Evidence supporting the use of: Thymus
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Thymus (commonly known as thyme) has a long history of traditional use for respiratory ailments, including colds accompanied by fever. In European herbal medicine, especially within German phytotherapy, thyme is valued for its expectorant, antispasmodic, and mild antimicrobial properties. Preparations such as thyme tea or syrup have been used to ease coughs, soothe sore throats, and help clear mucus. This traditional use is largely based on the aromatic oils in thyme, particularly thymol and carvacrol, which are believed to have mild antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Scientific studies investigating thyme’s efficacy in treating colds or fever are limited and generally of low to moderate quality. Some laboratory studies suggest that thyme extracts possess antimicrobial activity, but robust clinical trials in humans with acute colds are lacking. Reviews of herbal treatments for respiratory infections occasionally mention thyme for cough relief, but evidence for reducing fever or significantly altering the course of a cold is not strong.
In summary, thyme is widely used in traditional medicine for colds, including those with fever, but current scientific evidence to support its effectiveness is modest (rated 2 out of 5). Most recommendations are based on longstanding use rather than rigorous clinical data.
Other ingredients used for Colds (with fever)
aloe veragreen chiretta
anthocyanins
basil
bilberry
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
capsaicinoids
chamomile
citrus oil
clove
coconut milk
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
lemon
licorice root
pear
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
sage
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
yerba santa
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
trichosanthes
aster root
indigo leaves
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Capillary Artemisia
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dragonhead
Eclipta
Little ironweed
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Thymus
AbscessesAppetite (deficient)
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Dermatitis
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema