Ivy leaf extract (Hedera helix)

Tier 2 — promising · Cough · Bronchitis · Respiratory

One of the best-studied herbal cough remedies in Europe. ESCOP approves it for productive cough associated with respiratory infections. A 2024 review of 10 trials confirmed it significantly reduces cough frequency and severity in both children and adults. Works by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle and thinning mucus. Very well tolerated with an excellent safety record in pediatric use.

Dose: 100 mg dried leaf extract/day for adults; weight-adjusted for children; EA 575 extract best studied