Seasonal Variation of Essential Oil Yield and Composition of Thymus hyemalis

The aerial parts of THYMUS HYEMALIS Lange were collected throughout its complete vegetative cycle (April 1981 to March 1982) from the same locality. The yield and composition of essential oil have been determined in eleven samples with special reference to the content of 1,8-cineole, camphor, thymol, and carvacrol. It was found that the yield and composition of the oil changed from month to month. On the basis of the results obtained, July might be proposed as the most suitable month for harvesting T. HYEMALIS, giving the maximum yield in essential oil, which is especially rich in terpenic hydrocarbons at this time. Maximum levels of 1,8-cineole in August, however, might warrent harvesting during this month as well.