Evidence supporting the use of: Thyme
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has been used traditionally in various cultures for the treatment of respiratory ailments, including colds with fever. Historical records from European folk medicine and traditional herbal texts cite thyme as a remedy for coughs, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and associated symptoms such as fever and congestion. The primary rationale for its use comes from its essential oils, especially thymol and carvacrol, which are known for their antimicrobial and mild antispasmodic properties. These compounds are believed to help with the relief of cough, promote expectoration, and potentially inhibit the growth of some pathogens associated with respiratory infections.

Although there are some preclinical studies and a few small clinical trials that suggest thyme extracts may reduce the severity and duration of coughs and support respiratory health, the evidence specifically for treating colds with fever is limited and not robust. Most modern clinical research focuses on thyme in combination with other herbs (such as ivy or primrose) for bronchitis or cough, rather than isolated use for viral colds with fever. As a result, while thyme's use for colds with fever is well-grounded in tradition, scientific validation is limited, and the overall quality of evidence is modest.

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