The effect of thyme in the treatment of acne
Researchers have found in their latest research that thyme is more effective in treating acne than medicated creams.
According to Fox News, scientists at the University of Leeds tested the therapeutic effect of thyme, marigold and myrrh to kill acne-causing bacteria and compared it with a solution containing benzoyl oxide used in acne creams. These tinctures were prepared by soaking these plants in alcohol.
The researchers said that although all herbal tinctures were able to kill acne-causing bacteria after five minutes of application on the skin, thyme tincture was the most effective of the solutions used.
The researchers also found that thyme tincture had a greater antibacterial effect than standard benzoyl oxide concentrates.
This research paves the way for herbal acne treatment and is good news for those who are experiencing the side effects of common acne treatments.
Acne is caused by a type of gram-positive bacterium that exists as a saprophyte in the human body, animals and solids, as a result of which the pores of the skin become infected and pimples form on the face.
The usual treatment for acne is to use antibiotics and topical creams or to wash with solutions containing benzoyl oxide, but these treatments sometimes have side effects.