Thyme is often labeled as an uncommon essential oil, sidelined for more well-known essential oils like lavender or tea tree. Although overlooked, thyme essential oil is an important oil that can be used medicinally to treat common hair and body ailments.

Thyme for the Hair
Thyme is derived from the Greek word “thymos,” which means “to perfume,” so it’s no wonder that the essential oil is commonly found in perfumes. Beyond being used for its fragrance, thyme essential oil can also be used medicinally to treat the following hair problems:

• Hair loss
• Dandruff and other scalp issues

One study found that thyme essential oil--in use with other essential oils--was proven useful in helping those with hair loss from alopecia areata. Participants in the study massaged an oil mix of thyme essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, lavender essential oil, rosemary essential oil, grape seed oil, and jojoba oil on their scalp in order to improve hair growth.

Thyme for the Body
As an herb Thyme has also been used to help with respiratory function by “removing phlegm or mucus from the chest and throat” (Jones). The fresh herb, which can be purchased at your local grocery, can be taken internally as a tea, used to make a syrup or steeped in honey to remedy coughs and colds.

Overall, thyme is a useful herb that should not be overlooked when it comes to herbal body and hair care.

Do you use herbs for your body or hair care? Which ones? 

Source: Jones, Marlene. The Complete Guide to Creating Oils, Soaps, Creams, and Herbal Gels for Your Mind and Body: 101 Natural Body Care Recipes. Ocala, Fla: Atlantic Pub. Group, 2011. Print.