Following a series of alarming reports linking imported chemical cough syrups to child deaths abroad, Indian medical experts and the Ayush Ministry have urged parents to consider Ayurvedic alternatives that use natural herbs and time-tested formulations. The move comes as health authorities tighten scrutiny on syrup manufacturing standards and ingredients across the country. (economictimes.com)
Over the past year, contaminated batches of cough syrups made in India were found to contain high levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, toxic compounds linked to kidney failure and respiratory complications in children. The incidents, reported from Gambia and Uzbekistan, triggered global warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) and led India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to launch strict inspections and suspend several licenses.
As parents grow anxious, many doctors are recommending traditional Ayurvedic syrups made from herbs like Tulsi (holy basil), Vasaka (Malabar nut), Yashtimadhu (licorice), and Pippali (long pepper). These ingredients are known for their natural expectorant, soothing, and immune-boosting properties without the harmful effects of synthetic preservatives or alcohol.
Dr. R.K. Manchanda, Director-General of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, explained, “Ayurvedic formulations focus on balancing the body rather than suppressing symptoms. Tulsi and honey, for example, calm throat inflammation and support natural recovery.”
Pharmacognosy experts note that while synthetic syrups may act faster, they can also irritate a child’s digestive or nervous systems if misused. Ayurvedic products, by contrast, rely on plant-based bioactive compounds that work gently over time.
One of the popular options being promoted is “Sitopaladi Churna” and its syrup variants, long used in pediatric Ayurvedic care for cough, cold, and sore throat. These formulations are now being standardized by certified manufacturers under Ayush GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). The ministry has also asked pharmacies to prominently display labels that read “For Children: No Alcohol, No Synthetic Additives.”
Pediatrician Dr. Sujata Bhattacharya of Delhi’s AIIMS added, “Parents should always consult a certified practitioner before switching medicines. The key is dosage and purity. Authentic Ayurvedic syrups, when used correctly, are both effective and safe.”
In major cities, pharmacies have reported a noticeable shift in demand. “We’ve seen a 40% increase in requests for Ayurvedic cough syrups this season,” said Sanjay Kumar, owner of a pharmacy in Pune. “Parents are more cautious now. They read labels and ask about ingredients.”
At the same time, manufacturers are stepping up quality control. Brands under the Ayush Quality Seal are undergoing third-party lab testing for heavy metals, microbial contamination, and consistency. The move aims to reassure both domestic and international consumers that Ayurvedic products meet global safety benchmarks.
The Ministry of Ayush has also partnered with the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission to include Ayurvedic formulations in the national drug standards database. This ensures that their production, labeling, and therapeutic claims are regulated with scientific transparency.
However, experts caution against blindly trusting all products labeled “Ayurvedic.” The market remains crowded with over-the-counter options lacking certification. “Parents must verify that the syrup is from a GMP-certified and Ayush-approved company,” said Dr. Manchanda. “Traditional does not mean unregulated.”
The ongoing safety scare has also reignited conversations about self-medication, particularly during winter. Many families continue using leftover syrups or foreign brands bought online. Health authorities are reminding parents to avoid using unverified medicines and to always check batch numbers and manufacturing dates.
Some pediatric clinics are now holding “Cough Awareness Weeks” to educate parents about symptom-based care. Doctors are explaining how most coughs in children are viral and heal naturally with rest, hydration, and mild remedies like honey, turmeric milk, or steam inhalation. “Antibiotic overuse is as dangerous as unsafe syrups,” Dr. Bhattacharya warned.
The Indian government has also initiated talks with export markets to restore trust in the “Made in India” pharmaceutical tag. Licensed companies with proven compliance records are being encouraged to promote herbal and Ayurvedic lines internationally as safer, sustainable alternatives.
Parents who have already switched to Ayurvedic syrups say the change is reassuring. “My son’s cough used to return every few weeks,” said Neha Verma from Lucknow. “Since I started using Tulsi-based syrup and home steam therapy, he’s recovered faster, and we’re not worried about side effects.”
In a world increasingly wary of chemical overload, India’s centuries-old Ayurvedic wisdom is regaining modern relevance. As Dr. Manchanda put it, “Sometimes, the safest medicine is the one that nature already designed.”
For students learning about traditional sciences, this moment offers a valuable lesson: medicine is not only chemistry — it’s also history, ecology, and respect for balance.
