Cough Drop Day – May 13, 2024

History of Cough Drop Day

The history of Cough Drop Day is largely unknown. Also known as a throat lozenge, a cough drop is a small, medicated tablet intended to soothe a sore or irritated throat. It is usually taken when a person is displaying symptoms of a common cold or influenza. The cough drops are meant to temporarily stop the coughs, and soothe and lubricate the tissues of the throat. Cough drops are typically candy-like in taste.

Originally, most cough drops were shaped like diamonds, as the name ‘lozenge’ is derived from the French ‘losange’ which translates to ‘rhombus.’ The use of candies to soothe throat irritations is said to have begun as far back as 1000 B.C during Egypt’s ‘20th Dynasty.’ At the time, these ancient cough drops were made from honey, flavored with herbs, citrus, and spices. In the 19th century, physicians began using morphine, formaldehyde, and heroin, which they discovered could suppress the cough at the source, which is the brain.

However, these ingredients were considered harmful because of the risk that they might lead to a dependence on opioids. In fact, lozenge manufacturers made it a habit to specify that their lozenges were free of opioids. In 1892, a Keatings Cough Lozenges ad included the statement, “They are invaluable. They contain no opium nor any violent drug.” In 1881, William Luden made history by creating the first menthol cough drops. In 1879, he began as a candy manufacturer, making his products in his family’s small kitchen at the back of his father’s jewelry shop in Pennsylvania. Later, he collaborated with a pharmacist to invent a cough drop formula, which they colored amber.

Luden’s Menthol Cough Drops contained honey, licorice, and menthol and were sold for many years in five-cent packages. Luden is an example of the many cough drop manufacturers that started as candy-makers, confectioners, and bakers. Other examples of such brands include HALLS, Mentho-Lyptus, the Smith Brothers’ Cough Drops, and Ricola.