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How do I Choose the Best Throat Lozenges?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

Choosing the best throat lozenges means choosing ones that are made of the right ingredients, have the right flavor, and possibly perform functions other than simply soothing the throat. Considering the ingredients basically means choosing between products that are made of all natural ingredients and those that are not. For example, many people feel that it is important to use products that are made with natural ingredients and there are products that fit this description. Other people are more focused on the functions of the throat lozenges than the ingredients that are used to make them.

Once throat lozenge options have been narrowed down by the type of ingredients that are used to make them, they can be narrowed down by flavor. When your throat hurts and it is necessary to use lozenges all day long, it is important to choose a kind that tastes good. Some of the most common flavors are fruit flavors such as lemon, cherry, and orange, and herbal flavors, such as honey and eucalyptus. Choosing among flavors means choosing a few flavors that sound like they might taste good and then going through a process of trial and error.

Throat lozenges.
Throat lozenges.

It is also important to consider the benefits other than simply soothing the throat that might be gained by using these medications. There are a number of types that are made with ingredients that can help to speed up a person's recovery from a cold or from influenza. Zinc and vitamin C are both believed to help boost people's immunity, so there are some kinds of lozenges that include both ingredients. Some people use them when they feel a cold or flu coming on in order to try and fight off the illness or at least decrease its duration.

Honey is a beneficial ingredient in throat lozenges.
Honey is a beneficial ingredient in throat lozenges.

Throat lozenges can also be used in order to numb the throat, which is very useful for people who have very sore throats or even strep throat. There is an ingredient in these products that causes a numbing sensation in the throat so that the pain of a raw throat is less severe. This can be helpful for people who are trying to rest in order to recover from an illness. It is important to never go to sleep with anything in the mouth, however, as choking could result.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

candyquilt
I like eucalyptus cough drops the best. I feel like this type makes my throat feel better than the other flavors. It's very soothing for sore throat and helps reduce coughs as well.
ysmina

@fBoyle-- That's a good question. I personally don't know of any that's sugar free. The one I'm using now has corn syrup and sucrose listed in the inactive ingredients, so it definitely has sugar.

Considering that many people have this type of dietary restriction, I don't know why they don't make sugar-free lozenges.

I couldn't find exactly how many grams of sugar lozenges contain, but perhaps it's not significant enough to cause a rise in blood sugar? Does anyone know?

fBoyle

Are there any sugar-free throat lozenges?

I looked at the pharmacy but I didn't see any with "sugar-free" written on the label.

I can't have the regular ones because I'm a diabetic.

Penzance356

Lozenges are one of the most convenient choices of all sore throat remedies, but I don't think they are all suitable for everyone. If you want to take throat lozenges during pregnancy or when breast feeding it's better to check with a medical person. Those with active ingredients to numb the throat may not be recommended.

Bakersdozen

@angelbraids - I know what you mean about eating them like candy. I looked this up once and each tablet has about 14 calories. Not so bad unless you are eating a pack a day.

The good news is that Ricola throat lozenges come in a sugar free variety, with some decent flavors too. I like the cranberry one the most.

angelBraids

When I get sick I can go through packets of sore throat lozenges like they are candy! My mother says this isn't good for my waistline or my teeth. How many calories does one lozenge have?

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    • Throat lozenges.
      By: FirstBlood
      Throat lozenges.
    • Honey is a beneficial ingredient in throat lozenges.
      Honey is a beneficial ingredient in throat lozenges.
    • Some herbal lozenges contain eucalyptus.
      By: Hemeroskopion
      Some herbal lozenges contain eucalyptus.
    • There are many types and flavors of throat lozenges.
      By: kostrez
      There are many types and flavors of throat lozenges.
    • Lozenges containing menthol may help treat a cough.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Lozenges containing menthol may help treat a cough.
    • Zinc lozenges have been shown to reduce the length and severity of the common cold.
      By: Jane Doe
      Zinc lozenges have been shown to reduce the length and severity of the common cold.
    • Lozenges can help people with a throat irritated from cigarette smoke.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Lozenges can help people with a throat irritated from cigarette smoke.