Buttercup Cough Syrups & Bronchostop Products

Buttercup is a trusted UK cough-relief brand with a long heritage in supporting families through winter illnesses, dry coughs, chesty coughs and throat irritation. The range includes the classic Buttercup Original Cough Syrup, known for its warming traditional blend, as well as the popular herbal line, Buttercup Bronchostop, designed to relieve both dry and chesty coughs in adults and children. With a reputation built on decades of use, Buttercup products are commonly chosen for short-term cough relief during colds, flu-like illnesses and seasonal throat irritation.

Buttercup products sit alongside Welzo’s wider cold & flu remedies, cough sweets & lozenges, sore throat treatments, nasal congestion and children’s cough & cold categories.

What is Buttercup?

Buttercup is a UK household name known for cough syrups that help soothe irritation, ease dryness and support throat comfort. The brand now includes two main product families:

  • Buttercup Original Cough Syrup – a traditional remedy with a warming formula aimed at dry, tickly coughs.
  • Buttercup Bronchostop – a modern herbal range containing marshmallow root and thyme extract for both dry and chesty coughs.

Both versions are commonly reviewed as pleasant-tasting, gentle and fast-acting by users who prefer non-drowsy daytime cough options.

What symptoms are Buttercup products used for?

Customers typically choose Buttercup for:

  • Dry, tickly coughs that worsen at night or after talking.
  • Chesty or mucus-heavy coughs requiring gentle expectoration.
  • Sore or irritated throats caused by colds or viral infections.
  • Coughs linked to cold air, dust, or seasonal allergies.
  • Family-friendly options for daytime cough relief.

If symptoms include fever, body aches or congestion, products from our paracetamol or nasal congestion ranges may also help alongside cough remedies.

Benefits of Buttercup Cough Remedies

  • Dual-action support: Bronchostop helps with both dry and chesty coughs, offering flexible relief.
  • Traditional formulas: Original Buttercup syrup offers a warming, soothing blend used for generations.
  • Herbal extracts: Bronchostop includes marshmallow root to coat the throat and thyme to support mucus clearance.
  • Non-drowsy relief: Suitable for daytime use.
  • Family-friendly options: Including Buttercup Bronchostop Kids.
  • Pleasant taste: Often highlighted in customer reviews, especially for the Bronchostop range.

Why cough relief matters

Coughing is a natural protective reflex, but persistent or irritated coughing can interfere with sleep, work and day-to-day life. Short-term coughs are typically caused by viral infections, environmental irritants or postnasal drip. Supporting the throat with coating agents or helping loosen mucus can improve comfort while the body recovers naturally.

For more significant respiratory symptoms, consider options in our respiratory devices or asthma treatments if clinically appropriate.

How to use Buttercup products

  • Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging for your age group.
  • Shake liquid syrups before use for even distribution.
  • Use a dosing spoon or cup for accurate measurement.
  • For kids’ products, check the minimum age listed on the label.
  • Avoid taking multiple cough syrups at the same time unless advised by a doctor.
When to seek medical advice
  • If your cough lasts longer than 3 weeks.
  • If you cough up blood, have persistent chest pain or severe breathlessness.
  • If your child develops fever, wheezing or difficulty breathing.
  • If you have asthma and notice worsening symptoms.
  • If the cough began after starting a new medication.

Types of Buttercup products

  • Buttercup Original Cough Syrup: Warming formula for dry, tickly coughs.
  • Buttercup Bronchostop Cough Syrup: Herbal syrup helping with both productive and unproductive coughs.
  • Buttercup Bronchostop Cough Pastilles: Convenient lozenge format for on-the-go throat soothing.
  • Buttercup Bronchostop Kids Syrup: Gentle herbal formulation suitable for children (age varies by product).

Buttercup vs other cough brands

Buttercup stands out for offering both a traditional remedy (Original) and a modern herbal line (Bronchostop), giving users flexibility based on preference. Compared with glycerol-only syrups, Bronchostop provides added herbal action. Compared with strong pharmaceutical syrups, Buttercup is often preferred for daytime or family use.

For more targeted options, Welzo also offers lozenges, throat sprays and cold & flu medicines.

How Welzo selects Buttercup products

  • Clinically trusted ingredients: Including herbal extracts used historically for cough relief.
  • User satisfaction: Buttercup products consistently receive positive reviews for taste and effectiveness.
  • Family suitability: Availability of adult and children’s options.
  • Clear labelling: Easy-to-understand directions and safety information.
  • Compatibility: Works well alongside products in our lozenges and cold remedies categories.
Welzo editorial standards

Every health page on Welzo is created by trained medical writers and reviewed by GMC-registered clinicians to provide balanced, safe and up-to-date information. This is general guidance only and does not replace individual medical assessment.

FAQs about Buttercup cough remedies

Does Buttercup help with both dry and chesty coughs?

Buttercup Original is best for dry or tickly coughs, while Bronchostop is suitable for both dry and chesty coughs, making it a versatile option for mixed symptoms.

Is Buttercup safe for children?

Buttercup Bronchostop Kids is formulated specifically for children, but age limits vary by product. Always check the label for the minimum age.

Can I take Buttercup with paracetamol or ibuprofen?

Yes — Buttercup syrups do not contain painkillers, so they are commonly taken alongside paracetamol or ibuprofen for cold or flu symptoms.

How quickly does Buttercup work?

Many users report feeling throat relief shortly after taking the syrup, though full cough relief varies depending on the cause of the cough.

Is Buttercup drowsy?

No — all Buttercup products are non-drowsy and suitable for daytime use.

Can I use Buttercup if I am pregnant?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should speak to a healthcare professional before using herbal or traditional cough syrups.

Do Buttercup syrups contain sugar?

Some Buttercup products contain sugar. If you have diabetes or prefer sugar-free options, check the label or consider sugar-free syrups in our lozenges & cough products.

Can I use Buttercup with antihistamines?

Yes, most antihistamines can be taken alongside Buttercup, especially if the cough is linked to allergies or postnasal drip. Always check product leaflets or speak to a pharmacist if unsure.

What if my cough gets worse after using Buttercup?

If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear (such as fever, chest pain or wheezing), stop use and seek medical advice promptly.

Content medically reviewed by:
Dr Sameer Nakedar – Chief Medical Officer MBBS (London), MRCGP, PGCert, GMC: 7041062

Content authored by:
Paola Drexlar – Medical Content Writer, BA (Hons) Journalism

Last reviewed: 01 December 2025

Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult a clinician if symptoms persist, worsen or cause concern.

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