There are many potential benefits of honey lozenges in the treatment of a sore or irritated throat. Many contain real honey, a natural way to soothe the throat. Some also contain medication which helps to numb pain and others include menthol to help open stuffed up nasal passages. There are several varieties to choose from, including natural and medicinal ones.
Honey lozenges can be found in most pharmacies and sometimes health food stores. They typically contain real honey combined with sugars and other ingredients to make them pleasing to the tastebuds like a hard candy. Some have added menthol and other medications to help alleviate sore throats, while others only use the benefits of pure honey.
The main benefits of using honey lozenges are that they help soothe sore throat pain until the underlying illness has run its course. This is true for soreness caused by a variety of conditions, because honey is a natural soothing agent and anti-inflammatory. Honey is also a natural antimicrobial agent, meaning that it may help kills bacteria to help illnesses go away quicker and more effectively.
Added ingredients in honey lozenges may also be beneficial for many patients. For instance, menthol may help to open up nasal passages for those with sore throat pain resulting from a cold virus. Additional medications may also be added to help numb the pain.
Another benefit of honey lozenges, primarily natural varieties with few added ingredients, is that they often do not react with medications as some over the counter drugs can. Sufferers can typically use them without fear of overdose or potential reactions and they do not contain alcohol like sore throat sprays. They are also useful for those with allergies and can be used long-term with no harmful side effects.
One thing to be cautious of when using lozenges of any kind is that they do contain sugar and may cause cavities and tooth decay if used for a long period of time. When using honey lozenges, it is important to brush one’s teeth frequently. Drinking water throughout the day may also help to rinse excess sugar away from the teeth. This is generally only an issue if lozenges are used daily for several weeks without proper oral hygiene.