Zarbee's All-Natural Children's Cough Syrup Review

What is a mom to do when their child is awake at 2:30am with a dry hacky cough?  Are you the same as I, turn over, see the red lights on the monitor, and think to yourself, "REALLY?"  


Last week, Sophia had a horribly dry hacky cough and I didn't know what to do!  There have been many times I have gone out to the pharmacy at wee hours in the morning to get some cough syrup!  (I know, you aren't supposed to use them for kids less than 6, but I am a pharmacist and know proper usage and dosage, so shhhhhh ... don't tell!)  The problem is just this -- none of the OTC cough medicines really seem to work!  Have you had that experience?   Anywho, I opened up my package of Zarbee's and gave Sophia a 1/2 tsp (proper dosage for her age), and was SHOCKED by the results!  The girl didn't cough one more time after she received this amazing all natural honey cough syrup!  I was very impressed and am very excited to have this on hand for future use!


As a natural-minded pharmacist (is that an oxymoron?), I love having a great product to recommend to friends that is safe and effective.  However, remember, this product is not recommended for kids under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism, a rare, but serious form of food poisoning!  Honey is a known source of bacterial spores that produce Clostridium botulinum bacteria.  This is practically harmless in older children and adults and it is not understood why infants are so affected.  Bottom line: Don't dose till 12 months!

Finally, make sure you check out this hilarious (short)  YouTube Video with a kid taste-testing Zarbee's vs. leading cough syrup!  It will bring a smile to your face, just like it did mine!

If you are curious where to find Zarbee's, your local Walgreen's should have enough in stock! Make sure to check out their website for coupons and updated product information!


Here is some great product info from their website: 


In 2008, after determining that it was unsafe for parents to give any of the current children's cough syrups to kids under the age of 4, the FDA increased the age restriction for over-the-counter cough syrups to 4 years of age. 

This was alarming to parents and medical professionals who began to question, not only the efficacy, but the potential side-effects of traditional cough syrups. Out of the ensuing confusion among parents as to what they should give their children, came Zarbee's- the first all-natural, truly effective and safe children's cough syrup. 

Zarbee's is the creation of Dr. Zak Zarbock, a pediatrician and father who everyday dealt with parents frustrated at not being able to find a safe and effective solution for their childrens' coughs. 

Realizing the need for an effective cough syrup that parents could trust and feel good about, Dr. Zarbock began to research clinical trials. After a few months, he came across a compelling trial comparing buckwheat honey to traditional over-the-counter cough syrups. The results indicated that buckwheat honey was more effective at calming coughs and sore throats in children and young adults*. 

In 2008, just months after Dr. Zarbock's discovery of the buckwheat honey trials, Zarbee's Cough Syrup was created. By blending special dark honeys, vitamins and immune-boosting ingredients, Zarbee's became the first proven-effective option for cough relief in children. Now available in Walgreens pharmacies and many national retailers, Zarbee's has emerged as the choice of caring parent nationwide. 

Today the FDA is considering increasing the age restriction on traditional cough syrups from 4 years to 6 years, further testimony to the fact that Zarbee's Cough Syrup should be the only choice for your children. 

Dr. Zak Zarbock was invited to participate in the September 2010 FDA hearing on Capitol Hill to share his insight as a practicing medical professional on the growing trend of accidental overdosing of young children and cough syrup abuse among teens. Dr. Zarbock has been a guest on numerous radio shows, and interviewed in newspaper articles and news stations offering his expert advice to parents.

Also, feel free to email Zarbee's: info@zarbees.com

Disclaimer: I received 1 bottle of Zarbee's to review free of charge.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. 

Hyland's Teething Tablets: RECALLED

I know I have many natural mama's that read my blog, so I wanted to make sure you all knew you would no longer be able to find these teething tablets in the store!  I know, I am as equally upset! Believe me, this is the only thing that would work for Sophia's teething!  I liked it b/c it was a homeopathic treatment.  However, you always have those few irresponsible people that think b/c it says "homeopathic" it means you can give your baby as many as you want (or think you need)!  Hyland put a dosage recommendation on the side of the bottle for a reason folks!!!  

Here is the blurp from the FDA website:

Hyland’s Teething Tablets: Recall - Risk of Harm to Children

[Posted 10/23/2010]

AUDIENCE: Consumers, Pediatrics

ISSUE: FDA notified consumers that Hyland’s Teething Tablets is being recalled because the tablets may pose a risk to children. The tablets are manufactured to contain a small amount of belladonna, a substance that can cause serious harm at larger doses. For such a product, it is important that the amount of belladonna be carefully controlled. FDA laboratory analysis has found that Hyland’s Teething Tablets contain inconsistent amounts of belladonna.

FDA has received reports of serious adverse events in children taking this product that are consistent with belladonna toxicity. The FDA has also received reports of children who consumed more tablets than recommended, because the containers do not have child resistant caps.

BACKGROUND: Hyland’s Teething Tablets is a homeopathic product, intended to provide temporary relief of teething symptoms in children. It is sold over-the-counter (OTC) in retail outlets. The FDA has not evaluated Hyland’s Teething Tablets for safety or efficacy, and is not aware of any proven clinical benefit offered by the product.

RECOMMENDATION: FDA recommends that consumers not use this product and dispose of any in their possession. FDA advises consumers to consult their health care professional if their child experiences symptoms such as seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation after using Hyland’s Teething Tablets.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm230764.htm

Thanks for all the help you were over the many months of teething .... we will miss you!!