From the Guidelines
Ivy leaf extract is effective for treating dry, unproductive coughs, particularly by acting as an expectorant to loosen mucus and make coughs more productive. Products containing ivy leaf extract (Hedera helix) are available as syrups, drops, or tablets. For adults, the typical dosage is 25-70 mg of dried ivy leaf extract daily, divided into 2-3 doses, while children's dosages should be adjusted according to age and product instructions. Treatment usually continues for 1-2 weeks or until symptoms resolve. Ivy leaf extract works by containing saponins (particularly alpha-hederin) that help relax bronchial muscles and thin mucus, making it easier to clear from airways 1.
Some key points to consider when using ivy leaf extract for coughs include:
- The extract is generally considered safe, but some people may experience mild digestive upset.
- It should be avoided by those with allergies to ivy or other plants in the Araliaceae family.
- For persistent coughs lasting more than two weeks or those accompanied by fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, medical attention should be sought instead of self-treatment.
- Other treatments like honey and lemon, or simple drinks and linctuses, may also provide relief for acute viral coughs, as they can help suppress the cough reflex through central modulation 1.
It's also important to note that while there are various over-the-counter preparations available for coughs, there is little evidence of a specific pharmacological effect for many of these treatments 1. Therefore, the simplest and cheapest advice may be to provide a “home remedy” such as honey and lemon, or to use ivy leaf extract as an expectorant to help loosen mucus and make coughs more productive.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Ivy Leaves for Cough
- Ivy leaves are effective for treating productive cough, as shown in studies 2, 3, which reported significant improvements in cough symptoms and patient satisfaction.
- The studies 2, 3 focused on the treatment of productive cough in children, and the results suggest that ivy leaf extract can be a good alternative to current therapeutic regimens.
- However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of ivy leaves for dry, unproductive cough, as most studies 2, 3, 4, 5 focused on productive cough or acute upper respiratory tract infections.
Types of Cough Treated with Ivy Leaves
- Productive cough: Ivy leaves have been shown to be effective in treating productive cough in children 2, 3 and adults 5.
- Acute upper respiratory tract infections: Ivy leaves may be effective in reducing symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections, but the evidence is not convincing due to methodological flaws and lack of placebo controls 4.
- Dry cough: There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of ivy leaves for dry, unproductive cough, and more studies are needed to determine its efficacy for this type of cough.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Ivy leaf extract has been compared to acetylcysteine in adults and children with acute bronchitis, and the results suggest that ivy leaf extract may be an effective alternative with respect to the improvement of respiratory function 5.
- The combination of ivy and thyme may be more effective than ivy alone, but more studies are needed to confirm this 4.