Sore, scratchy throats are never fun. Whether it’s from a cold, allergies, overuse, or something else entirely, a sore throat can make it painful to talk or swallow. While there are plenty of over-the-counter medications that promise relief, many are full of chemicals, artificial flavors and colors, and other ingredients you can’t pronounce.
If you’re looking for a natural way to soothe your sore throat, natural throat lozenges are a great option. Free from dyes, chemicals, and artificial flavors, natural throat lozenges rely on herbs, honey, essential oils, and other natural ingredients to ease throat pain and irritation gently and effectively.
In this buying guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the best natural throat lozenges for your needs. We’ll discuss the benefits of natural lozenges, what to look for when shopping, and provide recommendations on some of the top natural throat lozenge brands and products on the market.
Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Lozenges, Lemon Ginger Echinancea and Eucalyptus Mint, Pack of 2 Bundle
A Soothing Blend for Irritated Throats
If you’re looking for natural relief for a sore, irritated throat, these Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Lozenges are a great option. This bundle comes with two flavors – Lemon Ginger Echinacea and Eucalyptus Mint.
The Lemon Ginger Echinacea lozenges contain organic ingredients like ginger and lemon essential oils that can help soothe sore throats. The lemon adds a pleasant citrus flavor while the ginger provides a warming sensation. These lozenges are made with the natural throat-soothing powers of pectin rather than artificial ingredients.
The Eucalyptus Mint lozenges blend menthol with eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils to temporarily relieve coughs and minor throat irritation. The minty flavor leaves your mouth feeling refreshed.
Both varieties are USDA certified organic and made without artificial colors or flavors. The lozenges slowly dissolve in your mouth to coat and soothe your throat. They can provide quick relief when your throat is feeling scratchy or irritated.
Overall, these Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Lozenges offer plant-based ingredients in two soothing flavors to help calm coughs and sore throats. Give them a try for natural throat relief!
ZAND Immunity Orange C HerbaLozenge | Vitamin C Throat Drops w/Soothing Herb Extracts | Non-GMO (12 Bags, 15 Lozenges)
Tasty Vitamin C Lozenges for Immune Support
Looking to give your immune system a daily boost? Pop one of these ZAND Immunity Orange C HerbaLozenges in your mouth. Each lozenge contains 67% of the recommended daily value of immune-supporting vitamin C.
These lozenges have a delightful orange juice flavor thanks to real orange juice concentrate. They provide a burst of citrus in your mouth that’s sweetened with brown rice syrup instead of artificial sweeteners.
In addition to the high vitamin C content, these lozenges include herbs like hibiscus, orange peel, rose hips, and lemongrass. This blend of extracts helps coat and soothe your throat.
The lozenges slowly dissolve in your mouth, allowing the vitamin C and herbal extracts to take effect. They provide nutritive support for healthy immune function.
If you’re looking for a convenient way to supplement with vitamin C, ZAND’s Orange C HerbaLozenges are a tasty option. Both kids and adults will love the bright orange flavor. Pop one after being out in public or at the first sign of a scratchy throat for immune supporting relief.
ZAND Immunity Elderberry Zinc Throat Drops | Soothing Immune Support | No Cane Sugar, Corn Syrup | 3 Bags, 45 Lozenges
Soothing Throat Relief with Immune-Supporting Ingredients
Give your throat some TLC with ZAND Immunity Elderberry Zinc Lozenges. Each lozenge packs 5 mg of zinc which may help support healthy immune function. Zinc can be especially helpful during cold season.
In addition to the immune-supporting zinc, these lozenges contain elderberry extract. Elderberry is commonly used to provide antioxidant support.
The lozenges have a pleasant fruity flavor from a blend of rose hips, hibiscus flower, orange peel, lemon peel and other herbs and extracts. This herbal blend works synergistically to help soothe your throat.
Sweetened with brown rice syrup, these lozenges are free of artificial colors, sweeteners, and common irritants like corn syrup, sucrose and cane sugar.
ZAND Immunity Elderberry Zinc Lozenges provide a soothing blend of immune-supporting ingredients in a tasty lozenge form. Keep them handy during winter months for natural throat relief and antioxidants.
Zand HerbaLozenge Cherry Echinacea Zinc | Throat Lozenges | No Corn Syrup, No Cane Sugar, No Colors (12 Bags, 15 Lozenges)
Soothing Cherry Throat Relief Plus Immune Support
Got a scratchy throat? Zand HerbaLozenge Cherry Echinacea Zinc lozenges can provide soothing relief. Each lozenge contains echinacea extract, which is known for its immune supporting properties.
The real cherry flavor gives these lozenges a naturally sweet and tart taste. They are sweetened with brown rice syrup and free of corn syrup, cane sugar, and artificial colors and flavors.
In addition to echinacea, these lozenges contain 5 mg of zinc in each drop. Zinc is an essential mineral that can support healthy immune function.**
The formula also includes a blend of herbal extracts like rose hips, orange peel, lemon peel and lemongrass to further soothe your throat.
Pop one of these Zand HerbaLozenge Cherry Echinacea Zinc lozenges as soon as you feel a scratchy throat coming on. The combination of cherry flavor, echinacea, zinc and herbs provide a tasty way to help calm throat irritation and support your immune system.
Monterey Bay Herb Co. Organic Mullein Leaf Cut & Sifted | for Teas, Syrups, Throat Lozenges, Creams & Ointments | 4oz. Bag
Versatile Mullein Leaf for Soothing Remedies
Monterey Bay Herb Co. Organic Mullein Leaf is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make herbal remedies for various uses. Mullein leaf contains mucilage that helps coat and soothe mucus membranes.
You can use the cut mullein leaves to make herbal tea that may help ease chest congestion and coughs. The tea has an earthy, slightly bitter taste.
Mullein leaf can also be used to create syrups, throat lozenges, topical creams and ointments. It acts as an emollient and can help soothe skin irritations when applied externally.
The fuzzy mullein leaves are easily recognized by their gray-green color. They can grow tall like stalks of corn.
Whether you want to make a cough-soothing tea or a topical skin salve, Monterey Bay Herb Co. Organic Mullein Leaf is a versatile ingredient to have on hand. Add it to your herbal medicine cabinet to craft natural remedies.
Solstice Medicine Golden Throat Lozenge – Sugar Free (Ginseng Flavor) – 12 Ct
Ginseng-Flavored Throat Soothers with Herbal Extracts
Looking for a natural throat lozenge? Solstice Medicine Golden Throat Lozenges offer an herbal formula with ginseng and other botanicals to help soothe irritation.
These lozenges are specially designed to slowly dissolve in the mouth, allowing the herbal ingredients to coat and soothe your throat. The main component is Luo Han Guo fruit extract, which is commonly used in Chinese medicine for throat health.
In addition to the Luo Han Guo, these lozenges contain ginseng extract, which provides an earthy flavor. Ginseng is known for its potential energizing properties in Chinese herbal medicine.
Golden Throat Lozenges use sugar alcohols like isomalt and maltitol to provide sweetness instead of sugar. This helps prevent tooth decay while enjoying the lozenges.
While some customers find these lozenges help temporarily relieve throat discomfort, others feel they aren’t very effective. The ginseng flavor also isn’t for everyone.
Overall, Solstice Medicine Golden Throat Lozenges provide a unique ginseng-flavored herbal formula focused on traditional Chinese medicine ingredients. If you appreciate Asian botanicals, give these lozenges a try for soothing throat relief.
Throat Discs Throat Lozenges Original Formula 46 Lozenges (Value Pack of 2)
Old-Fashioned Throat Soothers for Irritation
Throat Discs Throat Lozenges offer a unique old-fashioned formula to help soothe sore, irritated throats. These small lozenges are designed to slowly dissolve in the mouth to provide extended relief.
The main ingredient is licorice, which helps coat the throat for soothing comfort. Throat Discs also contain warming oils like anethole, cubeb, and capsicum to temporarily relieve pain and irritation. Unlike some lozenges, they use natural flavors like anise rather than strong menthol.
Users report the spicy herbal blend provides relief from hoarseness, dry coughs, and phlegm. The lozenges stimulate saliva production to keep your throat moist and clear. The ingredients help settle minor stomach upset that harsh cough drops can cause.
If you like old-fashioned remedies, give Throat Discs Throat Lozenges a try. Their unique slow-dissolving formula bathes your throat for soothing relief. The natural licorice and spice flavor is reminiscent of old-timey herbal lozenges.
Cepacol Maximum Strength Throat and Cough Drop Lozenges, Mixed Berry, 16 Count (Pack of 8)
Maximum Strength Sore Throat Relief
When you need serious throat relief fast, reach for Cepacol Maximum Strength Cough Drops. These lozenges contain the maximum strength oral numbing medication available without a prescription.
The active ingredients benzocaine and dextromethorphan provide instant soothing relief for sore scratchy throats. They can also temporarily suppress coughs.
Cepacol Maximum Strength lozenges have a pleasant mixed berry flavor. They offer strong fast-acting relief with a tasty fruit flavor to help mask the medication.
Since they contain the maximum allowable strength of numbing medication, these lozenges work quickly to soothe throat pain and irritation. The numbing action helps provide immediate relief while the medication goes to work on your symptoms.
For powerful fast-acting sore throat relief, choose Cepacol Maximum Strength Cough Drops. The maximum strength formula helps numb and soothe pain quickly.
Lotte throat lozenge 11 grain X10 pieces
Japanese Herbal Throat Lozenges with Soothing Relief
For a soothing herbal throat lozenge, try Lotte 11 Grain Throat Lozenges. These Japanese lozenges contain a blend of 11 oriental botanical ingredients to help relieve throat irritation.
Ingredients like platycodon root, ginger, and licorice provide soothing relief for dry scratchy throats. Platycodon is commonly used in Chinese medicine to help clear phlegm and calm coughs.
These small lozenges have a hard candy-like texture and sweet honey flavor. They slowly dissolve in the mouth to coat the throat for extended relief.
In addition to soothing throat discomfort, ingredients like ginseng can provide an extra energy boost. The lozenges also contain vitamin C for extra immune support.
If you appreciate Asian herbal remedies, give Lotte 11 Grain Throat Lozenges a try. Their blend of oriental ingredients provides soothing relief for throat irritation and dry coughs.
Thieves Hard Lozenges 30 ct by Young Living Essential Oils
Naturally Soothe Throats with Essential Oils
Give your throat natural relief with Young Living Thieves Hard Lozenges. They contain the proprietary Thieves essential oil blend to help soothe dry, irritated throats.
The main ingredients are clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils. This powerful blend provides a cooling, invigorating sensation. The lozenges have a strong spicy cinnamon flavor.
Made without any sugar or artificial flavors, these lozenges use natural ingredients you can trust. They provide refreshing relief without unnecessary additives.
Young Living uses high quality essential oils extracted from plants. Their Thieves blend harnesses the soothing benefits of natural botanical ingredients.
Reach for a Thieves Hard Lozenge at the first sign of throat discomfort. Let the essential oils work their magic to naturally soothe irritation.
Benefits of Natural Throat Lozenges
Natural throat lozenges provide soothing relief for sore, irritated throats without artificial flavors, colors, and questionable ingredients. Here are some of the top benefits of choosing natural lozenges:
- Effective soothing ingredients – Natural lozenges rely on natural ingredients like honey, slippery elm, marshmallow root, and essential oils to coat and soothe the throat gently and effectively. These ingredients are safe and often just as effective as medicated lozenges.
- Free of artificial flavors/colors – Most natural lozenges contain no artificial flavors, colors, or dyes that can sometimes cause adverse reactions or health concerns with long-term use.
- Often free of gluten, dairy, and sugar – Many natural lozenges are made without common allergens like gluten, dairy, and sugar. This makes them a safe choice for those with dietary restrictions.
- Pleasant flavors – Without artificial flavors, natural lozenges rely on natural flavorings like honey, lemon, herbs, ginger, and essential oils to provide a pleasant taste consumers enjoy.
- Safe for long-term use – The natural ingredients in most throat lozenges make them safe for regular, long-term use for chronic irritations and overuse issues.
- Suitable for all ages – Unlike some medicated options, natural lozenges are suitable for use by children as young as 2 years old up through adults.
Overall, natural throat lozenges provide an effective, safe, pleasant way to find quick relief from minor to moderate sore throat pain and irritation.
What to Look for When Buying
When searching for the right natural throat lozenge for your needs, keep the following criteria in mind:
Ingredients
Pay attention to the active ingredients used in any natural lozenge you’re considering:
- Honey – Honey is a common ingredient in many natural lozenges that helps coat and soothe irritated tissues. Look for raw, unpasteurized honey for maximum effectiveness.
- Slippery elm – The inner bark of the slippery elm tree contains mucilage that helps coat the throat. It also may help relieve coughs.
- Marshmallow root – Similar to slippery elm, marshmallow root contains mucilage that provides a soothing coating on the throat.
- Licorice root – Licorice root has long been used to ease sore throat pain and reduce inflammation. Look for deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) which removes glycyrrhizin that can raise blood pressure.
- Ginger – Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that may help reduce throat swelling and irritation.
- Echinacea – Echinacea is an herb commonly used to boost the immune system. Some studies suggest it may help relieve throat pain and irritation.
- Essential oils – Peppermint, lemon, and eucalyptus oils are commonly used in throat lozenges for their soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.
Flavors
While artificial flavors should be avoided, natural flavorings like honey and essential oils can provide a pleasant taste:
- Honey – Honey not only soothes the throat but provides a nice sweetness.
- Lemon – Lemon essential oil gives a fresh, bright citrus flavor.
- Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus oil has a cooling, minty flavor.
- Ginger – Ginger oil provides a warming, spicy flavor.
- Peppermint – Peppermint oil has a refreshing minty taste.
Other Considerations
- Sugar free – Many natural lozenges contain no sugar or very minimal amounts. This makes them a good choice for diabetics and those limiting sugar.
- Gluten-free – Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should verify the lozenges are gluten-free. Most are.
- Organic – Organic ingredients may be used in some natural lozenges. While not a necessity, organic is preferred when possible.
- Preservatives – Some natural lozenges contain preservatives to extend shelf life. Look for natural preservatives like vitamin E vs. chemical ones when possible.
Recommended Natural Throat Lozenge Brands and Products
With an understanding of what to look for in the best natural throat lozenges, here are some top brands and specific products to consider:
Throat Coat by Traditional Medicinals
- Active ingredients: Slippery elm, licorice root, marshmallow root
- Flavors: Original (licorice, cinnamon), Lemon Echinacea
- Details: Clinically shown to soothe throat pain and irritation. Naturally flavored. Certified organic. Caffeine free, non-GMO.
Zarbee’s Naturals Children’s Cough Syrup with Honey
- Active ingredients: Honey, vitamin C, zinc
- Flavors: Natural honey flavor
- Details: Pediatrician recommended. Gluten free, dye free. Safe for children ages 2 and up. Provides immune support.
Ricola Herb Throat Drops
- Active ingredients: 10 Swiss herbal extracts including echinacea
- Flavors: Menthol, lemon-mint, ginger-lemon, mixed berry
- Details: Sugar free. Gluten free. Provides soothing relief with pleasant flavors.
Chimes Ginger Chews
- Active ingredients: Ginger, brown rice syrup, evaporated cane juice
- Flavors: Ginger, lemon ginger, mango ginger, orange ginger
- Details: Provides anti-inflammatory relief from ginger. Naturally sweetened. Gluten-free, non-GMO.
Luden’s Wild Cherry Throat Drops
- Active ingredients: Honey, pectin, menthol
- Flavors: Wild cherry
- Details: Time-tested brand. Honey soothes, menthol cools. Gluten free. No artificial colors/flavors.
Cepacol Sensations Soothing Lozenges
- Active ingredients: Honey, vitamin C, zinc gluconate
- Flavors: Honey lemon, cherry, mint
- Details: Maximum strength formula with benzocaine. Naturally flavored. Sugar free.
Halls Defense Vitamin C Drops
- Active ingredients: Vitamin C, zinc
- Flavors: Citrus blend, honey lemon, cherry
- Details: Provides immune support. 100% daily value of vitamin C. Gluten free. Natural flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are natural throat lozenges as effective as medicated ones?
While they may not contain medications like benzocaine or phenol, natural lozenges can be just as effective at providing relief from minor sore throat pain, coughs, and irritation. Ingredients like honey, marshmallow root, and licorice root have been used traditionally for decades to coat and soothe sore throats with great success.
How often can you use natural throat lozenges per day?
Most natural throat lozenges can be used as often as needed or directed on the package. Unlike medicated lozenges, natural options don’t carry the same risks of overuse or adverse effects. Limit use to 6-10 lozenges per day for optimal relief.
Are natural throat lozenges safe for children?
Many natural lozenges are formulated to be safe for children ages 2 and older. Always verify the recommended minimum age on any product before giving it to a child. Most brands that contain honey and natural herbs without medications are safe in moderation for kids.
Can you use natural throat lozenges with braces?
Unless otherwise indicated, most natural lozenges are safe to use with braces as they dissolve slowly in the mouth. However, some may be harder textures that could damage braces over time. Consult your orthodontist for any special considerations.
What’s the difference between throat lozenges and cough drops?
While they share similarities, cough drops tend to contain more cough-suppressing, mucus-thinning ingredients like menthol and eucalyptus while throat lozenges focus more heavily on demulcent, soothing ingredients to coat the throat. Both can provide relief from cold and flu symptoms.
Conclusion
Sore, irritated throats are no fun to deal with. While artificial flavorings and chemical ingredients are common in many over-the-counter throat lozenges, natural options provide an effective alternative without the unwanted additives.
The best natural throat lozenges rely on time-tested, safe ingredients like honey, slippery elm, marshmallow root, licorice, and essential oils to ease throat pain and coughs gently. They often contain no sugars, gluten, or artificial colors as well. Brands like Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat, Zarbee’s Naturals, Ricola, Chimes, Luden’s, Cepacol, and Halls all offer quality natural lozenges to suit different needs and preferences.
Paying attention to the ingredients, flavors, and any dietary considerations can help you choose the right natural throat lozenge to help provide soothing relief. Keep some on hand to help tame your next sore throat naturally and effectively.