The smiling gentleman in the photo is the renowned Italian tenor, Enrico Caruso. So extraordinary was his voice that even before radio, television and talking pictures, he became a huge international star, adored by millions, and extremely wealthy. It's not surprising, then, that he took extraordinary measures to care for that voice, and part of the care included custom made lozenges, which were specially concocted for him by a chemist in Carmarthen, Wales.
Fortunately, the "Better Mousetrap" principle prevailed and eventually, the world did, indeed, beat a path to the chemist's doorstep. It came in the form of Kestrel Medical, Ltd, of Dorset, England, who bought the recipe and the rights to manufacture the lozenges, and happily, these wonderful, throat-soothing drops are still being made, today, using essentially, the same recipe that was created for Caruso.
Pricey Cough Drop; Inexpensive Medicine
Vocalzone throat pastilles, as they are called, haven't been widely distributed in the United States, as yet, but we're happy to say that they are available at Southrifty Drug. In fact, we are the only store in Southampton that does carry them. This is probably because at $4.99 a box, Vocalzones are rather pricey for a "cough drop". But conventional cough drops are often nothing more than sugary hard candies with artificial flavorings and usually, minimally effective. The natural ingredients in Vocalzones, however, have proven very effective for the relief of certain throat problems and in preserving the voice, and as a serious medicine, they are actually something of a bargain.
Vocalzone throat pastilles are recommended for relief of irritations due to excessive speaking, singing or smoking. They aid in soothing dry irritated throats, which often accompany the common cold. They are suitable for vegetarians and are gluten free, however you should not take them if you suffer from intolerance to carbohydrates. Ingredient E151 may very occasionally cause allergic reaction including asthma. This is more common if you are allergic to aspirin.
For adults, the elderly and children over 12 years. Directions: Dissolve one pastille in mouth and inhale deeply. Repeat every two hours if required. Not recommended for use by children under the age of 12.
Active ingredients: Menthol B.P. 1.07% w/w, Peppermint Oil B.P. 0.54% w/w, Myrrh Tincture B.P.C. 1.39% v/w. Also contains: Granulated Sugar E.P. 31.3% w/w, Glucose Syrup 15.6% w/w, Crystal Tex 85 H.S.E. 39.4% w/w, Vegetable Oil H.S.E. 0.64% w/w, Brilliant Black E151 H.S.E. 0.016% w/w, Liquorice Extract H.S.E. 1.18% w/w, Beeswax H.S.E. 0.048%. Water to 100%.
The Elgydium line of oral healthcare items provides a sensible and effective alternative to the sugary products typically available in American supermarkets and chain stores. Formulated in Europe, these products are designed for adult tastes and formulated to neutralize the effects of adult eating habits as well as the effects of smoking and other forms of tobacco use.
Elgydium products have been on the market in Europe for more than 35 years and while they are widely distributed there, these items are not normally found in US outlets. Distribution in this country has been limited to high end, independent chemist and specialty shops, usually in large metropolitan areas. Only a handful of dealers can be found on the east end and in Southampton, only Southrifty Drug carries the line.
Two types of toothpaste, an anti-cavity and a special whitening formula are available, as well as a unique mouthwash and a number of special toothbrushes.