Bronwel Comp
Traditional herbal cough remedy with thyme and marshmallow root
Bronwel Comp is a traditional herbal medicinal product containing extracts of thyme herb (Thymus vulgaris L.) and marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis L.). It is used to relieve cough associated with the common cold, helping to loosen thick mucus for easier expectoration and soothing dry cough with throat irritation. Available as an over-the-counter oral solution for adults and adolescents over 12 years.
Quick Facts
Key Takeaways
- Bronwel Comp combines thyme extract (expectorant) with marshmallow root extract (demulcent) to address both productive and dry cough associated with the common cold.
- It is classified as a traditional herbal medicinal product based on long-standing use, as recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC).
- The recommended dose for adults and adolescents over 12 is 15 mL every 4 hours (up to 6 times daily), for a maximum of 5 days of self-treatment.
- Bronwel Comp may delay the absorption of other oral medications due to the mucilaginous nature of marshmallow root — take other medicines 30–60 minutes apart.
- Not recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers due to insufficient safety data.
What Is Bronwel Comp and What Is It Used For?
Bronwel Comp belongs to the category of traditional herbal medicinal products (THMPs), a regulatory classification established by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for herbal medicines with a well-documented history of safe and effective use spanning at least 30 years, including at least 15 years within the European Union. The indication for Bronwel Comp is based exclusively on long-standing traditional use, which means it has not undergone the same clinical trial requirements as conventional pharmaceutical drugs but has an extensive track record of safety and efficacy in traditional practice.
The product contains two complementary herbal active ingredients that work synergistically to address different aspects of cough. Thyme herb extract (Thymus vulgaris L. and/or Thymus zygis L.) has been used in European herbal medicine for centuries as an expectorant and antispasmodic agent for the respiratory tract. Thyme contains essential oils, particularly thymol and carvacrol, which stimulate bronchial mucous glands and ciliary activity, helping to thin and mobilize thick, viscous mucus from the airways. Additionally, thyme has mild bronchospasmolytic properties, meaning it helps relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi, reducing the urge to cough.
Marshmallow root extract (Althaea officinalis L.) is a classic demulcent herb that has been used in traditional European medicine for thousands of years. The root is rich in mucilage polysaccharides, which form a soothing, gel-like protective coating over irritated mucous membranes in the throat and pharynx. This bioadhesive film helps suppress the cough reflex triggered by dry, irritated tissue and provides relief from the scratchy, tickling sensation that often accompanies a dry cough. The European Pharmacopoeia recognizes marshmallow root as a well-established herbal substance for the treatment of dry cough and mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
By combining these two herbal ingredients, Bronwel Comp offers a dual-action approach to cough management: thyme works in the lower airways to facilitate mucus clearance, while marshmallow root targets the upper airways and throat to soothe irritation. This makes the product suitable for mixed cough presentations commonly seen during upper respiratory tract infections, where patients may experience alternating productive and dry cough episodes throughout the course of their illness.
Bronwel Comp is presented as a brown, viscous liquid with a characteristic thyme scent and a raspberry flavour, making it relatively palatable compared to some herbal preparations. It is available in glass bottles of 120 mL, 200 mL, and 240 mL, each supplied with a measuring cup for accurate dosing.
What Should You Know Before Taking Bronwel Comp?
Contraindications
You should not take Bronwel Comp if you have a known allergy (hypersensitivity) to thyme, other plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family (also known as the mint or labiate family, which includes basil, oregano, rosemary, sage, and lavender), marshmallow root, or any of the other ingredients in this product. The Lamiaceae family encompasses a wide range of commonly used culinary and medicinal herbs, so individuals with known sensitivities to any of these related plants should exercise particular caution.
Bronwel Comp contains several excipients that some individuals may react to, including methylparahydroxybenzoate (E 218) and propylparahydroxybenzoate (E 216), which are preservatives that can cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed). The product also contains fructose (approximately 66 mg per 15 mL dose), which is relevant for patients with hereditary fructose intolerance, a rare inherited metabolic disorder. Patients with this condition should not take Bronwel Comp. The solution also contains approximately 39 mg of propylene glycol (E 1520) per dose and less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per dose, making it essentially sodium-free.
Warnings and Precautions
Several important warnings apply to the use of Bronwel Comp. You should consult a doctor or other healthcare professional promptly if you develop any of the following symptoms during treatment: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, or purulent (yellow-green) sputum. These symptoms may indicate a more serious lower respiratory tract infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which requires medical evaluation and potentially antibiotic therapy rather than self-treatment with an herbal cough remedy.
If you are allergic to birch pollen or celery, you may also be allergic to thyme (cross-allergenicity). In rare cases, serious hypersensitivity reactions including facial swelling (angioedema), difficulty breathing, and drop in blood pressure (anaphylaxis) have been reported after use of thyme-containing products. Stop taking Bronwel Comp immediately and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of these serious reactions.
Patients with a history of asthma or previous allergic reactions may have an increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions to Bronwel Comp. If you have a personal or family history of atopic disease (eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma), you should be especially vigilant for signs of allergic reaction when first using this product.
No studies have been conducted on the effect of Bronwel Comp on the ability to drive vehicles or operate machinery. While no specific impairment is expected from the herbal ingredients, you should be aware that this product contains a small amount of propylene glycol, and you are responsible for assessing whether you are fit to perform tasks requiring alertness.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There are no clinical data on the use of Bronwel Comp during pregnancy or breastfeeding. No reproductive toxicity studies have been conducted with this product. Due to the lack of sufficient safety data, Bronwel Comp is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This precautionary recommendation is standard for traditional herbal medicinal products where formal safety data in pregnant and lactating women are not available.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the potential benefits against any theoretical risks and suggest appropriate alternative treatments for cough during pregnancy, such as non-medicated measures including honey, adequate hydration, and steam inhalation.
Use in Children
Bronwel Comp is not recommended for children under 12 years of age due to insufficient clinical data in this younger population. The safety and efficacy of the specific herbal extract combination in children has not been adequately established. For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the standard adult dosage applies. Parents seeking cough relief for younger children should consult a healthcare provider for age-appropriate treatment recommendations.
How Does Bronwel Comp Interact with Other Drugs?
The primary drug interaction concern with Bronwel Comp relates to its marshmallow root component. Marshmallow root is exceptionally rich in mucilage polysaccharides, which hydrate upon contact with water and gastric fluids to form a viscous, gel-like substance. When this mucilaginous gel is present in the stomach, it can physically coat and surround other orally administered medications, creating a barrier that delays their dissolution and subsequent absorption through the gastrointestinal mucosa.
This interaction mechanism is non-specific, meaning it can potentially affect any oral medication taken concurrently with Bronwel Comp. The degree to which absorption is delayed depends on several factors, including the physicochemical properties of the concomitant drug, the volume of mucilage present, and individual gastrointestinal conditions. While this interaction is unlikely to change the total amount of drug eventually absorbed, the delayed peak plasma concentration could be clinically relevant for medications where rapid onset of action is important, such as analgesics taken for acute pain relief.
| Medication Type | Interaction Risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| All oral medications | Delayed absorption (mucilage coating effect) | Take 30–60 min before or after Bronwel Comp |
| Antibiotics (oral) | Potential delayed peak concentration | Separate dosing by at least 1 hour |
| Thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine) | Mucilage may reduce absorption | Take thyroid medication on empty stomach, separate by 1+ hours |
| Analgesics (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen) | Delayed onset of pain relief | Take analgesic first, then Bronwel Comp 30+ min later |
| Other cough suppressants | Conflicting mechanisms (suppression vs. expectoration) | Avoid concurrent use with centrally-acting antitussives |
As a general precaution, always take Bronwel Comp at least 30 to 60 minutes before or after taking any other oral medication. This simple timing separation allows other medications to be absorbed without interference from the mucilaginous gel formed by marshmallow root. When in doubt, inform your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Bronwel Comp so they can provide tailored advice about optimal dosing schedules.
It is worth noting that thyme extract, the other active ingredient in Bronwel Comp, has not been associated with clinically significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions at the doses present in this formulation. Unlike some herbal products that affect hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes (such as St. John's wort), thyme does not appear to have meaningful effects on drug-metabolizing enzymes at therapeutic doses.
Patients should also be aware of a pharmacodynamic consideration when using Bronwel Comp alongside other cough medications. Because thyme acts as an expectorant (promoting mucus clearance), its use simultaneously with centrally-acting cough suppressants (antitussives such as codeine or dextromethorphan) is generally not recommended. Suppressing the cough reflex while also increasing mucus production could theoretically lead to mucus accumulation in the airways, which is counterproductive and potentially harmful in patients with compromised airway clearance.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Bronwel Comp?
Adults and Adolescents (Over 12 Years)
Standard Dosage
Dose: 15 mL measured with the provided dosing cup
Frequency: Every 4 hours, 4 times per day
Maximum frequency: Up to 6 times per day if needed
Maximum daily dose: 90 mL
Duration: Maximum 5 days of self-treatment
Bronwel Comp should always be taken exactly as described in the product information. Use the measuring cup provided with the product to ensure accurate dosing. The oral solution should preferably be taken undiluted for optimal efficacy, as the marshmallow root mucilage component is most effective when it contacts the throat and pharyngeal mucosa in concentrated form. However, if you find the taste or texture difficult, the solution may be diluted with a small amount of water or warm tea without significantly affecting its therapeutic properties.
The standard dosing regimen involves taking 15 mL every 4 hours, which typically corresponds to 4 doses spread throughout the waking hours. In cases where cough symptoms are particularly troublesome, such as during the acute phase of a cold or when cough is disrupting sleep, the frequency may be increased to a maximum of 6 doses within a 24-hour period. However, the total daily intake should not exceed 90 mL regardless of dosing frequency.
| Patient Group | Single Dose | Frequency | Max Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18+ years) | 15 mL | Every 4 hours, 4–6 times/day | 90 mL |
| Adolescents (12–17 years) | 15 mL | Every 4 hours, 4–6 times/day | 90 mL |
| Children (under 12) | Not recommended | N/A | N/A |
| Elderly | 15 mL | Every 4 hours, 4–6 times/day | 90 mL (consult doctor if other medicines) |
Children
Bronwel Comp is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age due to insufficient clinical data establishing its safety and efficacy in this age group. The herbal extract concentrations and total volume per dose have been established for adolescent and adult use only. Parents or caregivers should consult a paediatrician or pharmacist for suitable cough remedies for younger children, as appropriate alternatives exist that have been specifically studied and approved for paediatric use.
Elderly Patients
No specific dose adjustment is required for elderly patients. However, older adults are more likely to be taking multiple medications concurrently (polypharmacy), which increases the importance of the 30–60 minute dosing separation recommendation to avoid potential absorption interference from the marshmallow root mucilage. Elderly patients who are uncertain about timing their medications should consult a pharmacist or doctor for personalised dosing advice.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose of Bronwel Comp, simply take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Bronwel Comp is a symptomatic treatment, so missing a single dose will not affect the overall course of your illness but may temporarily reduce symptom relief.
Overdose
If you have taken significantly more Bronwel Comp than recommended, or if a child has accidentally ingested the product, contact a doctor, hospital emergency department, or poison control centre immediately for risk assessment and advice. While serious toxicity from thyme and marshmallow root extracts at moderate overdose levels is not well documented, the excipients (particularly fructose and propylene glycol) in large quantities could cause gastrointestinal symptoms. The most likely effects of a mild overdose include nausea, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea.
What Are the Side Effects of Bronwel Comp?
Like all medicines, Bronwel Comp can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Because Bronwel Comp is a traditional herbal product with a long history of use, the reported side effect profile is relatively mild. However, the frequency of specific adverse reactions has not been precisely established through controlled clinical trials, so all reported side effects are classified as "frequency not known" based on spontaneous post-marketing reporting.
Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Attention)
- Anaphylactic shock: Symptoms may include sudden drop in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, confusion, anxiety, or loss of consciousness
- Angioedema: Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat; difficulty swallowing; skin rash including hives; difficulty breathing
Allergic Reactions
- Urticaria (hives) — raised, itchy welts on the skin
- Skin redness (erythema)
- Itching (pruritus)
Gastrointestinal Disturbances
- Stomach discomfort or stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If you experience any serious allergic reaction (facial swelling, throat swelling, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or feeling faint), stop taking Bronwel Comp immediately and seek emergency medical attention. If allergic skin reactions or gastrointestinal side effects become severe or troublesome, stop taking the medicine and consult your doctor as soon as possible.
The allergic potential of Bronwel Comp is primarily attributed to the thyme extract component. Thyme belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family, and allergenic proteins present in thyme have structural similarities to allergens found in birch pollen and celery, creating the possibility of cross-reactive allergic responses (known as the celery-birch-mugwort-spice syndrome). Individuals with known allergies to birch pollen or celery should therefore be particularly cautious when using thyme-containing products for the first time.
The preservatives methylparahydroxybenzoate (E 218) and propylparahydroxybenzoate (E 216), commonly known as parabens, can also cause allergic reactions in sensitised individuals. These reactions may be delayed in onset, sometimes appearing 24–48 hours after exposure, and typically manifest as contact dermatitis-type symptoms including localised redness, swelling, and itching around the mouth or on the skin.
If you experience any side effects not listed above, or if any listed side effects become severe, you should report them to your healthcare provider. Reporting suspected adverse reactions is important for ongoing safety monitoring of all medicines, including traditional herbal products. In the European Union, adverse reactions can be reported through national pharmacovigilance systems in each member state.
Reporting Side Effects
Reporting suspected side effects after a medicine has been authorised is important for continuous monitoring of the benefit-risk balance. Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report any suspected adverse reactions through their national adverse drug reaction reporting system. In the United Kingdom, reports can be made via the Yellow Card Scheme. In the United States, reports can be submitted to the FDA MedWatch programme. Other countries have similar national reporting mechanisms.
How Should You Store Bronwel Comp?
Proper storage of Bronwel Comp is essential to maintain the quality and effectiveness of its herbal active ingredients. The thyme oil component is particularly sensitive to environmental conditions and can degrade when exposed to excessive heat, light, or air.
Store Bronwel Comp at a temperature not exceeding 25°C (77°F). Keep the bottle in its original outer carton to protect the contents from light, as the active compounds in thyme oil are photosensitive and may break down when exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light. Although the product is packaged in brown glass to provide some light protection, the additional shielding of the outer carton is recommended for optimal preservation.
Close the bottle tightly after each use. Exposure to air can cause oxidation of the thyme essential oil components, reducing the product's therapeutic potency over time. Once opened, the bottle should be used within 4 weeks, even if the stated expiry date has not been reached. After 4 weeks, the stability of the herbal extracts and preservatives can no longer be guaranteed.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. The product has a pleasant raspberry flavour that may be attractive to young children, increasing the risk of accidental ingestion. Do not use Bronwel Comp after the expiry date stated on the carton and label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not dispose of medicines via the sewage system or with household waste. Return unused or expired medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal. These environmental measures help prevent contamination of water systems with pharmaceutical residues and reduce the ecological impact of medicine waste.
What Does Bronwel Comp Contain?
Active Ingredients
Each 1 mL of Bronwel Comp oral solution contains:
- Thyme extract: 8 mg extract of Thymus vulgaris L. and/or Thymus zygis L. (thyme herb), containing 0.17–0.22 mg thyme oil, equivalent to 55–102 mg of dried thyme herb
- Marshmallow root extract: 55 mg extract of Althaea officinalis L. (marshmallow root), equivalent to 4.0–4.6 mg of dried marshmallow root
Other Ingredients (Excipients)
The other ingredients in Bronwel Comp include: purified water, xylitol (E 967), raspberry juice concentrate (containing sucrose, glucose, and fructose), xanthan gum, maltodextrin, raspberry flavouring (containing propylene glycol E 1520), citric acid monohydrate, methylparahydroxybenzoate (E 218), propylparahydroxybenzoate (E 216), acacia gum, glycerol (E 422), saccharin sodium (E 954), and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone.
Fructose: Contains approximately 66 mg fructose per dose (15 mL). Patients with hereditary fructose intolerance should not take this product. Contact your doctor before use if you or your child have been diagnosed with this condition.
Propylene glycol: Contains approximately 39 mg propylene glycol per dose (15 mL).
Sodium: Contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) sodium per dose, essentially sodium-free.
Parabens: Methylparahydroxybenzoate and propylparahydroxybenzoate may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
Product Appearance
Bronwel Comp is a brown, viscous liquid with a characteristic thyme scent and a combined thyme-raspberry taste. It is supplied in a brown glass bottle with a sealed screw cap and an accompanying measuring cup for accurate dosing. Available pack sizes are 120 mL, 200 mL, and 240 mL, although not all pack sizes may be marketed in every country.
Manufacturer
Bronwel Comp is manufactured by Kwizda Pharma GmbH, Effingergasse 21, A-1160 Vienna, Austria. Kwizda is an established Austrian pharmaceutical company with extensive experience in herbal and traditional medicinal products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bronwel Comp
Bronwel Comp is a traditional herbal medicinal product available without a prescription (OTC), while prescription cough medicines typically contain synthetic pharmaceutical ingredients such as codeine, dextromethorphan, or corticosteroids. Bronwel Comp's indication is based on long-standing traditional use rather than clinical trials, and it works through natural mechanisms: thyme for expectoration and marshmallow root for soothing. Prescription cough medicines may be necessary for more severe or persistent coughs, chronic respiratory conditions, or when herbal remedies have proven insufficient. Always consult your doctor if cough persists beyond 5 days or is accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or discoloured sputum.
Yes, Bronwel Comp can generally be used alongside other natural cough remedies such as honey, steam inhalation, or warm fluids. Honey has been shown in clinical studies to have mild antitussive (cough-suppressing) properties and may complement the action of Bronwel Comp. However, you should avoid combining Bronwel Comp with other commercial herbal cough products containing thyme or marshmallow root to prevent unintentional dose stacking. If you are taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines, remember to observe the 30–60 minute separation rule to avoid potential absorption interference.
The soothing effect of the marshmallow root demulcent component can be felt relatively quickly, typically within 15–30 minutes of taking a dose, as the mucilage physically coats the irritated throat membranes. The expectorant effect of thyme, which helps loosen and mobilize thick mucus, generally develops more gradually over several doses. Most users notice an improvement in mucus clearance and reduction in cough frequency within 1–2 days of regular use. If you do not notice any improvement after 5 days, consult your doctor as this may indicate a condition requiring different treatment.
Bronwel Comp contains xylitol as a sweetener, which has a low glycaemic index and minimal impact on blood sugar levels. The product also contains small amounts of fructose (approximately 66 mg per 15 mL dose) from the raspberry juice concentrate. At the recommended doses, the total sugar content per dose is very low and is unlikely to significantly affect blood glucose control in people with diabetes. However, if you are taking multiple doses daily and managing your blood sugar closely, you may wish to inform your diabetes care team. The product uses saccharin sodium as an additional sweetener, which does not affect blood sugar.
People with asthma should exercise caution when considering Bronwel Comp. While the thyme extract has mild bronchospasmolytic (airway-relaxing) properties that may be theoretically beneficial, individuals with asthma or a history of allergic conditions have an increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions to herbal products. The thyme component may trigger allergic responses in sensitised individuals, particularly those with birch pollen or celery allergies (cross-reactivity). If you have asthma, consult your doctor before using Bronwel Comp, especially if your asthma is triggered by allergies. Your cough may also be related to your asthma rather than a cold, which would require different treatment.
If your cough does not improve or worsens after 5 days of treatment with Bronwel Comp, you should stop self-treatment and consult a doctor. A persistent cough may indicate a condition that requires medical evaluation, such as bacterial bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or other underlying conditions. Seek medical attention sooner if your cough is accompanied by high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blood in sputum, or significant weight loss. Your doctor can perform appropriate diagnostic tests and recommend targeted treatment.
References
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- European Pharmacopoeia Commission. European Pharmacopoeia 11th Edition. Monograph: Thyme (07/2019:0865). Council of Europe, Strasbourg. 2022.
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- British National Formulary (BNF). Cough and congestion: Herbal medicines. NICE/BNF, London. 2025.
Editorial Team
This article has been written and medically reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, an independent panel of licensed physicians and pharmacists specialising in clinical pharmacology, respiratory medicine, and phytotherapy.
iMedic Medical Editorial Team — specialists in clinical pharmacology and evidence-based herbal medicine, with experience in drug information services and patient education.
iMedic Medical Review Board — independent panel following EMA/HMPC monograph standards, ESCOP guidelines, and the European Pharmacopoeia for herbal medicinal product assessment.
All iMedic drug information articles are based on official product information, international pharmacopoeia monographs, and peer-reviewed phytotherapy research. Content is reviewed according to EMA, WHO, and ESCOP guidelines. We maintain complete editorial independence with no pharmaceutical industry funding or advertising. For more information, see our editorial standards.