Exploring the Magic of Thyme Hydrosol, Recipes, and Soothing Herbal Brews
How One Oil Sparked an Unexpected Journey
Karen Williams
September 28, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes
Hello Friend!
The other day, while grocery shopping, I found myself on an unexpected detour of thought. I had recently ordered an essential oil I’ve used countless times before, but when it arrived, it smelled completely different! Naturally, I sent it off for a GC/MS report. And guess what? Not a single component matched previous batches.
This got me thinking as I stood in the grocery aisle, carefully reading food labels for my anti-inflammatory diet. Just like I wouldn’t purchase a random product without knowing its ingredients, I wouldn’t fully trust an oil without understanding its composition. Oils can vary like food; knowing exactly what’s in each bottle is key.
After speaking with the distiller, I learned this oil had been harvested from a different region, and even he wasn’t sure what it was anymore! So now, I’m on a bit of a mystery journey, piecing together its chemical makeup. This reminds me that just as the origin of an oil can affect its properties, the little details matter when we’re blending for specific results.
After all that detective work, I decided to unwind. I made one of my favorite calming drinks: Lavender Thyme Honey Latte. Thanks to lavender’s floral notes and thyme’s earthy, herbal depth, it's the perfect combination of soothing and grounding.
Here’s how I make it:
Lavender Thyme Honey Latte
Indulge in a cozy, aromatic latte that brings together the soothing notes of lavender, the earthy hint of thyme, and the warmth of honey. This latte is a fragrant, calming treat, perfect for unwinding after a busy day, and supports the immune system.
Ingredients
1 tsp (5 g) ground roasted barley
1 tsp (5 g) ground French chicory
½ tsp (2.8 g) dried lavender buds
¼ tsp (1.4 g) dried thyme
1-2 tsp (5-10 g) honey (to taste)
8 oz (240 ml) freshly boiled water
½ cup (115 ml) milk, creamer, or your favorite dairy-free option (frothed)
A dash of nutmeg (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the brew: Add the roasted barley, chicory, lavender buds, thyme, and honey to a French press. Pour in the freshly boiled water.
Steep: Let the mixture steep for about 5 minutes.
Strain: Press down the French press and pour the brewed mixture into a 12 oz mug.
Add milk: Froth your milk or creamer (dairy or non-dairy) and pour it over the brewed mixture.
Garnish: If desired, finish with a dusting of nutmeg for a warm, spicy touch.
Option: Instead of using ground barley and chicory, you can substitute with a ready-made blend like Pero or Roma, available in most natural food stores.
What’s in Your Essential Oils? Let’s Compare 3 Thymes
I’m excited to share this week’s blog with you! It brings together some practical and insightful information that will be incredibly useful in your aromatic journey. The post, What’s in Your Essential Oils? Let’s Compare 3 Thymes, discusses why knowing what’s in your essential oils is crucial for making safe, effective blends. For example, it’s not enough to use a bottle of “Thyme Oil.” We must understand which variety of Thyme we’re working with.
Why Each Batch of Oil is Different: We’ll discuss why each distilled essential oil batch differs. Even two distillations of the same plant species can produce vastly different oils.
Detailed Comparison: We examine the unique characteristics and benefits of three types of Thyme oil. This comparison will help you decide which Thyme—or combination of Thymes—best suits your therapeutic needs, whether you're looking for a calming influence, a potent antimicrobial, or a versatile blend for everyday use.
Understanding GC/MS Reports: The blog also covers the importance of GC/MS reports. By understanding the chemical profiles of your essential oils, you can make more informed decisions about which oils to use in your blends, ensuring their effectiveness and safety.
A Special Recipe: To help you put this knowledge into practice, I’ve included a special recipe that combines all three Thymes. This blend is a well-rounded remedy that harnesses the strengths of each oil.
This blog post equips you with the knowledge to choose the right essential oil for your blends, making your aromatic practice even more effective and intentional.
Click Here And Read More!
Product Spotlight
Two Unique Thyme Hydrosols
Hydrosols are the quiet heroes of the distillation process—often overlooked but brimming with potential. When plants are distilled, the water portion of the distillate, known as the hydrosol, captures not just tiny amounts of essential oil but also water-soluble components of the plant that essential oils can’t carry. This unique combination creates a subtle but incredibly powerful botanical water that can be used in ways essential oils can’t—think gentler, more versatile, and perfect for daily use.
In short, hydrosols remind us that water and oil don’t mix—but when they’re separated, each brings something special to the table!
I’ve been working with two Thyme hydrosols that are nothing short of magic. I’m excited to share them with you as you explore your Thyme-based remedies:
Lemon Thyme Hydrosol (Thymus citriodorus): With its bright, citrusy-herbal scent, Lemon Thyme hydrosol is like a breath of fresh air—uplifting and cleansing, but never too intense. It’s the perfect companion for calming irritated skin, especially if you need a gentle way to keep pesky germs and bugs at bay. Plus, it fosters a peaceful, balanced environment wherever you use it. Whether spritzing it as a toner or refreshing a room, this hydrosol brings a light yet protective touch.
English Thyme Hydrosol (Thymus vulgaris): This is the one you reach for when things get serious. English Thyme hydrosol has a deep, herbal aroma and potent, purifying energy. It’s a champion for calming urgent skin issues—acne, infections, or a need for serious cleansing. It’s also perfect as a room spray, creating a protective shield against environmental threats. Think of it as your herbal first aid for both skin and space.
These hydrosols are lovely, gentle powerhouses that deserve a place in your aromatic toolkit. They offer a softer, more adaptable way to enjoy the benefits of Thyme, whether you’re using them to care for your skin, freshen up your home, or calm your spirit.
Here are the links:
Lemon Thyme Hydrosol
English Thyme Hydrosol
Ingredients:
1.75 fl oz (52 ml) Lemon Thyme Hydrosol (Thymus citriodorus)
5 drops Benchmark Thyme (Thymus zygis)
4 drops Thyme ct linalool (Thymus vulgaris ct linalool)
36 drops (1.4 ml) of Solubol dispersant
Instructions:
Combine the Lemon Thyme hydrosol, essential oils, and Solubol in a small spray or mist bottle.
Give it a good shake before each use to ensure everything’s evenly dispersed.
Spray directly on the affected area and let it air dry.
This blend is perfect when you need a quick, natural solution that gives your skin a little extra support in its time of need—whether it’s an acne flare-up or a potential infection. It’s like having a secret weapon in your skincare arsenal, ready to jump in when things get a bit tricky.
And if you’re looking for something even more potent to purify the air with a blend as easy as a room spray, head to our YouTube channel for a demo featuring a more powerful antimicrobial blend with English Thyme hydrosol. I’ll walk you through another recipe and give you plenty of tips on working hydrosols into your everyday routines. Your skin (and your space!) will thank you for it.
From the Vine
Question:
Can I use the Skin Purifier Hydrosol blend on my pets? I want a remedy for itchy skin!
Answer:
Yes, hydrosols can work well on animals!
Here's a tip: let your pet smell the hydrosol by putting a small amount in your hand and offering it to them. If they sniff or even lick it, that's a great sign! If they walk away, try another hydrosol.
Working with essential oils and hydrosols is like tending to a garden. It’s a process filled with discovery, patience, and the occasional surprise.
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
With each step, we grow closer to mastering our craft and reaping the rewards of our labor.
Stay inspired & keep blending!
Karen Williams
Reply