Evidence supporting the use of: Thyme
For the health condition: Congestion

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is commonly used to support respiratory health, particularly for congestion, and this usage has roots both in traditional herbal medicine and some scientific research. Traditionally, thyme has been used in Europe and the Mediterranean region for centuries to treat coughs, bronchitis, and upper respiratory tract infections. The main active compounds in thyme—thymol and carvacrol—have demonstrated antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and expectorant properties in laboratory studies.

Scientific studies have shown that thyme extracts can help relax the muscles of the trachea and bronchi, supporting easier breathing and potentially helping to clear congestion. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in Phytomedicine found that a combination of thyme and ivy extracts reduced coughing fits and improved symptoms in patients with acute bronchitis. Additionally, in vitro and animal studies indicate that thyme oil may decrease mucus production and reduce inflammation in the airways.

However, while these findings are promising, high-quality, large-scale clinical trials on thyme alone for congestion are limited. Most evidence comes from studies using thyme in combination with other herbal extracts. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some supportive evidence, more research is needed to fully establish thyme’s efficacy for treating congestion in humans.

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