Why Your Throat Might Prefer Natural Lozenges Over Menthol Drops

Date Created: 02 Jul 2025

We all know the feeling – that dry, scratchy tickle that won’t quit. Maybe it’s from talking all day, breathing in city air, or simply a change in the weather. For most of us, the first instinct is to suck on a cough lozenge and move on.

But what happens when that tickle returns again and again? 

You end up taking several lozenges a day, sometimes for days on end & while that might seem harmless, there’s more going on than you might realise, especially if you're using conventional, menthol-heavy lozenges regularly.

What’s Actually in Conventional Cough Lozenges?

Most of the common cough lozenges on pharmacy shelves rely on ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus oil, and camphor. These provide a strong cooling effect that temporarily numbs the throat. Some also contain artificial sweeteners, colours, or preservatives to improve taste and shelf life.

Now, menthol is fine in moderation. But when you’re reaching for it several times a day, it’s worth asking, is it doing more harm than good?

Understanding the Side Effects of Menthol Drops

Let’s break it down.

• Dryness & Irritation: Menthol may feel soothing at first, but over time, it can dry out the mucous membranes. That means the more you take, the more irritated your throat can feel, not less.
• Numbing Effect: Since menthol numbs the nerves in your throat, it can mask symptoms without helping to resolve the root cause. This might delay actual healing.
• Dependence & Overuse: When a lozenge offers only temporary relief, people tend to overuse it. That repeated numbing cycle isn’t great for your health in the long run.

These are some of the lesser-known but very real side effects of menthol drops, especially when used frequently.

Are Herbal Lozenges Effective? Let’s Take a Closer Look

The short answer is, yes, they can be, with a caveat: they work differently from menthol-based products. Instead of delivering a quick blast of cool relief, herbal lozenges typically work with your body to support natural healing and reduce inflammation over time.

They’re especially beneficial if you’re:

• Dealing with a recurring cough or sore throat
• Sensitive to strong cooling agents like menthol
• Looking for something gentler and more long-term
• Managing throat strain from speaking, singing, or teaching

Unlike synthetic lozenges, herbal ones often include ingredients like liquorice (for soothing), tulsi (for immunity), ginger (for inflammation), and clove (for mild pain relief). These herbs not only help ease symptoms but also support overall respiratory wellness, which is the real win.

Why Choose Natural? The Benefits of Natural Cough Relief

If you’re someone who regularly deals with throat discomfort, there are plenty of benefits of natural cough relief to consider:

• No Harsh Additives: Herbal lozenges are typically free from synthetic flavours, colours, or preservatives.
• Gentler on the Throat: They don’t irritate or dry out your throat, even with frequent use.
• Safe for Long-Term Use: Many herbal ingredients have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and they’re trusted and time-tested.
• Supportive, Not Just Soothing: Instead of just numbing the pain, natural lozenges support healing and strengthen your body’s response.

Meet Cofftab: A Gentle Herbal Throat Companion

If you’re looking for a natural, non-irritating lozenge that’s safe to use frequently, Cofftab by Meridian Enterprises is a great option to consider.

Cofftab is a herbal throat relief lozenge crafted with a thoughtful blend of Ayurvedic herbs, known for their respiratory and soothing properties. It doesn’t just mask the discomfort, it helps support your throat health over time.

What’s Inside Cofftab?

Each lozenge contains:

• Yashtimadhu (Liquorice) – Helps coat and calm the throat lining
• Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Supports immunity and respiratory function
• Sunthi (Dry Ginger) – Known for its anti-inflammatory properties
• Haldi (Turmeric) – Natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
• Lavang (Clove) – Mild analgesic for soothing sore spots

Together, these herbs make Cofftab more than just a quick fix. It’s a cough lozenge you can rely on for gentle, repeated use, especially if your job or environment puts regular strain on your throat.

How to Use Cofftab

Cofftab can be taken multiple times a day, simply let one lozenge dissolve slowly in your mouth whenever needed. It’s sugar-free, non-drowsy, and does not contain any synthetic cooling agents. Ideal for singers, speakers, teachers, or anyone prone to throat irritation.

Listen to Your Throat

Sometimes, the best thing we can do is pause and ask: is what I’m taking actually helping?

If you’ve been relying on menthol-heavy lozenges day after day, it might be time to switch to a gentler alternative.

So next time that tickle returns, think beyond quick fixes!