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Thyme beat the brakes off of benzoyl peroxide. Yep, in a recent study thyme, marigold and myrrh timctures were tested on the bacteria that causes acne. All three were able to kill the bacteria after five minutes, but thyme was found to be the most effective–even more effective than benzoyl peroxide – the active ingredient found in most acne-fighting creams and washes. Thyme is a gentler alternative for folks like myself with sensitive skin. More research will have to be done before the findings of this study can be applied, but in the meanwhile, Dr Margarita Gomez-Escalada, who is leading the research project explained how they made tinctures:
The plant material is steeped in alcohol for days or even weeks to prepare a tincture. This process draws out the active compounds from the plant.
Similar to a tincture, herbal extracts can also be made using vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar like this one I’m working:
Thyme Aloe-Apple Facial Toner
Ingredients (click the links to shop ‘em)
- dried organic thyme*; kills bacteria that cause acne.
- organic apple cider vinegar; antibacterial, detoxifies skin.
- aloe vera juice; moisturizing, humectant, ideally pH balanced for skin.
- Cut thyme into small pieces using herb scissors—or you can improvise and use a knife like I did.
Mario Badescu’s acne products use thyme extract
- Place the cut thyme into a glass jar—you’ll need about to fill half the jar. An old sauce jar or something like that will do, but I used a 16 oz mason jar because
I’m obsessed with themI had a few on hand. - Pour the apple cider vinegar over the thyme leaving about an inch of space in the jar.
- Push the thyme down to submerge in the vinegar—it will prob float back up, but will eventually settle.
- Close the lid tight on the jar and store in a dark, cool place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar once daily.
- After 6-8 weeks**, strain the thyme from the liquid using a strainer or cheesecloth. Pour 2 oz of the extract into an airtight container.
- Add 1 part of the apple cider vinegar to one part aloe vera juice to the airtight container and shake well.
Gonna try this with extra thyme I have (pun not intended) and Bragg’s. Usually I’ve dotted the pimple with toothpaste (non-gel) or baking soda paste but can be messy if u turn in bed! LOL
I’ve tried the toothpaste, and it did absolutely nothing for me. Baking soda did pretty well though.
Plz let me know how your thyme tonic turns out!!
Will do! Thanks again for all the great info!
RT @LolasGreenHair: Thyme beat the brakes off of benzoyl peroxide… http://t.co/QEqPCIH0 #beauty
I use Now Foods Tea Tree Oil as an acne spot treatment because I find to be both gentle and effective. A scientific study compared tea tree oil to benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment and found it to be equally as effective with less irritation [Source: http://ukpmc.ac.uk/abstract/MED/2145499/reload=0;jsessionid=A0Pr5kquYAyfsvHAif2L.16.
I currently use a DIY Green Tea Toner–it’s easy to make & perfect for my dry skin. I’d love to make a thyme toner. I found a website that ssuggested extracting the thyme into green tea [Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/035869_acne_natural_cures_thyme.html I may make that today. I’d also like to try making it using ACV, witch hazel or vegetable glycerin.
P.S. Lush Greased Lightening Tea Tree Spot Cleanser–a natural acne sport treatment–contains thyme as the first ingredient. I haven’t tried it but I am most curious.
Oooh that’s a great idea. My skin loves green tea, infusing it with thyme would be even better. Maybe I’ll try doing a mix that is half of the recipe above and half green tea….
Thx for the suggestion!
I had this same idea after hearing the news about thyme being better than benzoyl peroxide. I just started using it after a rash of hormonal acne cropped up and it really did shrink them all over night. I used to use proactiv and then some other chemical based acne products and they actually did work for me. However, I’m now trying to stay all natural with my products and this stuff is really promising. I like the idea of adding aloe. I just did the thyme and vinegar.
So far I’ve been having good results also, and without the dryness that you get with benzoyl peroxide. Awesome to hear that it’s working for you too, Emily!!
Hi,
Thanks so much for the suggestion and recipe. Just a note– vinegar should never be stored in a metal container or a container with a metal top like in the picture because it will react with the metal.
Hi John, thanks for the feedback. The jars I used are from Ball and the lids are of coated metal so reaction with vinegar shouldn’t be an issue. These, like Kerr brand mason jars, have become the standard for use in canning and pickling and are designed accordingly. But if you have a source that states otherwise, please share this with me. Thanks again!
Hi, Lola.
I tried this recipe twice, and I love it! I’ve use this with some water as a ACV rinse and I love the way it smells and makes my scalp feel so clean. I also used it on my face and it did get rid of the bumps. I even bought some more thyme so that I can make another batch to use on my hair and skin. Your creation doesn’t excels Marios Badescu’s anti acne serum. Thank You so much! God bless you.
Hi Jasmine—so glad to hear the recipe worked for you!! I’ve got a batch brewing as we speak. Thx for stopping by–don’t be a stranger
I meant to say that it does excel Marios Badescu’s anti acne serum. Sorry, didn’t meant to offend you, Lola
No worries at all, and thx!!