Thyme, Tea, & Immune Support
Benchmark Thyme essential oil is a powerful antimicrobial
Karen Williams
September 07, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
Hello Friend!
Welcome to the first edition of our Saturday newsletter!
This new format is crafted with love for our Aromahead Institute, Aromatics International, THRIVE, and Natural Living Club communities. By bringing all the essential oil wisdom together in one place, we can share even more rich content and deeper explorations while reducing the number of emails you receive. I’m thrilled to have each of you on board as we embark on this exciting journey together!
As summer gradually gives way to autumn, I’m reminded of the subtle beauty in transitions. The days are gently shortening, and there’s a crispness in the evening air that whispers of change. Here in western Montana, the lavender harvest has come to a close. I reach for my favorite sweater during the cool mornings, savoring the peaceful moments that signal fall’s arrival.
I’m particularly grateful for the thyme I’ve nurtured in my greenhouse this year. With the lingering smoke from nearby fires, I’ve noticed a slight cough settling in, and this thyme has become a treasured ally. Its thymol-rich leaves are powerful antimicrobials and anti-inflammatories, offering comfort to my lungs and clarity to my mind.
Each sip of thyme tea soothes my breathing and reconnects me with the grounding simplicity of nature. There’s something deeply rewarding about growing a plant from seed, tending to it with care, and then letting it nourish you in return.
As we welcome the changing season, I encourage you to find your moments of joy in the simple pleasures around you. Whether cradling a warm cup of herbal tea or pausing to admire the vibrant hues of autumn, these small delights can infuse each day with a sense of wonder and fulfillment.
Here is the tea recipe I’ve been savoring.
Autumn Breath Tea
Ingredients for 16 oz of tea:
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tsp fresh peppermint leaves
2 tsp sliced ginger
Instructions:
Steep herbs in 16 ounces of freshly boiled water for 10-15 minutes. Add honey to taste.
Note: If using dried herbs, halve the amount.
Notes of Discovery
Superhero Recipes! Benchmark Thyme Oil for Infections
As antibiotic-resistant bacteria become a growing concern, Benchmark Thyme essential oil becomes a powerful, natural alternative. This unique blend, developed by master aromatherapist Maggie Tisserand, combines four thyme varieties to create an oil that’s potent against superbugs and gentle on the skin.
Here’s why Benchmark Thyme stands out:
Potent Antimicrobial Power: Benchmark Thyme's thymol breaks down bacterial membranes, effectively preventing and treating infections.
Skin-Nourishing Benefits: Linalool, also found in lavender, provides soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it gentle enough for daily use.
Immune System Support: Terpinen-4-ol boosts white blood cell production, enhancing your body’s natural defense against infections.
Visit the blog for detailed recipes and scientific references and explore additional Benchmark Thyme uses.
Click Here For The Blog
Product Spotlight
An essential oil from the United Kingdom: Benchmark Thyme
Benchmark Thyme essential oil is a powerful antimicrobial, making it a go-to for tackling tough, drug-resistant bacteria. Coming to us from the United Kingdom and Spain, what sets it apart is a surprising benefit not many know about: it’s also very calming. With a high concentration of linalool and over 7% linalyl acetate, this oil offers soothing support for the nervous system alongside its strong antibacterial properties.
For professionals, it’s an essential tool in clinical settings. For beginners, it’s a perfect introduction to an oil that combines effective health benefits with unexpected relaxation.
Aromatic Creations
I’m thrilled to share a quick, straightforward recipe featuring the incredible Benchmark Thyme! With its unique chemical composition—30% thymol and a lovely amount of linalool—this oil brings powerful protection and antiviral benefits. This recipe is excellent for boosting the immune system and also helps discourage viruses from taking hold. I’m incredibly excited about this blend because it’s practical and easy to make!
Essential Oils:
5 drops Benchmark Thyme (Thymus zygis)
5 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
5 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Instructions:
Drop the oils directly onto the wick before placing it in the inhaler, or put the wick inside the inhaler and then add the drops. This blend is perfect for boosting your immune system and helping to ward off viruses before they take hold. If a virus has already settled in, this blend can help reduce its severity and duration.
Typically, I wouldn’t recommend using an essential oil with the chemical component thymol in an inhaler due to its harshness on the nasal membranes. However, Benchmark Thyme has a lower thymol content and includes skin-nourishing components, making it suitable for inhalers for short periods—just a few weeks. Don’t hesitate to give this blend a try!
For long-term immune support, even for adults, I recommend using Thyme ct. linalool. For a gentler approach, use 3 drops of each oil and substitute Thyme ct. linalool for children under 10.
I put together a short YouTube video you can watch by clicking this link or the thumbnail image below. It’s a new channel, so please subscribe, like & comment. I’ll address your comments & may likely highlight some of those discussions in next week’s newsletter. I hope you enjoy :)
From the Vine
Should you rotate your essential oils? Our Aromahead community dove into this topic on the Forum, uncovering insights about how to keep your blends effective. Yvonne asked if there’s any truth to rotating your essential oils, and our Aromahead Instructor, Marissa, shared a great response:
Habituation occurs when something we’re using or exposed to isn’t as effective as it once was after frequent and continuous use. This differs from sensitization, an allergic reaction involving the immune system. To avoid habituation with essential oils, it’s recommended to change blends every few weeks.
And I agree with Marissa! It’s beneficial to change out our blends regularly. If you’re dealing with a chronic situation, try using a blend for a few weeks, then switch to new oils to maximize their benefits. This is an excellent example of why it’s important to understand substitutions.
For those enrolled in the Aromahead Certification Program, log in to the Aromahead Forum and join the discussion! Share your thoughts, ask questions, and learn from the experiences of fellow students. Join the conversation here.
As we welcome the beauty of autumn and the transitions it brings, let’s take a moment to reflect:
"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."
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