Herbal Drug major, Himalaya Drug Company on Tuesday launched two new products in the OTC (Over the Counter) range - "Shahicool Herbal Sharbat" and "Gripe Water". It aims to generate at least Rs.8 crore business with these new products during the current fiscal.

The Bangalore based company's Consumer Health Division had earlier launched four products - Pure Herbs, Forest Honey, Throat Lozenges and Chyavanaprasha. The division was started in April 2003, has clocked Rs.45 crore turnover during first year and set to grow at 50 percent in current fiscal, President and CEO Mr. Ravi Prasad told reporters here. The company said it closed 2003-04 with a turnover of Rs.350 crore, nearly 17 percent growth from Rs.300 crore registered in previous fiscal and growth target in 2004-05 is 15 to 18 percent, officials said.

The company claimed, Sharbat contains Sariva, herb known for its refreshing properties. "Apart from being a refreshing summer drink. It has medicinal properties such as blood purifier, curing heat illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat cramps, fluid imbalances, dyspepsia, flatulence, fatigue and anorexia," Mr. Prasad said.

The product, positioned as "nature's treat to beat the heat" has "no fruit pulp, no diluting agents and no artificial flavors". It is priced at Rs.70 for a 700 ml bottle.

Himalaya Gripe Water contains Krishnajiraka, known for its medicinal properties. It is available in 120 ml bottle priced at Rs.28. It contains "no sodium bicarbonate, no alcohol, no chemicals".