Carmelite Spirit: Efficacious and more than just ethanol in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections

Introduction Carmelite Spirit is a traditional herbal medicinal product used in the treatment of the common cold, gastrointestinal complaints, restlessness and nervousness, weather sensitivity and complaints with sleep.

Aims We reviewed the results of mostly unpublished data from research reports performed with Klosterfrau Melissengeist (KMG) (Klosterfrau, Germany) related to upper respiratory tract infections. KMG contains a distillate of a blend of lemon balm leaves, elecampane roots, angelica roots, ginger rhizome, cloves, lesser galangal roots, black pepper, gentian roots, nutmeg, bitter orange peel, cinnamon bark and flowers, and cardamom.

Results Studies in LPS-stimulated human monocytes showed an inhibition of PGE₂ and an increase of IL-8, supporting anti-inflammatory and pro-chemotactic effects. In addition, KMG had a small, but measurable inhibitory effect on neuraminidase, and showed an inhibition of the replication of the human influenza A virus H7N7. The required concentrations are possibly reachable by clinical doses.

A non-interventional study found significant reductions of the severity of symptoms of the common cold [1]. Two randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind studies with one additional group receiving ethanol at the same concentration as present in KMG were performed [2] [3]. In both studies, KMG, but not ethanol, reduced the duration of episodes of the common cold significantly.

Conclusions The overall findings confirm the traditional indication of Carmelite Spirit. The solvent ethanol does not contribute to the effect and does not counteract the efficacy by interfering with the immune system.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 June 2022

• References

• 1 Grünwald J. et al. Z Phytother 2007; 28: 268-270
• 2 Graubaum H-J. et al. Therapie & Erfolg 1997; 1 (07) 735-739
• 3 Graubaum H-J. et al. Therapie & Erfolg 1997; 1 (08) 831-835