What is essential oil?

Essential oil is an oil produced from plants and contains various compounds that give it its characteristic aroma and taste. They are highly concentrated, aromatic and fatty substances found in different parts of plants such as leaves, flowers and fruits.

In order to get the essential oils from the herbs we prefer the method of steam distillation. Specifically, they place the plant material in a device and atomize it. The steam extracts the essential oils from the plant. They then cool and concentrate the extracted substance to produce the essential oil. They use only water vapour at atmospheric pressure and maintain a temperature of less than 100 °C. This process yields a valuable liquid that retains the aroma and properties of the herbs from which it is extracted.

The herb thyme

Thyme is a native, perennial herb that blooms in the summer, making it a valuable beekeeping plant. There are over 350 species of thyme all over the world, while in the mountains of Crete we find the particularly aromatic and with its characteristic purple flower Thymus capitatus.

The name of the thyme comes from the ancient Greek verb ΄”θύω”’. This verb means sacrifice. In ancient times, people burned the herb on altars to offer it to the gods. Even then, they recognized its medicinal properties, with figures such as Hippocrates and Dioscorides making many references to it. In particular, they used thyme as a heating, diuretic, laxative and emmenagogue. Reports also say that people used it as a tonic, an aphrodisiac and a cure for headaches over the years.

Its use in cooking

It is impressive that this herb is equally tasty and beneficial to our health in any manner of its use. In cooking we use it widely and in both Mediterranean and Cretan cuisine it holds a distinct position. Fresh or dried thyme leaves can be added to soups, sauces, roasts and vegetables. Whole branches can be added during roasting to add flavour to meat, fish, poultry and vegetables.

Picture from: Slatan

Thyme as an essential oil

After we talked earlier about what essential oil is and how to get it from a plant, it is time to look at its uses. One of its most important uses is aromatherapy. This is a practice from ancient times that uses essential oils to improve psychosomatic well-being. Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways, such as massage, through inhalation or aromatic decorations (for example diffusers and candles).

The benefits of aromatherapy are many and varied, including relieving anxiety, reducing stress, increasing mental focus and boosting immunity. In addition, it can help treat many symptoms, such as headaches, sleep problems and respiratory problems. Aromatherapy is a natural way to boost your health and well-being with the help of the power of essential oils.

Add a few drops of thyme essential oil to your bath

Thyme essential oil is one of the most powerful and beneficial essential oils. Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, thyme is ideal for refreshing massages and baths. When used, thyme oil provides a feeling of freshness and stimulation. This will help to relieve you from the tiredness of the day while providing mental and spiritual balance.

What could be better than an enjoyable bath after a long day?

Drops of oil in a bowl of boiling water for inhalation

Using it in inhalations is ideal for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of thyme by breathing. It can help treat respiratory problems such as colds and coughs. At the same time, it offers a feeling of refreshment and vitality making it ideal for use during a demanding day.

In addition, you can make your own essential oil soap and benefit from its properties. If you want to know how you can make your own “homemade” soap, click here.

The Medicinal Properties of Thyme Essential Oil

Let’s look at some of its most important properties:

• Anti-inflammatory action. It helps to relieve aches and pains and is also known for its ability to reduce inflammation in the body.
• Help in Breathing: It is often used to relieve breathing problems.
• Immune System Support. It can boost the immune system and help fight infections.
• Antiseptics: Since ancient times, it has been known for cleaning and disinfecting wounds.
• Insect repellent: Very often used as a natural remedy against insects.
• Antioxidant Action: It is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from free radicals and premature aging.
• Relaxing, antidepressant: Aromatherapy with thyme essential oil can help relax and relieve anxiety and stress, while helping to increase energy and concentration.

In conclusion, this amazing essential oil is a natural way to improve your health and wellness.

Picture from: Africa Images

Tips

Thyme essential oil is a powerful oil with many uses and benefits. However, it is important to use it with caution as it can cause skin reactions or be irritating in some cases. Here are some tips for its use:

– It is necessary for safe use to dissolve the essential oil in a base oil, such as almond oil.

– Always dilute thyme essential oil before using it on the skin to a 1-2% thyme essential oil to base ratio.

– You can use thyme essential oil in aromatherapy. Add a few drops to an essential oil vaporizer or a bowl of warm water for instant relief.

– Anti-wrinkle care: Add a few drops of diluted thyme essential oil to a natural face cream or oil for anti-wrinkle care.

– Pregnant women should always consult their doctor before using any essential oil.

In summary, thyme essential oil is a powerful and multifunctional oil with important medicinal properties. We, at tofillo, have excellent essential oils from herbs of the Cretan land. Discover our essential oils of thyme, oregano, rosemary, dittany and sage and incorporate them into your daily routine to enjoy their benefits in a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

I remain open for just one day but I know that with my special beauty, I will successfully accomplish my sacred purpose.

The mystery of life and nature

This was something we didn’t know from the beginning!

It was something we discovered along the way. It was among the things you learn from nature when you get close to it, when you learn to listen to it and respect it.

What we did know is that the Cistus or Pink Rockrose has a beautiful circular-shaped flower with crinkly petals that open outward and have a mixture of pink and fuchsia hues. We knew that bees love it and during their contact a special relationship is born. People appreciate it because of its unique health properties.

The blossom of Cistus

But what we have learned is that each Cistus ’s blossom has only one day of life! And perhaps the large number of flowers per plant makes it difficult to observe, but with a closer look you will find out for yourself. Nature shows us that everything has a certain lifespan and the Cistus ’s flower in its few hours of life remains beautiful by choosing to be beneficial to both humans and insects.

How truly beneficial we would be if we could listen to what nature has to say. The beauty of this flower could be a symbolism of the search for harmony in a chaotic world, but most of all, it is a wonderful way to enjoy beauty from the heart of nature. Although the life of this flower is so short, its beauty and qualities prove that the world is full of wonderful gifts from nature.

Nature inspires and challenges us

Yes, we follow and trust nature, enjoying its gifts, rejoicing in the people we love and bringing out our beauty, like the blossom of Cistus, as if there is no tomorrow!

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• 200g of feta cheese
• handful of cherry tomatoes (150g)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 3 tbls of Kalamata olives
• 60 ml of olive oil
• chili flakes
• dried thyme or rosemary (can be both)

Method:

• Place feta in the middle of baking dish (not too big, around 25cm). Place tomatoes, olives and garlic around it (do not peel the garlic for not burning it).
• Pour feta and veggies with the olive oil and sprinkle them with chili flakes and the dried herbs.
• Bake everything around 15-20 min in 180^ο After 10 minutes mix veggies around and with a spoon gather the oil from the baking dish and pour it over them.
• Once your dish is ready, use spoon and mix well feta cheese in the middle. It should be super soft. Pour it also with the olive oil of the baking dish as before.

Tips: You can put it in your sandwich or as a hot appetizer accompanied with toasted bread. Enjoy!