Natural health products may increase in demand this winter following cough medicine law change.
Last month most cough medicines in New Zealand were reclassified as prescription only or pharmacist only. The change means that these cough medicines will no longer be stocked in supermarkets and pharmacies and instead will now be found behind the counter.
The regulations have been imposed as some cough medicine ingredients either have a history of abuse in New Zealand – such as dextromethorphan – or have the potential to be abused, or accidentally consumed by young children.
Kiwiherb founder, Phil Rasmussen, sees the law change as an opportunity to raise awareness of effective natural alternatives to drug-based cough medicines this autumn and winter. “The new restrictions and why they have been introduced should mean that consumers think more carefully about whether they need a drug-based cough medicine,” said Phil.
“In the past, many families will have grabbed a treatment from the shelf at the first sign of a scratchy throat. However, the law change highlights just how serious some of the ingredients in these medicines are. The Ministry of Health has warned that cough medicines containing ingredients like opium tincture, modified-release paracetamol and the synthetic opiate, dextromethorphan, are highly susceptible to misuse.”
“An appraisal of traditional use as well as findings from modern research, suggests that plant-based medicines have enormous potential medicinal value, something recognised by the World Health Organisation in its “WHO traditional medicine strategy: 2014-2023,” explained Rasmussen.
Kiwiherb respiratory products, including Certified Organic Kiwiherb Children’s Chest Syrup and Certified Organic Kiwiherb Herbal Chest Syrup, can be bought off the shelf. They do not contain any of the ingredients that have been flagged as having the potential for misuse.
The Kiwiherb Respiratory range uses a unique combination of high-quality organic herbal ingredients in a base of organic Manuka and other native honeys. These naturally effective ingredients work to support clear airways in the chest and the clearing of mucus.
Kiwiherb was founded by experienced pharmacist and medical herbalist, Phil Rasmussen almost 20 years ago. The company takes great pride in creating high quality, effective, natural family healthcare products.
