Consumers Finding Comfort In Natural Cough Products During Flu Epidemic

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- This is one of the most severe flu seasons in years. States of emergency have been issued in many cities, and hospitals are overflowing with the worst outbreak in recent history. As opposed to in the past though, consumers seem to be trying to cope with coughs and colds by opting for natural versus drug-based products.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130115/NY42674)

According to A.C. Nielsen data for the twelve weeks ending December 31, 2012, the use of drugs to treat coughs and colds has not increased over the past year, but the use of natural and drug-free cough and cold products has grown over 13%. The trend is even more pronounced in children's remedies where medicated drugs (eg.Triaminic and Tylenol) have actually declined 15% versus last year, while natural remedies (eg. Zarbee's, Hylands) have increased 19%, and now account for over 20% of the category. 

Simple is better, simple is safer. Pediatrician recommended Zarbee's, with its safe, effective, and natural formula containing pasteurized honey and natural flavors leads all this growth up 51% from last year. Zarbee's provides a safe solution for both children and adults this flu season, offering an all-natural alternative to treat flu and cough related symptoms, so parents, including celebrities like Kristin Davis, feel comfortable using the product for both themselves and their children.

"As a mom, I know how scary it can be when your child gets sick," says actress Kristin Davis, mother of 16-month old Gemma. "There are so many children's cough and cold products on the market, but it can be confusing as many have dangerous side effects. While looking for the safest option to help relieve my daughter's symptoms, I was so happy to find Zarbee's. It not only works, but is all-natural and drug-free, so I don't have to worry about giving it to my daughter, or taking it myself."

Formulated from a blend of antioxidant-rich dark honeys combined with immune boosting Vitamin C and Zinc, Zarbee's is available in all-natural syrups and drink packets for children 12 months and up, as well as adults. After the FDA banned DXM-based OTC cough products for children, Dr. Zak Zarbock, pediatrician and father of four, developed Zarbee's to provide a safe and natural alternative to traditional drug-based cough remedies. Today, Zarbee's is committed to educating families on how to stay healthy and cough-free.

"As families look for products to help relieve their cough and cold symptoms this season, it is important that they understand which ingredients to avoid," says Dr. Zarbock. "According to a recent study, 66% of parents are unaware that the FDA banned products containing DXM. This is quite alarmingly given that this is the most common ingredient in most over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children 4 and under, but DXM can have serious, and in some cases, even fatal side effects. Because of this, I created Zarbee's to provide a 100% safe and natural alternative that both adults and children can rely on."

Dr. Zarbock has some safe and effective tips families can easily incorporate into their daily routine to help them stay healthy and prevent getting sick this winter and flu season:

• Remain active – Studies have shown that regular exercise can help support the immune system
• Avoid sugary drinks – Limit vulnerability to a cold or the flu by avoiding substances like refined sugar, which can weaken the immune system. Consuming too much sugar can reduce the ability of the body's white blood cells to overpower and destroy bacteria.
• Eat more yogurt – Probiotics, commonly found in yogurt, are an excellent way to fight off illness and boost immunity as they have been shown to reduce the incidence, severity, and duration of respiratory tract illness and symptoms including viral influenza infections.
• Get some sun and Vitamin D – Adequate levels of Vitamin D are very important to help prevent colds. The winter months are a particularly difficult time for many, as the body makes Vitamin D in response to the ultraviolet light from the sun.
• Eat a diet rich in antioxidants – Consuming foods rich in vitamins and nutrients can help boost immunity to help fight infection. Antioxidants, such as Vitaminc C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc, prevent damage to cells within the body, making them less susceptible to harmful viruses and bacteria.
• Go Green – Indoor plants can help purify the air of toxins, reduce dust accumulation, support respiratory health, and humidify the indoor environment. In addition, changing furnace and air-conditioning filters regularly and humidifying the air may also help the body avoid airborne viruses.
• Get plenty of rest – Relaxation has been shown to increase several immune system chemical, key for the body to respond to cold and flu viruses. Taking 20-30 minutes each day to meditate can reduce stress and enhance the body's ability to prevent infection.

For more tips and information, visit www.zarbees.com

About Zarbee's
Zarbee's is the fastest-growing children's cough and cold brand in the country. Developed by Dr. Zak Zarbock, one of the country's top pediatricians, and recommended by pediatricians nationwide, Zarbee's products are all-natural, drug-free and made from antioxidant-rich dark honeys, which clinical trials have shown to be the safest and most effective treatment for relieving coughs in children. Zarbee's products do not include Dextromethorphan (DM), the most common over-the-counter treatment for coughs. A controversial ingredient not supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, DM has been banned for children ages four and younger and is being scrutinized by the FDA as ineffective and potentially dangerous for children. Zarbee's products are also gluten free, contain no drugs, alcohol or dyes, have no side effects and carry no risk of overdose. Zarbee's products are available these and other retailers nationwide: Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kroger and Kmart.  For more information, please visit www.Zarbees.com.

Media contact:
Rachel Albert
Krupp Kommunications
(212) 886-6704
[email protected]

SOURCE Zarbee's