Thyme Cough Syrup Recipe

Make some time for  this very easy thyme cough syrup recipe.  Some studies have shown thyme in combination with other herbs may help with bronchial congestion.

Thyme Cough Syrup Recipe Ingredients

• 1 pint of water
• ½ cup of honey
• 1 ounce of fresh thyme leaves OR 1/2 ounce of dried thyme leaves

Thyme Cough Syrup Recipe Directions

Pour one pint of boiling water onto the herbs.  Cover and steep for 30 minutes.  Then, strain all plant material and bring the remaining liquid to a boil.  Cook it down to 50% liquid, then remove from heat.  Add the honey.  Store for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.  Adults can take one teaspoon as needed up to three times a day. Consult a doctor with additional medical conditions and if cough persists; and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Thyme Cough Syrup Recipe Research

• In an open trial of 62 patients, a cough syrup made from ivy leaves, thyme herb, aniseed and marshmallow root was effective. From:  Büechi, S., Vögelin, R., von Eiff, M. M., Ramos, M., & Melzer, J. (2005). Open trial to assess aspects of safety and efficacy of a combined herbal cough syrup with ivy and thyme. Complementary Medicine Research, 12(6), 328-332.
• In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center, study with 150 patients, an extract with thyme and primrose was effective and tolerable in treating acute bronchitis.  The author did a similar study with 189 patients a year later, with a similar outcome.  From:  Gruenwald, J., Graubaum, H. J., & Busch, R. (2005). Efficacy and tolerability of a fixed combination of thyme and primrose root in patients with acute bronchitis. Arzneimittelforschung, 55(11), 669-676.
• The herbal brand Bronchipret, containing thyme extract, was just as effective in treating bronchial symptoms as synthetic drugs in a matched-pair comparison study of 7,783 patients.  From: Ernst, E., März, R., & Sieder, C. (1997). A controlled multi-centre study of herbal versus synthetic secretolytic drugs for acute bronchitis. Phytomedicine, 4(4), 287-293.
• A review of 1,234 children ages 2-17 had reduced bronchial symptoms with age appropriate doses of a syrup containing thyme and ivy.  From: Marzian, O. (2007). Treatment of acute bronchitis in children and adolescents. Non-interventional postmarketing surveillance study confirms the benefit and safety of a syrup made of extracts from thyme and ivy leaves. MMW Fortschritte der Medizin, 149(27-28 Suppl), 69-74.

Pictured:  The Frog Prince watching over my thyme plant 🙂

By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, Registered Aromatherapist, LMT, RYT

3/22/18

This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use. These statements are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. The information at this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils if you have medical conditions, are taking medications, or have questions.