Dosage
Trials of standardised thyme combination products use 160 mg of thyme plus 60 mg of primrose root extract for 11 days. Tea is brewed from a teaspoon of dried herb. Ask your healthcare provider before use in young children or in pregnancy.
Ingredient guide
Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris): Cough and the Evidence
Thyme contains thymol, which acts as an expectorant and cough suppressant. Trials of combined thyme-primrose extract reduced cough symptoms 74 percent versus 58 percent for placebo. A pediatric trial supports thyme for asthma-related cough.
Moderate evidenceBenefits
- Combined thyme-primrose extract reduced cough 74% vs 58% placebo in trial.
- Pediatric RCT supports thyme for asthma-related cough.
- Spasmolytic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity.
Evidence summary
What thyme is
Thyme is a small Mediterranean shrub used as a culinary herb and medicinal plant. Its essential oil contains thymol and carvacrol, two phenolic compounds with expectorant and antimicrobial activity. It is a common ingredient in cough syrups and lozenges.
What the human research shows
A clinical trial found that combined thyme-primrose extract for 11 days reduced cough symptoms on day 9 with 74 percent efficacy versus 58 percent for placebo. A randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial in children with asthma exacerbation found that Thymus vulgaris ameliorated cough. Most evidence comes from combination products. We grade the evidence as moderate.
Dosage & safety
Side effects
- Generally well tolerated as a food herb and tea.
- Concentrated essential oils can cause skin irritation or stomach upset.
- Allergic reactions can occur in people sensitive to mint family plants.
Interactions
- Thyme may add to the effect of blood-thinning medicine at high doses.
Warnings
- Speak with a doctor before regular thyme oil use, especially in young children.
- Avoid concentrated thyme oil orally, never undiluted.
- See a healthcare provider for cough lasting more than 2 weeks.
Products with this ingredient
Related ingredient guides
Citations
- Vegetal extracts as approach to cough (review) pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Thymus vulgaris ameliorates cough in children with asthma pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Frequently asked questions
Does thyme help with cough?
Yes. Trials of combined thyme-primrose extract show reduced cough symptoms. The thymol acts as an expectorant.
Is thyme oil safe?
As a food herb and tea, yes. Concentrated essential oils should not be swallowed undiluted and need a doctor's input for young children.