Cough Drop Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Cough Drop Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Cough Drop Day is celebrated on May 13th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Cough Drop Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you might want to know about Cough Drop Day.

📅 What day is Cough Drop Day 2024?

In 2024, Cough Drop Day is on Saturday, May 13th. It is the 2nd Saturday in May; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the cool details and facts about May 13, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Cough Drop Day is a yearly celebration on May 13th to recognize the importance of cough drops. These small pills have been in existence since around 1000 B.C. and are used to provide relief for sore or inflamed throats. In the 19th century, American doctors started adding harmful chemicals to cough drops, but thankfully this practice was soon discontinued. Nowadays, cough drops often resemble candy and have a sweet taste due to the use of sweetening ingredients in most formulations. Some recipes even suggest adding ingredients like pears, cinnamon, and ginger to make homemade cough drops.

📜 Cough Drop Day History

Originally, cough drops were shaped like diamonds because the term “lozenge” comes from the French word for “rhombus.” Ancient Egyptians used candies infused with honey, herbs, citrus, and spices to soothe their throats as early as 1000 B.C. In the nineteenth century, medical professionals discovered that substances like morphine, formaldehyde, and heroin could effectively suppress coughs by targeting the brain. However, these compounds were considered dangerous due to the potential for opioid addiction. Consequently, manufacturers of cough drops made sure to advertise that their products were free of opioids. In 1881, William Luden made history by inventing the first menthol cough drops. Starting as a candy maker, Luden collaborated with a pharmacist to develop a cough drop recipe containing honey, licorice, and menthol. Luden’s Menthol Cough Drops were sold in five-cent containers for many years. Other cough drop brands, such as Halls, Mentho-Lyptus, Smith Brothers’ Cough Drops, and Ricola, also originated from candy makers, confectioners, and bakers.

✅ Cough Drop Day Facts

🔖 HALLS
HALLS has been responsible for over 50% of global cough drop sales since it was established in 1893.

🔖 Chloraseptic
Phenol is the main ingredient in Chloraseptic lozenges, which are produced by Prestige Consumer Healthcare in New York.

🔖 Cepacol
Lozenges that contain cetylpyridinium chloride, benzocaine, and menthol can have flavors resembling honey lemon, cherry, or tangerine.

👍 Why Is Cough Drop Day Important

Medicine has never tasted better! Cough drops make it easy to forget that we’re trying to get treated!

Don’t be fooled by its flavor. Cough drops include medicine that relieves itching and irritation in the throat. We enjoy cough pills because they relieve sore throats.

This holiday serves as a reminder to prioritize our health. As the saying goes, prevention is preferable to cure. Taking good care of ourselves prevents us from becoming ill in the first place.

🙂 How To Observe Cough Drop Day

⚡ Spread the word

⚡ Buy a cough drop
Take the opportunity to celebrate by getting a cough drop for yourself or someone you’re acquainted with. It’s always good to have one on hand, as you never know when it might come in handy!

⚡ Visit a doctor
Cough Drop Day should be publicized. Tell someone else or use the hashtag #coughdropday on social media to spread the word.

📅 When is Cough Drop Day?

Discover all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Obscure holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Cough Drop Day. So be sure to check back soon.