Measuring the efficacy of therapies for acute URTIs and bronchitis is challenging as symptoms typically recede after 5–11 days, regardless of intervention [ 27]. Correspondingly, the clinical condition of participants improved in both treatment and comparison groups. Values for the minimal clinically important difference (MID), or the smallest change perceived by patients as important, are available for two of the tools used to measure cough severity in the studies in our review: 17 mm for the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and 2 points for the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ, Online Resource 2) [ 28]. One RCT reported VAS differences of 11.1 and 17.9 mm between treatment and placebo groups at day 3 and at the end of the treatment period, respectively [ 23]. Based on the MID, the effect of ivy leaf treatment at 3 days was likely too small to be perceived as important by patients but the difference after 7 days was potentially clinically noticeable. The CCT reported an LCQ difference of 4.3 at the end of the treatment period, indicating a potentially clinically noticeable difference [ 26]. Ivy (Hedera helix) extract (DER 1-2: 1) designated and standardized to the content of Hederagenin, multiflorous honey, marshmallow (Alhea officinalis) extract rich in mucus compounds, thymus (Thymus vulgaris) extract, fructose, purified water, xanthan gum, flavor, lemon essential oil, citric acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate. Action of ivy, thyme and marshmallow, Ivex syrup: Hall, I. P. (2006). BRONCHODILATORS | Beta Agonists. In: G. J. Laurent, & S. D. Shapiro (Eds.), Encyclopedia of respiratory medicine [Internet] (pp. 288–292). Oxford: Academic. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B0123708796000533 Mansfeld, H.-J., Höhre, H., Repges, R., & Dethlefsen, U. (1998). Therapy of Bronchial Asthma with Dried Ivy Leaf Extract. Munchener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 140(3), 26–30.

While at times it seems almost impossible—take some time out during this holiday season to regroup and rejuvenate yourself with these products so you’re healthy enough to take on whatever life throws at you next year! Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Tognolini, M., Barocelli, E., Ballabeni, V., Bruni, R., Bianchi, A., Chiavarini, M., and Impicciatore, M. Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. Life Sci. 2-23-2006;78(13):1419-1432. View abstract. Al-Snafi, D. A. E. (2018). Pharmacological and therapeutic activities of Hedera helix – A review. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy, 8, 41–53. Erol S, Aydin B, Dilli D, Okumus N, Zenciroglu A, Gündüz M. An interesting newborn case of fructose 1-6 diphosphatase deficiency triggered after thyme juice ingestion. Clin Lab. 2014;60(1):151-3. View abstract.

What is Ivy-Thyme Complex?

Gulyas, A., Repges, R., & Dethlefsen, U. (1997). Therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in children. Atemwegs- Lungenkr, 23(5), 291–294. Ebrahimi, H., Fallahi, M., Khamaneh, A. M., Ebrahimi Saadatlou, M. A., Saadat, S., & Keyhanmanesh, R. (2016, March). Effect of α-Hederin on IL-2 and IL-17 mRNA and miRNA-133a levels in lungs of ovalbumin-sensitized male rats. Drug Development Research, 77(2), 87–93.

Standard care: warm alkaline mineral water, antipyretic (paracetamol), decongestant nose drops, local antibiotic (fusafungin spray) as needed bCoughs may be a sign of worsening asthma so if your cough does not improve with treatment, speak to your doctor Jukic, M., Politeo, O., Maksimovic, M., Milos, M., and Milos, M. In vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties of thymol, carvacrol and their derivatives thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone. Phytother.Res 2007;21(3):259-261. View abstract.