Myrtol (GeloMyrtol)
Myrtol is a distilled blend of essential oils, mainly eucalyptus, sweet orange, myrtle and lemon, sold in Europe as GeloMyrtol. Several placebo-controlled trials in acute bronchitis and sinusitis found faster recovery, and one in chronic bronchitis found fewer winter flare-ups. The trials are mostly older and tied to the manufacturer, and the product is hard to find outside Europe.
Where to buy
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What the science says
- Faster recovery from acute bronchitis Moderate evidence
In a trial with 676 adults, 300 mg four times daily for 2 weeks did about as well as the antibiotic cefuroxime and the mucus thinner ambroxol, and better than placebo: after 1 week, 92.9% of the myrtol group responded versus 77.3% with placebo. A 2013 trial with 413 patients found coughing fits fell by 62.1% in about a week versus 49.8% with placebo. Both trials were tied to the manufacturer.
- Fewer flare-ups of chronic bronchitis Moderate evidence
In a 6-month winter trial with 246 patients taking 300 mg three times daily, 72% on myrtol stayed free of an acute flare-up versus 53% on placebo, and those who did flare up needed antibiotics less often. This is a single trial from 1999 and has not been repeated.
- Acute sinusitis Limited evidence
A double-blind trial with 331 patients found myrtol better than placebo in acute, uncomplicated sinusitis after about 6 days of treatment. It is an older single trial reported in German, and a later systematic review judged the herbal evidence for sinusitis promising but thin.
Dosage & safety
How to take it
Interactions
With medications
- cough suppressants (dextromethorphan, codeine)
Myrtol is meant to loosen and move mucus, so suppressing the cough at the same time works against it. do not combine for a productive cough
Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.
Frequently asked questions
Does GeloMyrtol work for bronchitis?
Myrtol (GeloMyrtol) has moderate evidence in acute bronchitis: in a 676-patient trial, 92.9% responded after a week versus 77.3% with placebo. The trials are mostly older and tied to the manufacturer.
How do you take GeloMyrtol?
Myrtol trials used 300 mg four times daily for acute bronchitis or sinusitis and three times daily for chronic bronchitis. Take the capsules with a cold drink about 30 minutes before a meal, never with a hot drink.
Is GeloMyrtol the same as eucalyptus oil?
No. Myrtol is a distilled blend of several essential oils, mainly eucalyptus, sweet orange, myrtle and lemon, in enteric-coated capsules, and its trials apply to that product, not to eucalyptus oil alone.
Can myrtol prevent chronic bronchitis flare-ups?
In one 6-month winter trial, 72% of patients on myrtol stayed free of a flare-up versus 53% on placebo. It is a single trial from 1999 that has not been repeated, so treat the result with caution.
Scientific references
- Efficacy and tolerability of myrtol standardized in acute bronchitis. A multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group clinical trial vs. cefuroxime and ambroxol
- A multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy and tolerability of GeloMyrtol forte in acute bronchitis
- Efficacy and tolerability of myrtol standardized in long-term treatment of chronic bronchitis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study
- Effects of standardized Myrtol in therapy of acute sinusitis: results of a double-blind, randomized multicenter study compared with placebo
- A Systematic Review of Phytotherapy for Acute Rhinosinusitis
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