Thyme is more effective than prescription creams for treating acne. The herbal preparation is a stronger anti-bacterial than the benzoyl peroxide found in most standard anti-acne creams and washes.
It outperformed pharmaceuticals in a series of laboratory tests, killing the actual bacterium that causes acne by infecting the pores of the skin.
The way the herb is prepared is key to its effectiveness, say researchers from Leeds Metropolitan University. Seeping the plant in alcohol for long periods before making it available draws out the active compounds.
And not only is thyme more effective – it’s kinder on the skin, too, say the researchers. Most pharmaceuticals cause a burning sensation and irritation on the skin, whereas thyme and other herbal preparations do not have any of those side effects.
(Source: Spring conference of the Society for General Microbiology, March 27, 2012).
