These are Germany's favorite licorice (salmiak) candies, diamond shaped lozenges, that are considered natural home remedies (by German standards) for sore throats and stomach aches. Salmiak salt has some antibacterial properties and lowers the pH level in the saliva, contributing to kill bacteria in the throat. They are astringent, salty and especially tasty for those people from Northern European and Dutch ancestry who like salty licorice.