What could be the uses for thyme essential oil? There are reports, that say thyme essential oil may destroy the harmful cells responsible for causing breast and lung cancer.
This essential oil contains about 54 percent thymol, naturally available group of compounds called as ‘biocides’. Using thymus along with other biocides like carvacrol can boost its antimicrobial properties.
The scientists have carried out various researches using thyme and they found that the herb may has the potential to support the fight of lung, oral and ovarian cancer cells.
Thyme essential oil has been used extensively in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for its anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-fungal properties. Fresh thyme is also used in cooking or can be consumed as herbal tea.
Let’s now take a direct look at some natural plant extracts and oils that show the most promise in preventing and treating cancer.
Uses for thyme essential oil
Thyme is an evergreen plant that is used in both cooking and medicine. The ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming and the Greeks in baths and for incense. In the Middle Ages, people in Europe often put thyme under their pillows to ward off nightmares.
Behind all these traditional uses there seems to be a certain wisdom that is now being confirmed by modern science. Indeed, recent scientific research suggests that thyme has amazing health-promoting properties and abilities.
A 2010 Swiss study examined a range of essential oils in relation to MCF-7 breast cancer cells, A-549 lung cancer cells and PC-3 prostate cancer cells. The result was that thyme essential oil had the strongest cytotoxicity against all three types of human cancer cells. This is most likely due to the active compound thymol, which is thought to activate several anticancer mechanisms.
More information: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/