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.
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.
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.
