Best Over-The-Counter Medicine For Sore Throat

If you have a sore throat, this may be the initial sign that a cold is coming up or perhaps that your vocal cords are strained. Because a sore throat can be quite painful, you are likely to look for quick relief. A sore throat is often quite painful and is accompanied by irritation and pain.

Most cases of sore throat are viral, which means they subside after a few days without you doing anything. However, even if it’s not serious enough to deserve a visit to the doctor, it’s still painful and itchy. If you’re currently suffering from a sore throat, check out this list of the best medicine for sore throat.

List Of Best Throat Sprays And Lozenges

Name	Our Rating
Cepacol Sore Throat & Cough Lozenges (Mixed Berry)	9.5/10
Seagate Homeopathic Throat Spray	9.4/10
Activz Silver Throat Lozenges (30 PPM)	9.6/10
Olive Leaf Complex Throat Spray by Barlean’s Organic Oils	9.6/10
Soothing Throat Spray by Herb Pharm	9.6/10

**Scroll down for detailed reviews on these products but you can also click the links above and below to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

Best Medicine For Sore Throat

 

1. Cepacol Sore Throat & Cough Lozenges (Mixed Berry)

The Cepacol Sore Throat & Cough doesn’t just relieve pain caused by a sore throat, canker sore, and minor mouth irritation, but it also suppresses cough. It contains two active ingredients: benzocaine (7.5mg), a numbing agent, and dextromethorphan hydrobromide (5mg), a cough suppressant.

Recommended dosage: take 2 lozenges every 4 hours. Allow one to slowly dissolve in your mouth then immediately take the second one. You shouldn’t take more than 12 lozenges within 24 hours.

Contraindications and side effects: This is not for children below 12 years old and people with a history of allergy to local anesthetics.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

The Cepacol Sore Throat & Cough seems to work as advertised. It stops continuous coughing, but it’s more effective as a pain reliever.

The taste is just okay. You’ve probably tried lozenges that tasted far worse.

Overall, most consumers are satisfied with the Cepacol Sore Throat & Cough and feel it’s worth the money.

2. Seagate Homeopathic Throat Spray

The Seagate Olive Leaf Raspberry Spearmint Throat Spray provides temporary relief of throat and mouth ailments. It contains three active ingredients: olive leaf extract, xylitol (natural sweetener), and baptisia tinctoria. Studies show that olive leaf extract can fight viruses and relieves cough, sore throat, or swollen glands.

Recommended dosage: Use the throat spray up to four times daily. If you have an active sore throat, you can spray it into your throat every 2 to 3 hours. To use, simply hold it close to your mouth, and then spray 2 to 3 times into your throat. Each 1 oz. bottle of the throat spray is good for approximately 200 sprays.

Contraindications and side effects: It may cause a temporary allergic reaction for a few days.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

It generally tastes good, but some people find it too sweet. It helps prevent and soothe a painful, scratchy throat that results from flu or the common cold. It’s a good option if you want to avoid the unpleasant side effects of mainstream cold and allergy medicines.

3.Activz Silver Throat Lozenges (30 PPM)

The newly formulated Activz Silver Throat Lozenges combines the beneficial effects of mint, honey, and nano-silver solution (30 PPM). Mint provides a cooling effect. Honey coats the affected area to soothe and protect it from irritants, while nano-silver supports a good immune system and natural healing process.

Contraindications and side effects: This is not for children who are 3 years old or younger.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

These lozenges work fast to ease the symptoms of a sore throat or cough.  It works better if you take it at the first sign of sore throat.

They also help prevent users from catching a cold, which is one of the causes of a sore throat. Dissolving one or two lozenges per day seems to do the trick.

This product has a few downsides. For one, the taste may not suit everyone’s taste buds. If you have any medical condition, such as celiac disease or acid reflux, you may want to ask your doctor first before taking these lozenges.

Overall, the Activz Silver Throat Lozenges seems to work great for preventing or soothing a sore throat.

4. Olive Leaf Complex Throat Spray by Barlean’s Organic Oils

The Barlean’s Organic Oils throat spray contains natural ingredients that help by soothing sore throats and promoting a healthy immune system, so your body can fight off infections better. It has sage leaf extract and lemon for the swelling and pain. Meanwhile, peppermint oil helps treat sore throats, cough, and the common cold.

Recommended dosage: Adults can spray in the back of their throats 3 to 5 times every half an hour. For children, spray the throat spray 2 to 3 minutes every half an hour.

Contraindications and side effects: This product is not for breastfeeding or pregnant women.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

It remedies sore throats and persistent cough. If you’re doing something that subjects your vocal cords to frequent abuse—singing, talking loudly, smoking cigarettes—you can use this product to prevent throat horseness and soreness. It also helps boost one’s immune system.

It doesn’t work for all people. Some consumers have claimed it didn’t work for them and made their condition worse. But overall, consumers are highly satisfied with this product.

5. Soothing Throat Spray by Herb Pharm

The Herb Pharm throat spray contains certified organic ingredients, including echinacea root, propolis, sage, hyssop (flower and leaf), and St. John’s Wort. This product promotes a healthy immune system, fights upper respiratory infections (e.g. the common cold and flu), and relieves pain and inflammation triggered from a sore throat.

Recommended dosage: Spray in your throat three times, and then swallow. Use it up to 5 times daily.

Contraindications and side effects: This is not for children under 3 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people who are under medication.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

As what can expected from an Herb Pharm product, this throat spray does what it’s supposed to do—provide instant sore throat relief. Some, if not most, consumers use it to prevent a painful and irritated throat from getting worse. The only biggest downside of this product is its awful taste. Some say it has a strong alcohol taste.

Over-the-counter medicines for sore throat don’t usually cure the root cause, but they greatly help ease the pain, swelling, and itchiness temporarily. Some may also promote a healthy immune system to fight the infection. If your sore throat lasts more than five days and/or becomes severe, consult your doctor immediately.

Other Treatments For Sore Throat Relief

Rest more

Although it may seem overrated, rest is extremely important for recovering from any illness. When combined with other remedies, getting more rest than you usually do will boost their effectiveness. As the body gets more rest, it can focus its powers on healing and fighting the illness.

Drink more fluids

Increasing your intake of fluids will help to flush out toxins, thereby improving your overall health. Orange juice, water, herbal tea and any other fluids that you prefer will be very beneficial for enabling your body to deal with the sore throat. Drinking enough fluids will also help with the dry throat. But remember to avoid caffeine and alcohol!

Saltwater

Saltwater is perhaps one of the best and most effective sore throat gargles. Warm salt water breaks down phlegm secretions and also kills the bacteria that cause throat infections. When your throat hurts, it is due to the inflamed and swollen cells in the mucus membranes.

A saltwater gargle decreases the swelling because the primary function of salt is drawing the water out. This makes the swollen cells shrink and reduce the pain. The excess mucus also gets washed away, after which, your stuffy nose will be able to drain properly. One glass of warm water with half a teaspoon of salt keeps the throat clean and helps in reducing the swelling.

Honey

Using honey is one of the most frequently used sore throat remedies. You may mix honey to your tea or just take it straight up. The effectiveness of honey in treating sore throats and coughs has been proven by several research studies.

In fact, honey has proven to be more effective than common cough syrups in repressing nighttime cough among children suffering from upper respiratory infections. Honey also has healing powers that can help in healing sore throats.

Peppermint

Peppermint is very popular for fresh breath, whereas, it is also very effective as a natural treatment for sore throat. The menthol found in peppermint helps in thinning the mucus and calming cough and sore throat. If you are looking for a herbal spray for your sore throat, look for one that contains peppermint as one of the ingredients.

The antibacterial and antiviral properties of peppermint also aid the healing process.

Slippery elm

Slippery elm is another traditional remedy that dates back to Native Americans, who used it for relief from sore throats and cough. The mucus like substance can be mixed with water to form a smooth gel. Make a powder of the bark and pour very hot water over it. Stir and drink while warm. Slippery elm lozenges can be very useful too.

Echinacea and sage

Using Echinacea and sage together has been proven to help in reducing sore throat infections. You may either use it as an Echinacea and sage throat spray or a chlorhexidine and lidocaine spray. Use the puffs after every two hours as many as ten times a day. You can also make echinacea tea to soothe your sore throat.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is another natural home remedy that can be very helpful for a throat infection. It also clears the sinuses. Pour couple drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a hot water and inhale the steam. You can also add the drops of eucalyptus in the bath water when taking a hot bath.

Apple cider vinegar

Although it may not taste too good, apple cider vinegar is very effective to use if you feel the symptoms of sore throat coming up. The high levels of acidity of apple cider vinegar can kill the bacteria very efficiently. It may be a good idea to add some honey to the water and vinegar solution in order to soothe the sore feeling in your throat.

Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and a tablespoon of honey. If you find the taste to be too strong to drink, you may simply gargle with the solution.

Garlic

Garlic is known for its curative powers and these are very effective for a sore throat. Although it may sound repulsive, sucking on a clove of garlic is an excellent home remedy for a sore throat. The compound allicin that is found in garlic can kill strep causing bacteria and get rid of the germs that cause pain and irritation. Put a clove of garlic in your cheek and try to suck it as you would for a cough drop.

You don’t need to actually bite, but you may try to crush it against your teeth to release the allicin. However, you may not want to go on a dinner date right after your garlic sucking treatment!

Marshmallow root

There is a mucus-like substance in marshmallow root that covers the throat and has a soothing effect on the sore throat. To use marshmallow root as a home remedy, add some dried root to boiling water and make marshmallow tea. Cover and let it sit for half an hour. Drink it warm and use it twice or thrice a day. This will reduce the pain and the inflammation.

Marshmallow contains mucilage that helps in coating and soothing your mucus membranes. Because marshmallow also lowers blood sugar levels, anyone who is diabetic should consult their physician before using it.

Steam

Steaming is one of the most frequently used remedies for sore throat and very effective too. Your sore throat will feel much better and you will be able to breathe much easily, particularly if you are also suffering from congestion. You could always rush to a steam or sauna room at your health club for steaming, but you can also do it conveniently at home.

Boil some water and remove from the stove. Lean over the pot and inhale the steam as it rises. Place a towel over your head so that you form a tent. You can also add some eucalyptus oil to make your steam more soothing. Another option is to take a hot shower. Let your bathroom gather some steam for a relaxed shower and steaming session.

Cayenne

Although it sounds strange, drinking warm water with some cayenne pepper is believed to be very effective for soothing a sore throat. The reason is that cayenne pepper and other such peppers have capsaicin, a compound that relieves pain temporarily somewhat like a painkiller. This is because it hinders an element called P substance which transmits signals about the pain to the brain. Therefore the discomfort caused by the cayenne coming in contact with your throat is decreased.

To use this remedy, add half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to a cup of boiling water. Then add honey and let it sit for a while until it becomes lukewarm. Drink a few times during the day and stir it each time. You may decrease the quantity of the cayenne papper if you wish to.

Licorice root

Licorice root has been used as a remedy for treating sore throats for long. Research has proven its effectiveness when it is used for creating a gargle solution. Not only does the patient feel a soothing effect on the throat, there is also a decrease in the cough. Licorice root tea is extremely effective in providing relief to a sore throat.

The anti-inflammatory and anti-viral characteristics of licorice root help to decrease the irritation and swelling in your throat, while also soothing the mucus membranes. Licorice tea is available as a product, but you can also make your own tea.

Boil dry licorice root, cinnamon, chamomile flowers and some cloves in two cups of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes and then pour through a sieve. Drink a little quantity at a time throughout the day.

Baking soda

Baking soda gargle is another great sore throat gargle that is simple to make and effective for painful throat. The reason is the antibacterial property of baking soda that can help in getting rid of the bacteria that has taken over your throat. To make your baking soda gargle, take a cup of warm water and add half a teaspoon of salt and baking soda. Gargle with this liquid a few times a day.

Ginger

Ginger has a strong and spicy flavor and curative qualities that can be equally effective for both, colds and sore throats. Ginger loosens the mucus that is blocking your respiratory system and throat and expels it. Its strong aroma helps to open up the sinuses.

Additionally, ginger will boost your blood circulation and increase the oxygen in your cells, which will flush out the toxins and improve the process of healing. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger also fights the bad bacteria.

Make yourself a warm and delicious cup of ginger tea with fresh ginger root, honey and water. Peel, chop and crush a small piece of ginger root, and add it to the boiling water along with some honey. Cook for a few minutes and strain it. Drink while warm.

Cloves

Cloves have traditionally been used for toothaches, but they are also very effective as a cure for throat infection. Cloves are successful pain killers due to a substance called eugenol that is found in them. Chewing on a clove releases this substance and reduces the pain you feel due to the soreness of the throat. You may use some water to swallow the clove once it’s soft.

Avoid all irritants

If you cannot take a break from school, work or sporting activities even if you are ill, you need to make a concerted effort to stay away from smoke, smog, dust or fumes. When you breathe in any of these irritants, they cause further irritation to the soft tissues in your throat. Sucking on lozenges may be helpful in stimulating saliva, but be careful to avoid the sugar-loaded ones.

Alcohol and caffeine reduces the body’s capability to fight the infection and should be avoided too.

Avoid milk

Although warm milk might feel very soothing to your sore throat, it may be best to stay away from it while your throat is infected. Milk is known to coat the throat which can aggravate and increase the production of mucus, which is causing your congestion already.

Chamomile tea

Being a natural remedy for a sore throat, chamomile tea has components that kill the bacteria and work as a natural pain-killer. The anti-spasmodic properties of chamomile help you relax and rest. To make your soothing chamomile tea, place a tea bag in a cup and pour boiling water over it. Add lemon and honey to taste.

You may also like our article on best essential oils for sore throat.

Your food’s temperature

Extreme temperatures of food and drink can cause an aggravation to your sore throat. Whether it is a glass of iced water or piping hot soup, both are to be avoided in case of a throat infection. Let your food and drink come to a room temperature before you eat or drink it.

There are several other possible remedies for sore throat that you can explore in addition to the ones discussed in this article. Through a trial and error, you will be able to find the ones that work best for you. Give some thought to what causes your sore throat and you will be able to treat it more quickly and effectively.

The key is to start using these home remedies the moment you start feeling that pinch in your throat or any other symptoms of sore throat rather than waiting for the worse to come on. None of these is a miracle cure, but these natural treatments can definitely reduce the duration of an infection and the severity of the illness.