We all know moments when breathing becomes an effort and the throat a source of constant discomfort: dryness, coughing and hoarseness. Sometimes this is caused by a cold; at other times by air conditioning, stress or simply the everyday environment, which slowly but continually irritates the respiratory tract.
At that point, we often face a familiar dilemma: should we reach for something natural, or choose conventional medicines? Can nature really help?
In many cases, herbal formulations can provide genuine, tangible and safe relief. With the right extraction, standardisation and dosing technology, herbs are more than ‘folk medicine’ – they are reliable therapeutic tools.
To learn more about the place of natural formulations in modern ENT practice, we speak with Dr Ana Atanasova, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Generali Zakrila Medical Centre in Sofia. She works daily with patients experiencing throat complaints and breathing difficulties and believes that nature often offers the gentlest, yet most precise and dependable support.
Dr Atanasova, why do you think people are increasingly choosing natural products for throat and breathing problems? What guides this choice?
Every day, people come to my surgery tired of recurring complaints such as dryness, coughing and hoarseness. Many are concerned about excessive use of synthetic remedies and are looking for a gentler alternative. This is entirely understandable. Natural formulations offer several major advantages: they act gently but effectively without burdening the body, can be taken for longer and can be safely combined with medicines. Most importantly, patients can feel the difference.
Do you believe natural formulations can be genuinely effective? What does your practice show?
Nature has a great deal to offer, provided we choose properly formulated products. It is important to consider both a product’s ingredients and purity. Look for solutions that are effective yet gentle. Natural care does not mean compromise; on the contrary, it often provides deeper, more comprehensive support.
I firmly believe that natural formulations can be very effective. In my work, I often see patients with prolonged discomfort, dryness and irritation. For many, the cause is not a condition requiring medicinal treatment, but simply irritation of the mucous membrane.
I personally recommend natural formulations, particularly products from the PRIMATUXrange, when a patient needs gentle but prolonged support without a risk of adverse reactions.
When patients use PRIMATUX , the mucous membrane is moisturised, the voice recovers, irritation decreases and breathing becomes easier. Some patients even tell me that, for the first time, they have found a solution that keeps them comfortable throughout the day rather than providing only momentary relief.
When discussing the herbs in Primatux, we are referring to their combined action. Plants contain substances such as flavonoids, essential oils and polyphenols.
The effect is particularly beneficial for people with chronic or frequent irritation caused by air conditioning, dust, vocal strain or seasonal allergies.
What does the PRIMATUX range contain, and why do you recommend it?
PRIMATUX is a range that impresses not only through its natural character, but also through the attention paid to every detail of its formulation. At its heart is a combination of seven medicinal plants valued for their genuine effectiveness and their soothing, anti-inflammatory and supportive properties. Primrose, marshmallow, ribwort plantain, liquorice, ginger, hyssop and Siberian cocklebur act like a well-coordinated team: each contributes something different, and together they create a far more comprehensive effect.
What I value most is the way these plants are extracted. The ‘gentle extraction’ technology preserves the maximum amount of active substances without leaving alcohol in the product. The hydroalcoholic base enables complete extraction of both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble plant components, but the final product contains no alcohol because this is removed through vacuum concentration.
This means the formulation is potent, stable and predictable. The patient receives a genuine dose of active substances, not a merely symbolic amount, and that makes the difference. This technology is genuinely refined in PRIMATUX, as is clear from the effects I observe in my patients. It produces a concentrated, pure plant extract with real therapeutic potential. These are the qualities I look for in a natural product: purity, precision and predictable action.
In the gummy bears and lozenges, acacia honey or coconut nectar is added to the plant combination, further soothing the throat. The formulations contain no colours or preservatives and use natural flavours. This is why their taste is so pleasant: not bright and artificial, but mild, clean and natural.
Why choose PRIMATUX?
Because PRIMATUX products help without burdening the body. They offer gentle but perceptible relief from dryness, irritation and hoarseness. They are suitable for everyday use and can form part of the care of people who use their voice frequently, work in a dry environment or simply feel that their throat needs support.
I like them because they are pure, effective and pleasant to use. As a doctor, that is the best combination for me. As a person, I have always believed in the power of nature, particularly when it is presented in a modern, intelligent way.
PRIMATUX contains seven herbs – an impressive combination. How do you think they work together?
The combination is exceptionally well balanced. Primrose and liquorice support expectoration; marshmallow moistens the mucous membrane; plantain and hyssop soothe irritation; ginger supports breathing; and Siberian cocklebur contributes to the overall anti-inflammatory effect. They work like an orchestra: every herb has its role, but their strength emerges when they perform together.
Who benefits most from natural formulations of this kind?
Most often, these are people whose symptoms are aggravated by their surroundings: teachers, singers, office workers, people with allergies or seasonal respiratory irritation. I see many patients who simply experience chronic dryness or mild irritation, but it affects their quality of life.
Natural formulations work exceptionally well for them because they do not burden the body and can be taken over an extended period. The truth is that products of this kind are suitable for almost anyone seeking throat comfort and easier breathing.
What distinguishes the syrup, lozenges and gummy bears? Why is it important to have three formats?
Different formats are important because they give patients the freedom to choose what is most convenient and suitable for them. The syrup is a concentrated formula and acts rapidly for many patients, particularly at the first symptoms. The lozenges are an excellent choice for people who use their voice professionally or experience dryness during the day: they dissolve gradually and remain in contact with the mucous membrane for longer.
The gummy bears have a particular ease of use. They are more than a convenient format: they are preferred especially by children, for whom they are primarily intended. My patients often say they enjoy taking them. Many adults prefer them too, even as everyday support.
In conclusion, if we can find a balance between nature and medicine, we gain something very valuable: comfortable breathing and throat relief without compromise.
