Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
EMA-monograph herb for productive cough and bronchitis, well established as a fixed combination with primrose root or ivy leaf.
Why
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris and T. zygis) holds an EMA HMPC monograph as a Traditional Herbal Medicinal Product for productive cough associated with cold. RCTs of fixed thyme+primrose root and thyme+ivy leaf combinations report symptomatic improvement in acute bronchitis comparable to standard expectorants, with favourable safety profiles in adult and paediatric trials.
How it works
Essential oil constituents thymol and carvacrol have direct antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species, plus spasmolytic effect on bronchial smooth muscle. Flavonoids and saponins contribute mucolytic and secretolytic effects.
Expected onset · Symptom relief often within 4–7 days
How to take
Dosage
Dried herb infusion: 1–2 g in 150 ml hot water, 3–4 times daily. Fluid extract: 1–2 ml three times daily. Fixed combinations: per product label.
Timing
Three times daily during symptomatic phase
On the label
EMA-cited fixed combinations (e.g. Bronchipret thyme+primrose, Bronchicum) or thyme tea / fluid extract with stated essential oil content.
Ideal for
Adults and children with productive cough associated with acute bronchitis or upper respiratory infection.
Safety
Evidence
EMA HMPC classifies the herb as Traditional Herbal Medicinal Product for productive cough, based on >30 years of consistent use. Kemmerich 2007 Arzneimittelforschung RCT (n=361): thyme+primrose fluid extract significantly reduced cough fits and bronchitis symptom score vs placebo over 11 days. The fixed combinations carry the strongest evidence.
Where to get it
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