Is Thyme the Same as Thymol? Clarifying the Distinction
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3 min read
With its long history in medicine and cooking, common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is well-known, but less so is the fact that its powerful antimicrobial properties are largely attributed to a single chemical constituent. Is thyme the same as thymol? While often confused, the two are not the same; rather, thymol is a primary component of thyme's essential oil. Understanding this fundamental difference is key to appreciating both the herb and its isolated compound.
