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Aims We reviewed the results of mostly unpublished data from research reports performed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.
