Generality
Snail syrup is a dietary supplement used as a natural remedy to combat fat cough.
Snail syrup can be formulated with extracts of Helix pomatia (also known as burgundy or vignaiola snail ), or with extracts of Helix aspersa (or knurled snail ), both gastropod molluscs belonging to the Helicidae family.
The use of the snail and its extracts in the medical field for the preparation of remedies suitable for treating various ailments dates back to the first century AD. However, in the past, snails and its extracts were mostly used in case of dermatological diseases (burns, abscesses, wounds). In the eighteenth century, on the other hand, preparations based on snails also began to be used to combat diseases such as nephritis and tuberculosis. Despite this, the beneficial properties exerted at the level of the respiratory tract were highlighted and became the subject of some studies only between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Did you know that ...
The term "snail" is used improperly to indicate the two species belonging to the genus Helix used for the production of the homonymous syrup. In truth, the correct term to define this type of animal would be " snail "; while the use of the term " snail " should be reserved only for gastropods without a shell .
Indications
What is Snail Syrup used for?
Snail syrup is a food supplement that is used as an adjuvant against oily cough, to promote the fluidification of bronchial mucus and its consequent elimination.
Snail syrup can be given to both children and adults and can be useful for promoting airway well-being in the event of a productive cough associated with flu and flu-like states, both acute and chronic bronchitis and pertussis.
Please note
Snail syrup is not a drug, therefore, it is not able to cure the aforementioned diseases associated with fat cough. For this reason, in the case of persistent fatty cough associated with other symptoms or disorders, it is always good to consult your doctor, in order to exclude the presence of any underlying pathologies not yet diagnosed.
In the same way, although the product can also be administered in the pediatric age, in case of the appearance of a fat cough, before giving the snail syrup to children, it would be good to ask for the preventive advice of your trusted pediatrician.
Property
What are the properties of snail syrup?
The snail syrup is attributed fluidifying properties of bronchial mucus and expectorants, due to the extracts of Helix pomatia or Helix aspersa contained in it.
Although the research conducted on the subject and the scientific data currently available are rather scarce, some believe that the above-mentioned properties can be attributed to any enzymatic substances contained in the extracts obtained from these gastropod molluscs. According to this hypothesis, these substances would be able to "break" the molecules that make up the bronchial mucus, thus reducing its viscosity and favoring its fluidification, therefore elimination.
Despite the evident lack of scientific evidence supported by adequate studies, the empirical data collected regarding the use of snail syrup against fat cough show that this food supplement, on some occasions, can be a valid aid in counteracting this disorder; even better if given in combination with a treatment suitable for treating the disease that caused the onset of productive cough (a treatment that must still be prescribed by the doctor).
In this regard, we reiterate the importance of contacting your doctor before taking snail syrup, both to allow the diagnosis of any underlying pathologies that require targeted care, and to exclude the presence of any contraindications for use of the product. In fact, even if the snail syrup is not a drug but a food supplement, this does not mean that its use can be carried out by anyone and in any condition (see Side Effects and Contraindications).
Did you know that ...
Snail slime - or rather, the mucopolysaccharide produced by Helix aspersa - is used in various cosmetic products (serums, creams, etc.), as it is believed to have nourishing, skin-regenerating, moisturizing, antioxidant and purifying properties.
For more detailed information, we recommend reading the dedicated article: Snail Slime in Cosmetics.
Composition
What does Snail Syrup contain?
On the market there are different types of snail syrup, each of which contains different snail extracts and various additional ingredients used to improve the characteristics and properties of the final product.
More precisely, a snail syrup may contain extracts of Helix pomatia, or extracts of Helix aspersa . In addition to these active ingredients, snail syrup may also contain:
- Plant extracts, to promote and increase the action of snail extracts. For example, there are snail syrups containing thyme extracts (with expectorant and antimicrobial activity), as well as snail syrups containing extracts of mallow (a plant with known anti-inflammatory properties of the mucous membranes, soothing and emollient ).
- Honey, both to make the aroma of snail syrup pleasant, and for its appreciated emollient properties, very useful in case of persistent greasy cough and irritation of the airways.
- Fruit juices, so as to make the aroma of the syrup pleasant. In particular, concentrated raspberry juice is used to make snail syrup palatable.
In addition to what has been said so far, snail syrup typically contains sugar (sucrose or fructose), water, preservatives (potassium sorbate) and antioxidants (ascorbic acid). These components are the so-called excipients, necessary to formulate the syrup and to convey the active ingredients.
Posology and method of use
Snail syrup should be taken orally, preferably between meals. The dosage may vary according to the type of syrup used and according to the concentration of snail extract contained in it.
However, in general, the recommended dose in adults and children over three years of age is one tablespoon of snail syrup to be taken two to four times a day.
Please note
Food supplements such as snail syrup are not intended as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, the recommended daily dose should not be exceeded, except for different medical indications.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Can snail syrup be taken during pregnancy and during breastfeeding?
Currently there are not enough studies able to determine the safety of snail syrup use during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, before taking the product, must seek the advice of their doctor.
Side effects and contraindications
At the moment there are no known side effects caused by the intake of snail syrup to promote the well-being of the airways in case of a fat cough.
As for the contraindications, generally, we do not recommend taking snail syrup to patients suffering from asthma and, of course, to people with a known allergy to one or more components of the same syrup.
Finally, we recall that the use of snail syrup containing sucrose is not recommended in diabetic patients.
