We are all familiar with that moment: you lie down comfortably at night, close your eyes, and suddenly... an indescribable discomfort begins in your throat. You cough, but you feel no relief. On the contrary, every cough irritates the throat even more, triggering a new attack. Sleep vanishes, fatigue grows, and the only thing you want is to find a remedy that will stop this spasm instantly.
The first things you notice when entering a pharmacy are the colorful boxes, whose purposes might be unclear. Then, the pharmacist asks: "What kind of cough do you have?" You might answer confusedly: "I'm just coughing." This is where 80% of consumers make a mistake. Not all coughs are the same, and an incorrectly chosen syrup can worsen your condition.
In this blog, we will discuss in detail how to distinguish between types of coughs, why dry cough syrup is a specific product, and how natural remedies—specifically Doppelherz Aktiv Ribosan—can help you regain your peace.
Before discussing treatment, it is essential to understand what you are dealing with. You should know that a cough is a protective reflex of the body, but its purpose varies in different cases.
Wet (Productive) Cough – Mucus (phlegm) accumulates in the bronchi. The body tries to expel it to clear the respiratory tract. In this case, the cough is "deep," noisy, and productive.
The main rule: You should not take cough suppressants for a wet cough, as leaving mucus in the lungs is dangerous.
Dry (Non-productive) Cough – In a dry cough, there is no mucus to be removed. Instead, the cough is caused by irritation, inflammation, or dryness of the respiratory mucosa. You feel as if a "feather is stuck" in your throat, experiencing a scratchy sensation and a constant urge to cough.
Dry cough is exhausting and serves no useful function; it only damages the throat, causes muscle pain, and leads to insomnia. Often, people take "expectorant" (mucolytic) syrups for a dry cough. This is like pouring oil on a fire. Expectorants thin mucus (which you don't have anyway) and activate the cough reflex even more, making the cough more frequent and agonizing. Taking an expectorant for a dry cough is a fatal mistake.
To choose the right dry cough syrup, you must know the cause. The most common are:
Residual effects of viral infections (Flu, Cold) – Often the virus is defeated, but a dry, spasmodic cough persists for weeks because the virus damaged the respiratory epithelium, which needs time to recover.
Allergies and environmental factors – Dust, pollen, exhaust, or chemicals cause an immediate reaction in the larynx.
Dry Air – In winter, when heating is on, humidity drops critically. Dry air dehydrates the throat mucosa, triggering a cough.
"Smoker’s Cough" – Tobacco smoke constantly irritates the respiratory system, causing chronic dry cough, especially in the morning.
When at the pharmacy, you generally choose between two categories: central-acting (chemical) and peripheral-acting (herbal) preparations.
Chemical PreparationsThese act on the brain to suppress the cough center. While they stop coughs quickly, they can cause drowsiness, lethargy, or decreased concentration. Some may be habit-forming. Taking them without a doctor's prescription, especially for children, is risky.
Herbal (Coating) RemediesIn most cases of dry cough, this is the safest choice. They do not shut down brain receptors; instead, they act locally in the throat. These syrups contain plant mucilage that coats the irritated throat in a thin layer. This "shield" protects the mucosa from drying and further irritation. Doppelherz Aktiv Ribosan belongs to this category.
Doctors have used Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) for centuries. It is a powerful complex of bioactive substances. Doppelherz Aktiv Ribosan is based on plantain leaf extract for several reasons:
Coating Effect: Plantain is rich in mucilaginous substances that cover the throat and pharynx with a protective film, mechanically protecting receptors from irritation.
Anti-inflammatory Action: It reduces mucosal swelling and inflammation.
Antibacterial Properties: It helps prevent secondary infections in the damaged throat.
German Quality: Manufactured with modern technologies to preserve the plant's beneficial properties.
Ribosan dry cough syrup is a universal remedy for the family pharmacy. It is recommended for:
The early stages of a cold (dry/irritating cough);
The post-viral period (residual cough);
Smokers (to relieve chronic irritation);
Overloaded vocal cords (singers or lecturers).
Do not drink water immediately: Avoid food or water for 15-20 minutes after taking the syrup to allow the protective layer to form.
Humidify the air: Use a humidifier to prevent the throat from drying out.
Drink plenty of fluids: Maintain hydration throughout the day (but not right after the syrup).
Take it before bed: This will help you sleep peacefully as dry coughs often worsen at night.
In the case of dry cough, the physical form of the medicine is crucial.
The "Liquid Bandage" Effect: A pill must be digested and enter the bloodstream, taking 30-40 minutes. Syrup acts on immediate contact. At the moment of swallowing, it covers damaged tissues like an ointment on a wound.
Viscosity and Adhesion: Unlike water, Ribosan’s formula has a specific thickness for "bio-adhesion," allowing it to stick to the mucosa and stay on the surface for a long time.
Reflexive Soothing: The syrup’s texture softens the dryness, whereas a hard pill might mechanically irritate an inflamed throat further.
Dry cough should not dictate your lifestyle. Your throat needs protection, hydration, and soothing—not aggressive treatment. Trust the natural power of German-quality Plantain combined in Doppelherz Aktiv Ribosan. You can purchase it online or at your nearest GPC pharmacy.
