Zarbee's Nighttime Cough and Sleep Drink {Review}

Although the weather has actually been fairly mild around here for late October, that hasn't stopped it from being full-on cold season.

Even with ramping up the hand-washing, my kids' noses are still running and their coughing is still deep and raspy. Although there are medicines that are designated as being for children, I have a hard time bringing myself to use them, as the dosing instructions always seem complicated and the list of unpronounceable ingredients makes my eyes cross.

Fortunately, we have had past positive experience with Zarbee's Cough Syrup and I knew that this was one company that would be there to help us through the upcoming winter months that are sure to be filled with even more coughing and congestion.

Sure enough, we were informed that this fast-growing children's cough and cold brand announced the introduction of a new great product for kids: Zarbee's Nighttime Cough and Sleep Drink.

Developed by Dr. Zak Zarbock, one of the country’s top pediatricians, Zarbee’s Nighttime Cough and Sleep Drink is an all-natural, drug-free, honey-based, over-the-counter cough remedy that has been proven safe and effective for children two years of age and older.

Instead of containing things that are under FDA review for safety - like Dextromethorphan, one of the most common ingredients in over-the-counter cough medicines (and can't be used by kids under the age of four) - Zarbee's new product is made from antioxidant-rich buckwheat honey. Not only is buckwheat honey safe for children, but clinical studies have shown that it is more effective at relieving coughs associated with colds and upper respiratory illnesses.

In addition to buckwheat honey, Zarbee’s Nighttime Cough and Sleep Drink contains immune-boosting Vitamin C, zinc and elderberry and a small amount of melatonin, which research shows safely and naturally helps kids fall asleep. The bottle is gluten free, contains no alcohol, drugs or dyes, has no side effects and carries no risk of overdose. What more could I ask for when it comes to bedtime and wanting us all to get some rest?

Inside the Zarbee's box, I found six individual packets of the powder conveniently measured and ready to go. With poor, coughing Big Sister E next to me, we measured out two ounces of warm water and opened the Zarbee’s Nighttime Cough and Sleep Drink.

Pouring the powder into the water, we found that it was a pleasant reddish color and had a soft, sweet scent.

After a quick few stirs to ensure that all of the powder was sufficiently mixed...

...we were ready to give it a try.

After a tentative first sip, I asked Big Sister E about the taste and she gave me a big smile.

"So, it's good?" I asked.

"It's yummy!" She enthusiastically responded, drinking more.

I managed to get one small taste and I agreed with her. Although I'm typically not a fan of anything that is grape-flavored, I felt that the elderberry and honey in this drink gave it more of a sweet, berry taste that was pretty tasty.

As for the results? Definitely less coughing! Although she was still coughing the following day (it was one of those persistent coughs that never seem to go away), Big Sister E was able to fall asleep and stay asleep easier than she had the night before. I was happy knowing that this was a safe, gentle and effective remedy that could really help but had no risks of being harmful.

According to Dr. Zak, cough is the number one symptom driving visits to the pediatrician. Children under the age of six average six to 10 colds per year (and up to one per month during the September-to-April time period), with symptoms lasting an average of 14 days. Now that we have found Zarbee's Nighttime Cough and Sleep Drink (and that both Big Sister E and Little Sister B ask for it whenever they have a sore throat) I feel more prepared for what the upcoming winter will bring!

Available at Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kmart, Kroger, Winn Dixie, and Meijer stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $8.99 for six doses, more information about Zarbee's Nighttime Cough and Sleep Drink (and Zarbee's other great products) can be found on the Zarbee's website. You can also connect with this innovative company on Facebook and Twitter.

(Other than the Zarbee's Nighttime Cough and Sleep Drink that I was provided, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this company and their products.)