Thyme tinctures highly effective in treating acne

Lab studies conducted at Leeds Metropolitan University showed that tincture of thyme, marigold and myrrh plants (an alcoholic extraction from the plants) had greater antibacterial effects compared to lab specimens exposed to plain alcohol.

“The plant material is steeped in alcohol for days or even weeks to prepare a tincture,” said lead researcher Dr. Margarita Gomez-Escalada. “This process draws out the active compounds from the plant.”

Results showed that all herbal tinctures were able to kill the bacterium after five minutes of exposure, but thyme was the most effective, scientists reported at the Society for General Microbiology’s Spring Conference in Dublin.

Herbal tinctures also worked better than standard concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, which is the active ingredient in most anti-acne creams or washes.

Most of the commonly used acne topical medications contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulphur as their active ingredient, all of which can be especially tough on sensitive skin.

“While thyme, marigold and myrrh are common herbal alternatives to standard antibacterial skin washes, this is the first study to demonstrate the effect they have on the bacterium that causes the infection leading to acne," said Dr. Gomez-Escalada.

These findings can help develop effective herbal remedies or creams for treating acne without causing significant side effects such as the common skin irritations, the lead author noted.

“If further testing on human subjects proves that treatment with thyme is clinically effective, it would be very welcome news, particularly for acne sufferers who experience skin sensitivity, as products with benzoyl peroxide commonly cause undesirable side effects, like burning, dryness, redness, and irritation.”