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How Do I Choose the Best Throat Lozenges?
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  • Written By: Diane Goettel
  • Edited By: W. Everett
  • Last Modified Date: 26 April 2012
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Choosing the best throat lozenges means choosing lozenges 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 lozenges 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 all natural ingredients and there are throat lozenges that fit this description. Other people are more focused on the functions of 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 one's throat hurts and it is necessary to use throat 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. Some herbal throat lozenges have other flavors such as honey and eucalyptus. Choosing among flavors of lozenges means choosing a few flavors that sound like they might taste good and then going through a process of trial and error.

It is also important to consider the benefits other than simply soothing the throat that might be gained by using throat lozenges. There are a number of kinds of throat lozenges 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 have both been known to help boost people's immunity, so there are some kinds of throat lozenges that include both vitamin C and zinc. Some people use these kinds of lozenges when they feel a cold or flu coming on in order to try and fight off the illness or at least decrease its duration.

Throat lozenges can also be used in order to numb the throat. This is very useful for people who have very sore throats or even strep throat. There is an ingredient in these kinds of lozenges 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 a throat lozenge in one's mouth as choking could result.

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Penzance356
Post 3

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
Post 2

@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
Post 1

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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