Zarbee’s is a brand of over-the-counter cough syrup known for its natural ingredient formulations designed to alleviate symptoms associated with colds and flu, such as coughing and chest congestion.
Zarbee’s offers a diverse range of products tailored to address various symptoms, including dry coughs, wet coughs, and chest congestion. Unlike some other brands, Zarbee’s is recognized for its commitment to using ingredients that are family-friendly and free from strong medications.
Instead of common pharmaceutical ingredients like codeine or dextromethorphan, Zarbee’s typically utilizes natural components like dark honey and ivy leaf extract, which serve to soothe throats and ease coughs naturally.
This article examines the Zarbee’s Children’s Complete Cough + Cold Syrup variant to provide a baseline view of ingredients and usage guidelines for Zarbee’s cough syrup 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.
Zarbee’s Children’s Complete Cough + Cold Syrup has the following active medicinal ingredients:
- Honey is renowned not only for its soothing effects but also for its natural antibacterial properties, which make it an excellent ingredient in cough syrups. It effectively coats the throat, providing a protective barrier that can ease irritation caused by coughing. The use of honey also promotes a better healing environment due to its mild antiseptic qualities, which can help manage or prevent the growth of microorganisms.
- Turmeric is valued in medicinal preparations for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, derived primarily from curcumin, its active compound. In cough syrups, turmeric is likely included to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, which can alleviate symptoms of coughing and help clear mucus. Its antioxidant effects also support the immune system, potentially leading to quicker recovery from respiratory ailments.
- Marshmallow root has a long history in herbal medicine, primarily due to its mucilaginous properties, which produce a soothing effect on mucous membranes in the mouth and throat. It forms a protective layer that can soothe the irritation and dryness often associated with coughing. Additionally, marshmallow root has mild expectorant properties, helping to loosen phlegm and ease congestion.
- English ivy leaf is commonly used in respiratory remedies due to its ability to help relieve congestion and relax the airways. This makes breathing easier for those suffering from a cough. The saponins found in ivy leaf help to break down mucus, making it easier to expel and thereby clearing the airways more effectively.
- Zinc is included in cough syrups primarily for its immune-boosting properties. It plays a crucial role in maintaining body’s immune function, and its presence in a cough syrup can help strengthen the body’s defenses against the common cold or flu that often accompanies a cough. Zinc may also have a direct antiviral effect, particularly at the onset of respiratory symptoms.
- Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, is essential for the metabolism of glucose, fat, and alcohol, and the maintenance of healthy skin and nerves. While its direct benefits for coughs are limited, it supports general health and helps ensure that the body’s energy production is maintained, which can be beneficial during recovery from illness.
- Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism and the creation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters. Its inclusion in cough syrup can support overall health and assist in the body’s healing process. Vitamin B6 is also important for immune system function, which can indirectly benefit those dealing with respiratory infections.
- Vitamin B12 is crucial for brain health, nerve tissue health, and the production of red blood cells. In the context of a cough syrup, it is likely included to support general well-being. Vitamin B12 can aid in the recovery process by helping to maintain energy levels and facilitating the production of immune cells, essential for combating viral or bacterial infections that cause coughs.
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
Zarbee’s Children’s Complete Cough + Cold Syrup contains the following non-medicinal ingredients:
- Water serves as the primary solvent, providing the base in which all other ingredients are dissolved. This ensures that each component is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, making each dose consistent in its delivery of active and non-active ingredients.
- Acacia Senegal gum, derived from the sap of the Acacia Senegal tree, is used as a natural thickener and emulsifier in cough syrups. Its primary role is to enhance the texture of the syrup, providing a smooth consistency that is easier to swallow. This gum also helps in stabilizing the formula, ensuring that the active ingredients remain evenly suspended in the solution and do not separate over time.
- Sunflower seed oil is included in cough syrups for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Rich in Vitamin E, it can help protect and repair the mucous membranes in the throat, which are often irritated by persistent coughing. The oil acts as a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins and enhances the absorption of other fat-soluble ingredients in the syrup, potentially improving the overall effectiveness of the formulation.
- Soapbark extract has surfactant properties. It acts as a natural foaming agent, which can help in dispersing the active ingredients throughout the liquid more effectively. Soapbark extract is also known for its mild expectorant properties, helping to loosen mucus and make coughs more productive.
- Concord grape flavour is added to to improve their taste, making the medicine more palatable, especially for children. The pleasant flavour helps mask the taste of active ingredients, which might be bitter or unpleasant otherwise.
- Anhydrous citric acid is used primarily to adjust the pH level of the cough syrup. By optimizing the acidity of the syrup, citric acid helps stabilize the environment, ensuring that active ingredients remain effective over the shelf life of the product. Additionally, citric acid enhances the flavour of the syrup, contributing a slight tartness that can help balance the overall taste profile.
- Maltodextrin, a polysaccharide derived from starch, serves multiple purposes in cough syrups. It acts as a filler and thickener, improving the texture and viscosity of the syrup, which can enhance its coating effect on the throat, providing relief from irritation. Maltodextrin also serves as a carrier for flavouring compounds, helping to distribute them evenly throughout the syrup, ensuring consistent flavour in each dose.
How to Use
Follow the dosing instructions on the product label or as advised by a healthcare professional.
Use a measuring device provided with the syrup to ensure accurate dosing. Household spoons are not recommended as they can vary in size, potentially leading to incorrect dosage.
Do not use Zarbee’s cough syrup 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, seek medical advice promptly.
Product Variations
Zarbee’s offers a broad range of cough syrups for specific symptoms and needs:
- Zarbee’s Children’s Complete Cough + Cold Syrup tackles a broad spectrum of cold symptoms in children, including coughs, sore throats, and congestion. It combines safe, effective ingredients tailored for young systems to ensure quick, comfortable relief and a swift recovery.
- Zarbee’s Children’s Cough + Immune Syrup is ideal for supporting children during cold and flu season. It boosts the body’s defenses with immune-enhancing ingredients, all while being easy for children to take due to its pleasant flavor.
- Zarbee’s Children’s Cough + Mucus Syrup is formulated specifically for children with productive coughs. This syrup effectively breaks down and expels mucus, easing chest congestion. It offers children relief from coughs and breathing difficulties, ensuring a safer and more comfortable healing process.
- Zarbee’s Baby Soothing Cough Syrup is specially designed for infants, soothing coughs and sore throats effectively and safely, using ingredients suitable for babies. Its palatable flavor makes administration easy, providing comfort and relief for the youngest.
Learn about other cough syrup in Canada: