12 Health Benefits of Thyme - Part 2

Mold is a common and potentially dangerous air pollutant that can hide in your home. If you had mold at home you can remove it with various preparations, as well as with thyme oil.

A 2017 study showed that thyme [ref. 1]  may be effective in controlling gray mold decay in guava fruits. These effects can also turn into mold at home.  [Ref. 2]  An earlier study from 2007 suggested that thyme could be used as a disinfectant in apartments where there is a low concentration of mold. [ref. 3] 

A 2021 study showed that thyme essential oil is effective against adult mosquitoes and their larvae. You can make a homemade repellent by mixing 4 drops of thyme oil per teaspoon of olive oil.

Have you ever had food poisoning? Thyme can help prevent it.

A 2013 in vitro study found that thyme oil can act as a natural preservative for food products against several common food bacteria that cause disease. In addition, thyme oil has been found to be effective against resistant strains of bacteria Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia and Pseudomonas.  [Ref. 4] 

Thyme essential oil is often used for aromatic and therapeutic purposes due to its active substance carvacrol.  [ref. 5]  In a 2013 animal study, carvacrol was shown to increase concentrations of serotonin and dopamine, two hormones that regulate mood.

Thyme is a great ingredient that is used in kitchens around the world, especially in France, Italy and the Mediterranean. Fresh leaves or whole twigs can be used in the preparation of meat or recipes with fish. There are options for adding thyme and to pasta with mushrooms and cheeses.

Thyme is not only potentially effective against bacteria. It can also work against fungi.

An in vitro study from 2021 shows that very low doses of thyme essential oil exhibit a fungicidal effect against Candida albicans, a common cause of fungal infections, even when the fungus is resistant to certain medicines. [ref. 6]