Ricola cough drops are renowned for their natural herbal blend that soothes sore throats and alleviates coughs. Made from a mixture of 10 Swiss alpine herbs, these drops are known for their effectiveness and pleasant taste.
Ricola offers a variety of flavors, including original herb, lemon mint, and cherry honey, catering to different preferences while providing therapeutic benefits. Free from artificial flavors and colors, Ricola cough drops are a popular choice for those seeking natural relief from throat discomfort and coughs.
This article examines the Original Natural Herb variant to provide a baseline view of ingredients and usage guidelines for Ricola cough drop products.
Table of Contents
Medicinal Ingredients
Medicinal ingredients are the substances in a pharmaceutical product that exert a therapeutic effect to treat, prevent, or diagnose diseases and health conditions. These ingredients are specifically intended to have a direct impact on the body’s systems and are responsible for the beneficial effects described on the product’s label.
Ricola Original Natural Herb cough drops have the following active medicinal ingredients:
- Menthol is a key ingredient in many respiratory and throat care products, valued for its cooling effect that can soothe irritation in the throat and help alleviate coughs. It acts by creating a cooling sensation, which helps to relieve discomfort and ease breathing difficulties associated with colds.
- Peppermint essential oil, derived from the peppermint plant, contains menthol, which is known for its cooling and soothing properties. It is effective in calming sore throats, relieving sinus congestion, and promoting easier breathing.
- Extract of Ricola’s herb mixture represents a unique blend of natural herbs traditionally used in Ricola products. This mixture includes a variety of herbs known for their therapeutic properties in soothing the throat and alleviating cough symptoms.
- Peppermint herb (Mentha x piperita) is renowned for its refreshing flavor and cooling effect. It helps relieve throat irritation and can reduce coughing when used in medicinal teas and lozenges.
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is often used in herbal remedies for its calming effects. It can help soothe the nerves and reduce symptoms of colds, including coughs and throat discomfort.
- Thyme herb top (Thymus vulgaris) has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making it effective in treating respiratory infections and aiding in the relief of coughs and bronchitis.
- Sage herb top (Salvia officinalis) aerials are used for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Sage is particularly effective in soothing sore throats and calming coughs.
- Hyssop herb top (Hyssopus officinalis) is traditionally used in herbal medicine for its expectorant properties, helping to clear mucus from the lungs and relieve congestion.
- Black elder flowers (Sambucus nigra) are well-known for their immune-boosting properties. They help alleviate cold and flu symptoms, including coughs and sinus congestion.
- Linden flowers (Tilia cordata) are often used in soothing teas for their sedative properties, which can help ease coughs and promote relaxation, especially in cases of cold or flu.
- Wild thyme herb top (Thymus serpyllum) shares similar properties with common thyme but is used specifically for its ability to assist in treating respiratory ailments, acting as an excellent cough suppressant.
- Horehound herb top (Marrubium vulgare) is traditionally used in cough remedies for its expectorant properties, helping to loosen phlegm and ease breathing.
- High mallow leaves (Malva sylvestris) are known for their soothing mucilage properties. They form a protective layer on the throat, relieving irritation and dryness, often associated with coughing.
Each medicinal ingredient is typically tested for efficacy and safety through clinical trials and is approved by health regulatory agencies before the product can be marketed. These ingredients may be isolated from natural sources, synthesized in a laboratory, or produced biotechnologically, depending on the specific substance and its intended use.
Non-Medicinal Ingredients
Non-medicinal ingredients, also known as inactive ingredients or excipients, are substances included in a pharmaceutical product that do not have therapeutic effects to treat, prevent, or diagnose conditions but are essential for various other purposes. These ingredients are used to aid the formulation by improving the taste, stability, absorption, or appearance of the medication
Ricola Original Natural Herb cough drops contain the following non-medicinal ingredients:
- Sucrose and glucose syrup are used as sweeteners to enhance the flavor and texture of the lozenges, ensuring a pleasant taste and a smooth dissolve that prolongs contact with the throat for sustained relief.
- Caramel not only adds a warm, inviting color and a rich flavor but also contributes to the texture and soothing properties of the cough drops, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
How to Use
Follow the dosing instructions on the product label or as advised by a healthcare professional. For adults, a typical cough drop can be taken every two hours as needed. It is crucial not to exceed the daily maximum dosage specified on the label.
Allow the cough drop to dissolve slowly in your mouth without chewing. This ensures that the active ingredients are released gradually, providing effective relief for throat irritation.
Do not use cough drops continuously for longer than the period recommended on the label, typically no more than seven days. If symptoms persist beyond this period or worsen, consult a healthcare provider. Prolonged use without professional advice may mask more serious underlying conditions.
If symptoms do not improve or severe side effects occur, such as persistent sore throat or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly.
Product Variations
Ricola offers a broad range of cough drops for specific preferences:
- Ricola Original Natural Herb
- Ricola Menthol Centres
- Ricola Honey Lemon with Echinacea
- Ricola Lemon Mint
Learn about other cough drops in Canada: