Today is an exciting day; Ricola Original turns a magnificent 75 years and is still going strong. Set up in the 1930s, company founder Emil Richterich created Ricola’s famous 13-herb blend – the recipe to which is still a closely guarded secret.
To tell you a little more about the herbs used in Ricola products they are all derived from controlled natural cultivation in the Swiss mountains, which Ricola has made a priority to support over the last 30 years. The blend of comforting and soothing herbs may surprise you, I for one was excited to discover that plantain that we eat a lot of in my family makes up one of the 13 herbs. Plantain actually provides cough relief and acts as an expectorant, helping to battle inflammation of the throat. Other herbs that you will most likely find in your kitchen larders include thyme and sage; both have soothing effects against irritable coughs.
Other plant ingredients that have many positive properties are cowslip, horehound, mallow, burnet, speedwell, lady’s mantle, peppermint and yarrow. Also, what is traditionally thought of as a sweet treat; marshmallow is in the mix for its soothing properties for tickly coughs. This highly safeguarded recipe was created over 75 years ago and hasn’t changed since its initial development.
What I love about Ricola is that distinctive smell and taste that comes from the blend of herbs. Unlike some other cough sweets on the market that tend to have a sweet and fruity taste, these are very different and definitely more to my taste. I like knowing that the highest quality herbs have been sourced to help make me feel better again instead of lots of artificial colours and flavourings.
The best thing about these herb drops is the fact that no herbicides, pesticides or insecticides are using in the growing process of the herbs used in the top-secret recipe. Ecology and sustainability are at the forefront of Ricola’s ethos and commercial activities and they work hard to reduce the consumption of raw materials, energy, water and waste. I think it’s always a great step when brands are trying to do all that they can to help maintain the environment, and for Ricola “sustainability is a way of life.”
To find out more about Ricola, visit their website.
*Sponsored post commissioned by Ricola, all opinions are my own. I partnered with the brand to write this article but every word is mine.
This was really interesting to read – I never knew that herbs could be so useful for things such as coughs and sore throats!
Yes, they’re so beneficial in so many ways.
Oh wow I had never even heard of this – it sounds like something my family could really use at the moment! I’ll definitely check it out 🙂
Oh no! I hope you’re all feeling better.
I’ll have to keep an eye out for these next time I have a cough or a cold!
Yes! They’re so soothing on sore throats.
I use herbal treatments, but I very much believe that food is a natural medicine. So it is really great you have written about it. I have never heard of Ricola so glad I have found this x
I think you would really like them if you enjoy herbal treatments.
This was a great post. I enjoyed reading it. My mum loves herbal treatments so much.
She will probably love these when she has a cold then.
I always turn to Ricola, but I had not idea just how many great herbs were in it!
It’s amazing how many they’ve managed to squeeze in isn’t it!
You know what I have never tried them! They sound like a fantastic option, with all of those herbs on them
The herbs will do you the world of good when you have a sore throat.
Really interesting, I’ve not had Ricola for years – I used to love them as they transport me back to an alpine field in the spring, which I love so much.
They just have one of those scents that instantly screams nostalgia that transports you back to certain memories.
I love Ricola, I discovered them in Switzerland ages ago and I always reach out for them when I need soothing for my sore throat. I can’t believe they have been around for 75 years!
I know! They’ve been around for ages and still going strong.
I have never actually tried Ricola. I normally hate things like that but will have to try them next time I have a cough! xo
I’ve honestly never heard of these before. Ill be keeping an eye out for them though. We could do with some at the minute!
They’re great and I think you can buy them in Holland & Barrett.
This is a very interesting read. To be honest I have never heard of Ricola but they sounds great and I love the sound of their values and ethos of caring for the environment. Will be looking at trying Ricola.
When I was younger I played netball in the Manchester Youth Games and Ricola was the main sponsor! Great post, as despite this I still haven’t tried them! x