One time I had a bad cough that would NOT go away, until I could tell it was affecting my heart, and the upper middle of my chest was swelling up. I did not have this cough syrup then, and got an Rx for the codeine cough syrup. Worked like a charm, except for the affect on the innards...
Wild cherry bark, in case anyone is not familiar with it, does NOT taste sweet or like cherries; it is quite bitter like many barks. My cough syrup tastes pretty good though. Honey preserves it plus soothes the throat and even helps deliver the therapeutic effects. And helps with “patient compliance”.
Honey not only cuts the bitter taste but it is the world's oldest known antibiotic . . . Plus, have you ever heard a honey bee cough?! :^D