The etymological origins of syrup must be sought in the Arabic language, more precisely in the classical Arabic šarāb , which can be translated as "drink" . Syrup is the product obtained by thickening water with sugar and adding medicinal substances or fruit juices .
A syrup, therefore, is a viscous liquid . In the field of medicine , these drinks help disguise the taste of drugs, which is usually unpleasant, and also give them greater durability.
Simple syrup is called a solution of water and sugar that is homogeneous and shiny. When an active ingredient or medicinal substance is added, medicated syrup is made. On the other hand, if flavorings or flavorings are added to the simple syrup, flavored syrup is produced.
Medicated or pharmaceutical syrup is often used to combat coughs . In this context, there are different types of syrups, according to the characteristics of the cough (dry, with phlegm, etc.). Generally, the person must carry out a treatment by taking a tablespoon of syrup every few hours for several days.
The flavored syrup, meanwhile, is used to make soft drinks (also called soft drinks or sodas). This syrup is mixed with carbonated water and other ingredients.
The expression stick syrup , on the other hand, refers to a beating that is applied as a method of punishment or deterrence. From this phrase comes the name of the Spanish rock band Jarabe de Palo or Jarabedepalo , led by Pau Donés .
For a long time, there are those who use cough syrup as a narcotic. Although these people generally do not do it so frequently, it still represents a series of health risks that can be ignored. Some journalists have come to refer to this practice as “a new way of getting high,” even though it has been around for several decades.
In the field of public health , the treatment of patients who have abused the consumption of syrups for these purposes is not uncommon, although the most senior nurses assure that in no way can their frequency be compared with that of other substances, such as cannabis. , alcohol or tobacco.
Due to media issues, this phenomenon came to worry the masses as if it were a real threat to public health. This occurred largely due to the presence it acquired on social networks, when several people of some fame began to advocate the consumption of cough syrup for recreational purposes.
The verb used in this area is "get high", a colloquialism that can be defined as getting under the influence of a narcotic substance. Given that antitussive products, which are used to combat non-productive irritative dry coughs, have a direct action on the central nervous system to eliminate the cough reflex, it is understandable that their consumption alters mood.
Regarding the way in which these syrups are consumed to get high, there are two possibilities: directly, orally, as is done when there is really a dry cough; mixed in different alcoholic or carbonated drinks , to create products with very specific names, which regulars know perfectly.
Cough syrup contains two active ingredients of great interest to these people: