Thyme linalool essential oil: the gentle-scented thyme

Most of us think of thyme as a kitchen herb with a strong flavour. In aromatherapy, though, there is not one thyme but several, and some are surprisingly gentle. Thyme linalool is one of them: a herbal scent, almost floral at times, much rounder than you might expect.

What is thyme linalool?

Common thyme, Thymus vulgaris, is a small shrub of the Lamiaceae family that carpets the scrubland of southern Europe. Depending on where it grows, it produces essences of very different composition: these are its chemotypes, marked "ct." on the label. There is thyme thymol, thyme thujanol, thyme linalool and others besides.

The linalool chemotype is named after its dominant molecule, linalool, which is also found in true lavender and rosewood. That is where its soft note comes from. In our range you will find it as Thyme linalool (Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool), whose sheet describes an oil "with a soft, herbal scent".

According to the product sheet, the 10 ml organic version is "appreciated for aromatherapy preparations", while the 5 ml bottle is described as "gentle". To see how oils are grouped into chemical families, read our guide to essential oil families.

How to use it

Our druggist recommends it for diffusion or diluted use, for an aromatic atmosphere and everyday hygiene.

In a diffuser

• Put a few drops into a diffuser, following the instructions.
• Diffuse in sessions of 15 to 20 minutes and air the room in between.
• Paired with a citrus oil, it brings a green, warm note to a kitchen or hallway.

Diluted, for hygiene and personal care

• For a hand wash with a scent of scrubland: one drop in a dose of neutral liquid soap, when you wash your hands.
• For a fragrant massage: one or two drops in a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Before any use on the skin, do a test in the crook of your elbow and wait 24 hours.

Precautions

Gentle does not mean harmless. Do not swallow, do not apply undiluted. Keep the oil away from the eyes and mucous membranes. Ask for advice before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for a child or if you are receiving medical treatment. Do not confuse this thyme with thyme thymol, which is far more powerful: always check the chemotype. Store the bottle closed, away from light and out of the reach of children.

Our products

• Organic thyme linalool essential oil, 10 ml – appreciated for aromatherapy preparations.
• Organic thyme linalool essential oil, 5 ml – the small size to get to know it.
• Thyme linalool essential oil – soft, herbal scent.
• Thyme linalool (Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool) – Latin name and chemotype spelled out.

Final word

Thyme linalool shows how different the scents of a single plant can be: it is the thyme for lovers of gentle notes. To choose the right chemotype or size, our team will be happy to see you at Droguerie Perusset in Yverdon-les-Bains.