Dangerous recommendations: Should you take thyme oil?

Why you shouldn't just take thyme oil – and what really helps with menstrual pain

Maybe you've already read it somewhere or seen it on social media: the tip to simply take thyme oil for period pain. Some even recommend 25 drops every six hours – undiluted. We want to protect you from such application tips here, because:

Essential oils are powerful plant concentrates – they work, and they work strongly. And that's precisely why we use them with the utmost caution. Even effective remedies can have side effects.

Not all thyme oils are the same – why chemotypes are important

The term “thyme oil” may sound simple – but it actually refers to different chemotypes that have very different ingredients, even if the parent plant is the same (Thymus vulgaris).

• Thyme ct. Thymol (red thyme) contains large amounts of thymol – this ingredient has strong antibacterial properties, but is also particularly irritating to skin and mucous membranes. It is no longer permitted for sale freely in Switzerland, but only with consultation – for example, in our farfalla stores.
• Thyme ct. Linalool is the gentler version: mild, skin-friendly, and gently effective – it is ideal for diluted external use, for example, for colds.
  Read more about chemotypes here.

Why taking thyme oil can be dangerous

The dangerous recommendation to take thyme oil orally (for example, 25 drops every 6 hours) is based on a misunderstanding of an old study: There, a medically supervised intake of highly diluted thyme oil in capsules was examined – without specifying the chemotype.

What it has become: A viral tip that can now have serious health consequences, such as:

• Severe irritation of the mucous membranes
• Nausea & diarrhea
• Severe liver strain
• Possible neurotoxic effects

As you can see, it's worth getting informed when it comes to thyme oil for oral use – or the use of essential oils in general.

So, if you read somewhere that you should "ingest essential oils," first ask yourself: Why? Which chemotype? How diluted? And: Isn't there a better option?

What really helps with menstrual pain – gentle alternatives from nature

Fortunately, there are many proven ways you can help your body with period pain – lovingly, naturally, and safely. These enhance the pain-relieving and antispasmodic properties of selected essential oils through touch, warmth, and mindfulness, as well as the comforting, relaxing stimuli of the sense of smell.

• Abdominal massage with Monthly Wellbeing oil: A gentle, circular clockwise massage relaxes not only the stomach but also the head.
• Warming compress: With 1 drop each of lavender, clary sage or Roman chamomile emulsified in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, or simply 1 tablespoon of Monthly Wellbeing massage oil, placed on a warm, moist cloth and covered with a hot water bottle, on the lower abdomen, brings antispasmodic and soothing properties.
• Fragrance impulses: Essential oils have a comforting and relaxing effect through the sense of smell.
• Menstrual tea: Gentle herbs such as yarrow or lady's mantle can support you from within with a tolerable proportion of essential oils that automatically end up in the tea water.

Using essential oils responsibly: Attend a workshop or seminar at the farfalla Academy

You don't have to adopt every "natural tip" just because it's shared often. Feel free to ask questions – for example, on our social media channels. You should use essential oils with care; our dosage table is helpful in this regard. We would be happy to show you what is really good for you. Perhaps we will see you at one of our branch workshops or seminars on aromatherapy at the farfalla Academy.