Comparisons
Ivy Leaf or Thyme?
Ivy leaf (Hedera helix) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) are assessed by the EMA for productive cough. One is used as a ready-made product, the other as a tea. The table is built from the sourced cards of both herbs.
| Aspect | Ivy LeafHedera helix | ThymeThymus vulgaris, Thymus zygis |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | B Limited clinical evidence | T Traditional use |
| Needs | Respiratory, Throat & Mouth | Respiratory, Throat & Mouth |
| Form | Syrup & Paste | Dried Herb & Tea |
| How to use | Use only ready-made products with standardised ivy leaf extract, dosed as on the label. | Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1–2 g of dried thyme. |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Avoid |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | Avoid |
| Recommended minimum age | From age 2 | From age 12 |
| Drug interactions | No recorded interactions | No recorded interactions |
| Duration limit | Not stated | Not stated |
Which one, when?
Ivy Leaf
Ready-made products with standardised extract can be used as an expectorant for chesty cough; studies are few and of limited quality. Not used under 2; at ages 2–4 a cough should first be checked by a doctor.
Full card →Thyme
Traditionally drunk as a tea for chesty cough with a cold. Not recommended under 12; not used with an allergy to the mint family.
Full card →Good to know
- Use only ready-made ivy products with standardised extract, dosed as on the label. Take care with gastritis or a stomach ulcer.
- See a doctor for shortness of breath, fever or pus-like phlegm.
- Neither is recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Sources
- Community herbal monograph on Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus zygis L., herbaEMA HMPC · 2013 · MonographSource accessed:
- European Union herbal monograph on Hedera helix L., folium – Revision 2EMA HMPC · 2017 · MonographSource accessed:
- Ivy leaf (Hedera helix) for acute upper respiratory tract infections: an updated systematic reviewEuropean Journal of Clinical Pharmacology · 2021 · Systematic reviewSource accessed: