The first Bunte Cough Drops in history were in 1876. A German immigrant named Henry Bunte in Chicago, Illinois. Henry Bunte was a confectioner who had learned the art of candy making in his native Germany. He opened his own candy shop in Chicago in 1876, and soon began experimenting with different recipes for cough drops. His first batch of cough drops was made with horehound, menthol, and sugar. The cough drops were a hit, and Bunte soon began selling them to local drugstores.
Menthol

Menthol has a cooling sensation that is caused by its ability to activate the TRPM8 receptors in the skin. These receptors are also activated by cold temperatures, which is why menthol feels cool to the touch.
Menthol has a number of other effects, including:
Reducing pain and inflammation.
Opening up the airways, which can help to relieve congestion.
It can numb the throat, which can help to soothe a sore throat.
Menthol can relax muscles, which can help to relieve muscle tension.
Horehound
Horehound is a perennial herb that is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is a member of the mint family and has a bitter, minty flavor. Horehound has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. It is known for its expectorant properties, which means that it helps to loosen mucus and clear the airways. Horehound is also known for its digestive benefits, and it has been used to treat indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
Horehound can be used in a variety of ways. It can be brewed as a tea, taken as a tincture, or added to food and beverages. Horehound is also a common ingredient in cough drops and lozenges.
Here are some of the health benefits of horehound:
Expectorant. Horehound helps to loosen mucus and clear the airways, making it a good remedy for coughs, colds, and bronchitis.
Digestive aid. Horehound can help to improve digestion by stimulating the production of bile and digestive enzymes. It can also help to relieve indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
Antibacterial. Horehound has antibacterial properties that can help to fight infection.
Anti-inflammatory. Horehound has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce pain and swelling.
Immunomodulator. Horehound can help to modulate the immune system, making it a good choice for people with allergies or autoimmune disorders.
Horehound is generally safe for most people to consume. However, it is important to note that horehound can cause heartburn and stomach upset in some people.
Horehound is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of climates. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Horehound can be propagated from seed or by division. It is a relatively easy plant to grow, and it is a good choice for home gardens.
Family Success
In 1880, Henry Bunte’s son, William, joined the family business. William Bunte was a talented salesman, and he helped to expand the company’s reach. By the early 1900s, Bunte Cough Drops were being sold all over the United States. Bunte Brothers Candy Company was located in Chicago, Illinois, for its entire history.
In 1917, the company was incorporated as Bunte Brothers Candy Company. The company name implies that there were more than one brother that founded the company. However, this is not the case. The name “Bunte Brothers Candy Company” was chosen because it sounded more appealing to customers.
The company continued to grow and prosper throughout the 20th century. In the 1950s, Bunte Brothers introduced a new line of cough drops called “Bunte’s Tickle-Free Cough Drops.” These cough drops were made with a special formula that was designed to soothe the throat without causing any irritation.
Timeline and Buyout
Bunte Brothers Candy Company continued to operate until 1996, when it was acquired by the Hershey Company.
Bunte Brothers Candy Company was a successful business for over 100 years. Here is a timeline of the ownership of the Bunte Cough Drops brand:
1876: Henry Bunte, a German immigrant, founds Bunte Brothers Candy Company in Chicago, Illinois.
1880: William Bunte, Henry’s son, joins the family business.
1917: Bunte Brothers Candy Company is incorporated.
1950s: Bunte Brothers introduces a new line of cough drops called “Bunte’s Tickle-Free Cough Drops.”
1996: Bunte Brothers Candy Company is acquired by the Hershey Company.
- Year Started: 1876
- Year Ended: 1996
- Origin Of Name: Name of Founder / Descriptive
- Location Sales: United States
- Brand Name Predecessor: N/A
- Brand Name Successor: N/A
- Owner Original: Henry Bunte
- Owner While In Use: Bunte Family
- Owner Successor: Hershey
- Year Resurrected: N/A
- What’s Popular Today: Halls
- Naics Code: 325412
- Location Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois USA
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