've ever encountered. It was developed by Maggie Tisserand, a pioneer of aroma-medicine, to specifically treat infections of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Research has shown it to be highly effective. Very highly recommended for antibacterial applications and formulas.

Thyme essential oil is extracted, by steam distillation, from the fresh or dried leaves and flowering tops of the plant. The oil is mainly located in small glands on the leaves, and contains thymol, paracymene & linalool.

The main component of Thyme oil is Thymol, a powerful antiseptic which considered to be toxic if used by itself, or at very high concentrations. It is common knowledge among aromatherapists that the essential oil of Thyme is one of the most potently antiseptic essential oils known. Thymol has been extensively documented for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal action. According to Jean Valnet, M.D., Thyme oil kills the anthrax bacillus, the typhoid bacillus, meningococcus, and the agent responsible for tuberculosis and is active against salmonella and staphylococcus bacteria. In addition, thymol itself has been studied for its effects on gingivitis and plaque-caused organisms in the mouth (it is used in Listerine for its antiseptic actions).

Benchmark Thyme essential oil is distilled from four strains of Thymus zygis (all ethically grown and harvested). The oil has been scientifically created to be highly antimicrobial, while retaining the linalool chemotype's gentleness. We find it a little bit "hotter" than our c.t. linalool, but not so much as "red" thyme, the most common Thyme variety.

While being high in linalool, chemically (under GC/MS analysis) Benchmark Thyme is similar to a blend of thyme and tea tree essential oils. The oil has been created through research by Benchmark Oils of England to be one of the only single oils effective against MRSA staph infections, as well as potent all-purpose antimicrobial. Containing Terpenine-4-ol (10%), considered the most active fraction of tea tree, it should be also strongly antiviral. The oil also contains a significant amout of Thymol, at 28.4%. This represents an incredible step in aromatherapy finding its way into modern medicine. 

The Benchmark Thyme (it's name referring to it becoming an antimicrobial standard against which other oils will be evaluated) can be diffused or applied topically. It can replace tea tree as a topical antiseptic, and should be gentle enough for most individuals to use it "neat". If being used with children, dilute 50/50 with lavender before dabbing on any cuts or scrapes.

The carminative properties of Thyme make it an effective treatment for stomach upsets. It may also increase the propensity of white blood cells, perhaps increasing the power of the immune system. Also, by possibly helping to eliminate excess uric acid from the body, conditions like gout, sciatica, arthritis, and rheumatism can be more easily combated. Thyme essential oil may valuable as a local application to neuralgic & rheumatic aches and pains. Thyme oil can be a stimulant for the digestive system, helping to eliminate worms, reduce gastric infections, and ease dyspepsia. Thyme is also good for headaches caused from gastric complaints. Thyme Oil may be good for the scalp, helping to treat dandruff and hair loss. Dermatitis, wounds, boils and carbuncles may also be diminished with this essential oil.