Thyme Oil Inhibits COX-2, Beats Ibuprofen for Menses Pain By Case Adams - May 2, 2014: 10:43 am FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsApp NSAIDs like ibuprofen and others relieve pain by inhibiting COX-2. Now we find Thyme oil not only inhibits COX-2, but beats out ibuprofen in relieving painful menstruation.