For the first time in Sri Lanka, a clinically tested and documented ingredient Ivy leaf (Hedra helix) with honey and a long with known herbs has been introduced to the local market as a cough reliever. This is an over the counter product marketed by Kalbe International, a top ten healthcare company in Sri Lanka Manufactured by Kalbe, Indonesia, Woods is a trusted Cough Solution specialist and leading provider of cough and throat related remedies for more than 100 years (since its first introduction in 1905); their Herbal Cough medicine contains several restorative ingredients apart from its key component ivy leaf.   

The ‘Woods Herbal Cough Medicine’ also has Honey, Phyllantus niruri (Meniran leaf) and Mint leaf extract, all of which go into making a logical herbal composition that is a safe over the counter medicine (OTC) with documented ingredients from the west.  It is completely alcohol free and can be even administered to a child over the age of two years. Therefore, the Woods Herbal Cough Medicine fills a void in the market for an OTC cough mixture; especially since the stoppage of cough mixtures containing some chemical compounds, which were accused of harmful effects on patients, and was even suspected of causing death to some, due to wrongful use. These issues caused Sri Lanka to ban or restrict most chemical cough mixtures and bring in the advisory of necessitating a prescription to purchase most chemical cough syrups that are currently in the market. Consequently, Woods makes a good and timely over the counter alternative, to both adults and children especially as it is herbal.

Sudarshana Jayatillaka, Country Manager, Kalbe International PTE Ltd. says, “we made the decision to introduce this herbal formula to Sri Lanka due to the need we saw for this segment of cough medicine in the market and observing the global trend of moving towards herbal medicine especially in the cough and cold category. Formulations for common cough should be available freely in pharmacies as an over the counter medication (OTC) as it makes the consumers life easier. Woods Herbal Cough Medicine contains a clinically tested herbal ingredient that may be a better and a safer alternative to Sri Lankans to relive symptoms of cough.”

As for its composition, the English ivy leaf has been used to overcome respiratory disorders for centuries and is clinically proven to relieve cough related symptoms.  Honey on the other hand, is a time tested home remedy, and is also considered to be nutritious and increase immunity. There are many publications on the benefits of honey in elevating cough. The Meniran leaf helps to restore proper body functions whilst mint leaves help to liquefy phlegm as well as sooth and cool respiratory channels such as the throat and nose.

Available in most parts of the world and now in Sri Lanka ‘Woods Herbal Cough Medicine’ is marketed by Kalbe International, the global arm of the Kalbe Group, headquartered in Singapore.  Kalbe, which has become the 7th largest pharmaceutical company in Sri Lanka, and the largest listed in the ASEAN region has been in operation in Sri Lanka for over 24 years. Kalbe will be joining hands with Hayley’s Consumer Health, subsidiary of Hayleys Group, for the first time for the importation and distribution of the product across the island.

Commenting on the initiative, Business Unit Head Hayleys Consumer Products Ltd Clifford Nugara said “We at Hayleys Healthcare consider it a unique opportunity to partner with Kalbe International limited to launch a Herbal alternative to cough medication in the form of Woods Herbal Cough Syrup, which encompasses a traditional approach with Ivy Leaf and Honey”.

The Kalbe cough syrup is the First of many in the Woods range to enter the local market. Kalbe expects it to be soon followed by several other OTC products that can help combat common illnesses with a healthy remedy.

Photo caption: Woods Cough solution (above) and Country Manager, Kalbe International PTE Ltd. Sudarshana Jayatillaka, addressing the media at the launch