Thyme Oil May Target Inflammation
New research shows that thyme oil may help combat inflammation, a process thought to play a role in the onset of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and a host of other health problems. In a recently published study, scientists found that compounds in thyme oil can suppress COX-2 (an enzyme known to promote inflammation).
In lab tests, investigators discovered that a number of essential oils (including rose and eucalyptus) oil reduced COX-2 expression in cells by at least 25 percent. But thyme oil proved even more powerful, decreasing COX-2 levels by almost 75 percent.
Used in aromatherapy and other forms of alternative medicine, essential oils are potent substances extracted from a plant's flowers, leaves, stems, buds, branches, or roots. Although its health effects have yet to be extensively studied, thyme oil has long been used to treat conditions such as cough, bronchitis, and indigestion in herbal medicine.
This is very intriguing. I’ve been researching inflammation diets with consideration of reducing blood pressure and heart disease. I wish these about sites would mention their research sources so this information could be substantiated and followed-up.