Ivy Leaf
A Strong clinical evidenceHedera helix
Syrups and drops with standardised ivy leaf extract are used as an expectorant for chesty cough. The leaf itself is not made into tea.
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Respiratory, Throat & Mouth
Herbs and essential oils used for coughs, sore throats, hoarseness and oral health. Most essential oils must not be swallowed.
28 herbs · 5 with clinical evidence (A/B) · 8 not marked avoid in pregnancy
Peppermint Oil
A Strong clinical evidenceMentha × piperita
Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache.
Black Seed
B Limited clinical evidenceNigella sativa
A spice seed for which small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Kitchen amounts are safe.
Black Seed Oil
B Limited clinical evidenceNigella sativa
Oil pressed from black seed. Small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar and cholesterol and limited benefit in asthma.
Frankincense (Olibanum)
B Limited clinical evidenceBoswellia sacra / Boswellia serrata
The resin of the Boswellia tree. Standardised extracts are backed by limited clinical studies for pain and mobility in knee osteoarthritis.
Anise
T Traditional usePimpinella anisum
Aniseed tea is traditionally used for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind, and for cough that comes with a cold.
Black Mulberry Syrup
T Traditional useMorus nigra
A black mulberry syrup traditionally used in Anatolia for mouth ulcers and sore throats. It is rich in anthocyanins and high in sugar.
Broadleaf Plantain
T Traditional usePlantago major
Broadleaf plantain is traditionally used as a tea for mouth and throat irritation and dry cough, and as a fresh leaf on minor skin wounds.
Calendula
T Traditional useCalendula officinalis
Calendula flower is traditionally used for minor skin inflammation such as sunburn, as an aid to heal minor wounds and as a mouth gargle.
Chamomile
T Traditional useMatricaria recutita
A gentle herbal tea traditionally used for bloating and mild stomach cramps, common cold symptoms and mouth or throat irritation.
Clove
T Traditional useSyzygium aromaticum
Dried clove flower buds. Traditionally used for temporary toothache relief and bad breath; their main active compound is eugenol.
Clove Oil
T Traditional useSyzygium aromaticum
Traditionally used as a mouthwash for minor mouth and throat inflammation and for temporary relief of toothache from a cavity. It does not replace a dentist.
Costus Root
T Traditional useSaussurea costus
The root known as costus (kust-i hindi). It shows antimicrobial effects in the lab; there are no human studies, and fakes carry a serious kidney poisoning risk.
Cubeb Pepper
T Traditional usePiper cubeba
Cubeb, or "tailed pepper", is a relative of black pepper. Traditionally used for cough and indigestion; there are no clinical data.
Eucalyptus Oil
T Traditional useEucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus oil is used as steam or a chest rub for cough with a cold and on the skin for localised muscle pain; never under age 2.
Fennel
T Traditional useFoeniculum vulgare
Fennel seed tea is traditionally used for bloating and wind, for mild period cramps and for cough that comes with a cold.
Licorice Root
T Traditional useGlycyrrhiza glabra
Traditionally used for heartburn and indigestion and as an expectorant for cough with a cold; it needs care as it can raise blood pressure and lower potassium.
Marshmallow Root
T Traditional useAlthaea officinalis
Marshmallow root is soaked in cold water and used to soothe throat irritation with dry cough and mild stomach discomfort.
Mustard Seed
T Traditional useBrassica spp. / Sinapis alba
A seed used as a spice and condiment. Crushed into a poultice, its warming effect is traditionally used for muscle and joint pain and chest colds.
Pine Cone Syrup
T Traditional usePinus spp.
A syrup made by steeping young pine cones in sugar. Traditionally used for cough and throat irritation; there are no clinical data.
Ribwort Plantain
T Traditional usePlantago lanceolata
Ribwort plantain leaf is traditionally used for throat irritation with dry cough, for cough with a cold and for minor skin inflammation.
Sage
T Traditional useSalvia officinalis
Sage leaf is traditionally used as a gargle for mouth and throat inflammation, for mild indigestion and for excessive sweating.
Spanish Lavender
T Traditional useLavandula stoechas
Spanish lavender, growing around the Mediterranean. Traditionally used for nervous tension and cough; it contains camphor and fenchone, unlike true lavender.
Tea Tree Oil
T Traditional useMelaleuca alternifolia
Tea tree oil is used on the skin only for small wounds, insect bites, small spots and mild athlete's foot itching; it must not be swallowed.