Woods Herbal Cough Syrup

Woods Herbal Cough Syrup is a 60ml oral cough syrup from the Woods brand, presented as a herbal-based preparation for cough and throat irritation. According to DoctorOnCall’s current product information, its listed ingredients are thyme extract, licorice root extract, menthol and honey. The amount of each ingredient per dose is not stated in the information available to us, so the printed label on the bottle should be treated as the definitive reference for the exact composition.

This product is a cough syrup and should be used according to its label directions. The product information describes the syrup as alcohol-free and made without artificial colouring, and it provides doses for adults and for children aged 6 to 12 years. Menthol gives a cooling sensation in the mouth and throat, while thyme and honey are ingredients with a long history of traditional use in cough preparations.

Coughs linked to common colds usually settle on their own, and a syrup like this is intended only for short-term relief of symptoms. A cough that lasts more than about a week, keeps returning, or comes with high fever, breathlessness, chest pain or blood-stained phlegm needs assessment by a doctor rather than continued self-treatment. If you have a long-term health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take regular medicines, speak to a pharmacist before using it.

• Shake the bottle well before each use.
• Measure each dose with the measuring cup or spoon provided rather than a household spoon so that the dose is accurate.
• The product information suggests taking the syrup after meals.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids during the day to stay hydrated.
• Close the cap tightly after use and keep the bottle out of reach of children.
• Always read and follow the directions printed on the pack label.

According to DoctorOnCall’s product information:

• Adults: 10ml three times a day.
• Children aged 6 to 12 years: 5ml three times a day, or as directed by a doctor or pharmacist.
• Children under 6 years: no dose is provided in the available product information, so do not give it unless a doctor or pharmacist advises you to.

Do not take more than the stated dose. If the dose printed on the bottle label differs from the above, follow the label. Stop using the syrup and see a doctor if your cough has not improved after about one week.

Refer to the expiry date printed on the bottle or outer carton. Do not use the syrup after the expiry date, and check the label for any instruction on how long the syrup may be used once the bottle has been opened.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture, and follow any storage temperature stated on the label. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use and keep the bottle out of sight and reach of children.

• Possible: Dry mouth, as listed in the product information.
• Possible: Occasional mild drowsiness, as listed in the product information; take care before driving if you feel drowsy.
• Rare: Allergic skin reactions such as rash or itching.
• Serious: Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing or widespread hives. Stop using the syrup and seek urgent medical help.

• Known allergy or sensitivity to any of the ingredients, including thyme (or other plants of the mint family), licorice, menthol or honey.
• Children under 6 years, unless specifically advised by a doctor or pharmacist, as no dose for this age group is given in the available product information.
• Infants under 12 months must not be given any product containing honey because of the risk of infant botulism.

• No specific drug interactions are documented in the available product information for this syrup.
• Avoid using it together with other cough or cold syrups unless a pharmacist has confirmed the combination, to prevent doubling up on similar ingredients.
• As occasional mild drowsiness is listed, take care when combining it with alcohol or other medicines that can cause drowsiness.
• If the label confirms that the syrup contains licorice root, check with a doctor or pharmacist if you take blood pressure medicines, diuretics (water pills), digoxin or corticosteroids, because licorice can affect blood pressure and potassium levels.
• Tell your pharmacist about all medicines, herbal products and supplements you take before using this syrup.

• Check the ingredient list on the bottle before use, especially if you have allergies to herbs or honey.
• Use the measuring cup provided so adults and children each receive the correct dose.
• Warm drinks, rest and good hydration can help alongside the syrup while a cold runs its course.
• Do not combine with other cough or cold products without asking a pharmacist first.
• If you have diabetes, check the label for the sugar content of the syrup.
• See a doctor if the cough lasts more than a week or comes with fever, breathlessness or chest pain.

Precautions: This is a cough syrup intended for short-term relief. Check the label to confirm the ingredients before use. If the label confirms licorice root, people with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, low potassium levels, or who are pregnant should check with a doctor or pharmacist first, as licorice can raise blood pressure and lower potassium, particularly with large amounts or prolonged use. People with diabetes should check the sugar content on the label. Do not give it to children under 6 years without professional advice, and never give honey-containing products to infants under 12 months.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have asthma or another chronic lung condition, or take regular medicines. See a doctor if the cough lasts more than a week, or if you develop high fever, breathlessness, wheezing, chest pain, blood in the phlegm, or signs of an allergic reaction.