Dangerous recommendations: Should you take thyme oil?

March 3, 2025

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

Perhaps you've already read it somewhere or seen it on social media: the tip to simply take thyme oil to relieve menstrual cramps . We absolutely want to protect you from such application tips here, because:

Essential oils are powerful plant substances – and that's precisely why we use them with the utmost care. What has an effect can also have side effects.

Not all thyme oil is created equal – why chemotypes are important

The term "thyme oil" may sound simple – but behind it lie 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. In Switzerland, it may only be sold with consultation – for example, in our farfalla stores.
• Thyme ct. Linalool is the gentler option: mild, skin-friendly and gently effective – it is wonderfully suited for diluted external application, e.g. for cold-related issues.
  

Why taking thyme oil can be dangerous

The dangerous recommendation to take thyme oil orally in an undiluted and irresponsible dosage is based on a misunderstanding of an old study : This study examined the medically supervised intake of highly diluted thyme oil in capsules – without specifying the chemotype.

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

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

As you can see, it's worth doing your research when it comes to thyme oil for internal use – or generally to taking essential oils.

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

What really helps with period pain – gentle natural alternatives

Fortunately, there are many tried-and-tested ways to help your body with period pain – lovingly, naturally, and safely. These methods enhance the pain-relieving and cramp-relieving properties of selected essential oils through touch, warmth, mindfulness, and the comforting, relaxing effects of the sense of smell.

• Abdominal massage with menstrual wellness oil : A warming, gentle clockwise massage relaxes the abdomen.
• Warming compress : Emulsifying 1 drop each of lavender, clary sage or Roman chamomile in 1 tbsp olive oil, or simply 1 tbsp Monatswohl massage oil, on a moist-warm cloth and covered with a hot water bottle, placed on the lower abdomen, brings antispasmodic and soothing properties.
• Scent impulses : Essential oils have a comforting and relaxing effect via the sense of smell.
• Mens tea : Gentle herbs like yarrow or lady's mantle can support you from the inside with a tolerable amount of essential oils that automatically end up in the tea water.

Use 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 frequently shared. Feel free to ask questions – we're happy to advise you, for example, in our stores and on our social media channels. You should use essential oils mindfully; our dosage chart can help with this. We're happy to show you what really benefits you. Perhaps we'll see you at one of our in-store workshops or aromatherapy seminars at the farfalla Academy .