Thought I’d share this interesting article I came across on Yahoo’s Lifestyle site last week – claiming that Thyme could be a gentle yet effective natural alternative to common chemical acne treatments.
Yahoo reports that scientists from Leeds Metropolitan University tested the effectiveness of Thyme tincture on killing the bacterium that causes acne, Propionibacterium acnes.
Compared to standard concentrations of the chemical benzoyl peroxide, used in most acne creams and washes, the Thyme tincture was found to have a greater antibacterial effect.
As a natural formulation, lead researcher Dr Margarita Gomez Escalada says that the Thyme tincture is also less likely to cause the burning sensation and skin irritation associated with typical benzoyl peroxide treatments.
The tincture was made by soaking Thyme in alcohol, so I’m not convinced it would be great for sensitive skin – and would probably be incredibly drying.
Thyme Essential Oil is also thought to act as an Emmenagogue (oestregen-mimicker), so as a precaution perhaps avoid trying this at home if you’re pregnant.
You can read the article in full here.
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