Ingredients
It all started when our founder, pediatrician and father Dr. Zak Zarbock, discovered compelling clinical research about the benefits of dark honey. He was inspired to create our first honey-based cough syrup for coughs associated with hoarseness, dry throat, and irritants,* and ever since then, we’ve continued to expand our portfolio based on Dr. Zarbock’s science-based approach.
We start with simple, high-quality ingredients that are backed by rigorous, evidence-based research—like dark honey, elderberry, and English ivy leaf. Then we formulate safe, effective wellness solutions you can feel good about recommending, with short lists of familiar ingredients and free of unwanted additives such as artificial flavors and drugs.
Primary ingredients
Agave syrup (Agave tequilana)
Known for its low glycemic index compared to other natural syrups, agave syrup is used as an alternative to honey for children under 1 year old.1-4* Its viscous nature helps soothe the pharynx and larynx.*
B-vitamins
The B-vitamins are eight important vitamins that work together to support cellular function and energy generation.3*
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
A delicate, daisy-like herb containing flavonoids, chamomile is known to possess calming properties and has been used over the years both topically and orally.5
Dark honey
A natural sweet substance produced by honeybees that has been extensively studied for many years. It can soothe irritated throats and calm coughs associated with hoarseness, dry throat, and irritants.6,7* Dark honey is rich in nutrients and loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Elderberries are known for their nutrient content including vitamin A, B-group vitamins, vitamin C, anthocyanins, and polyphenols.8,9 Many of these compounds have antioxidant properties that combat free radicals and help support the immune system.9,10*
English ivy leaf (Hedera helix)
Extracts from English ivy—a woody, evergreen climber containing saponins, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds—have been clinically shown to support the respiratory system by helping to clear mucus when coughing due to hoarseness, dry throat, and irritants.11*
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body, which helps set sleep and wake cycles. Melatonin supplements have been clinically shown to support a regular sleep cycle by working with the body’s natural circadian rhythms.12,13*
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are considered beneficial to the body’s overall health.14* Clinical research shows that regular use of probiotics maintains a healthy gut flora and actively supports a healthy immune system.14,15*
Turmeric
A relative of ginger, turmeric contains the potent compound curcumin—which helps support the airways.16* Turmeric also has antioxidant properties.17*
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that supports immune function and has been shown under certain circumstances to benefit upper respiratory health.18,19*
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient and hormone that supports bone growth and mineralization, and plays a vital role in the immune system.20*
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that the body does not naturally produce, but which is involved in many aspects of cellular and immune function, and is essential to growth and development.21,22*
Other Ingredients
Aloe vera (Barbadensis miller)
Extract from this gentle succulent has been used for thousands of years primarily for skin care, thanks to its moisturizing properties.23
Beeswax
Produced in the bee abdomen, beeswax promotes lubrication and reduces water loss from skin. It has been shown to help support the maintenance of healthy skin.24
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)
The aromatic oils from eucalyptus trees have been studied for their moisturizing and calming properties.25
Lavender
Oil from the lavender plant has a naturally calming scent that can help babies fall asleep peacefully.
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis)
Marshmallow root is a perennial herb native to Europe and western Asia, which has been studied for its ability to support healthy respiratory function.26*
Pectin
A plant-based fiber often extracted from apple cores or citrus peels, pectin is a vegetarian alternative to gelatin that has prebiotic properties.27,28*
Saline
Saline solution, a mixture of water and salt, has been used for centuries to gently cleanse and clear nasal passageways.
Shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)
The butter from the shea nut tree is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and oils. It is used to lock in moisture and nourish the skin.29
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Oil from the sunflower seed is an emollient known for its skin conditioning and soothing properties. It has been studied for its ability to help skin retain moisture, which keeps skin supple.30
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Extract of thyme, a Mediterranean herb containing phytonutrients, has been studied for its support of the respiratory system due to its antioxidants and other respiratory system-supporting properties.31*
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Disclaimers
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
REFERENCES:
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Lang C, Röttger-Lüer P, Staiger C. A valuable option for the treatment of respiratory diseases: review on the clinical evidence of the ivy leaves dry extract EA 575®. Planta Med. 2015;81(12-13):968-974. 12. Ferracioli-Oda E, Qawasmi A, Bloch MH. Meta-analysis: melatonin for the treatment of primary sleep disorders. PLoS One. 2013;8(5):e63773. 13. Janjua I, Goldman RD. Sleep-related melatonin use in healthy children. Can Fam Physician. 2016;62(4):315-317. 14. Cao J, Yu Z, Liu W, Zhao J, Zhang H, Zhai Q, Chen W. Probiotic characteristics of Bacillus coagulans and associated implications for human health and diseases. J Funct Foods. 2020;64:103543. 15. Didari T, Mozaffari S, Nikfar S, Abdollahi M. Effectiveness of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: updated systematic review with meta-analysis. World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(10):3072-3084. 16. Wu S, Xiao D. Effect of curcumin on nasal symptoms and airflow in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2016;117(6):697-702.e1. 17. Gupta SC, Patchva S, Aggarwal BB. Therapeutic roles of curcumin: lessons learned from clinical trials. AAPS J. 2013;15(1):195-218. 18. Jacob RA, Sotoudeh G. Vitamin C function and status in chronic disease. Nutr Clin Care. 2002;5(2):66-74. 19. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. 20. Rosendahl J, Valkama S, Holmlund-Suila E, et al. Effect of higher vs standard dosage of vitamin D3 supplementation on bone strength and infection in healthy infants: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(7):646-654. 21. Gammoh NZ, Rink L. Zinc in infection and inflammation. Nutrients. 2017;9(6):624. 22. Prasad AS. Zinc in human health: effect of zinc on immune cells. Mol Med. 2008;14(5-6):353-357. 23. Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review. Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9. 24. Kurek-Górecka A, Górecki M, Rzepecka-Stojko A, Balwierz R, Stojko J. Bee products in dermatology and skin care. Molecules. 2020;25(3):556. 25. Shao J, Yin Z, Wang Y, et al. Effects of different doses of eucalyptus oil from Eucalyptus globulus Labill on respiratory tract immunity and immune function in healthy rats. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:1287. 26. Sutovska M, Nosalova G, Franova S, Kardosova A. The antitussive activity of polysaccharides from Althaea officinalis l., var. Robusta, Arctium lappa L., var. Herkules, and Prunus persica L., Batsch. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2007;108(2):93-99. 27. Chung WSF, Meijerink M, Zeuner B, et al. Prebiotic potential of pectin and pectic oligosaccharides to promote anti-inflammatory commensal bacteria in the human colon. FEMS Microbiol Ecol. 2017;93(11):10.1093/femsec/fix127. 28. Wikiera A, Grabacka M, Byczyński Ł, Stodolak B, Mika M. Enzymatically extracted apple pectin possesses antioxidant and antitumor activity. Molecules. 2021;26(5):1434. 29. Honfo GF, Akissoe N, Linnemann AR, Soumanou M, Van Boekel MAJS. Nutritional composition of shea products and chemical properties of shea butter: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2014;54(5):673-686. 30. Simpson EL, Chalmers JR, Hanifin JM, et al. Emollient enhancement of the skin barrier from birth offers effective atopic dermatitis prevention. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014;134(4):818-823. 31. Parham S, Kharazi AZ, Bakhsheshi-Rad HR, et al. Antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral properties of herbal materials. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(12):1309.