Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Solid
Color: Multi
Odor: Minty or sweet
Solubility: Easy soluble in water
Mass: 3 Grams

Background

People have been using syrups and herbals teas for a while. Second century Galen was the first to develop a report on the suppressant. They originated from candy. Active ingredients of cough drops were known for centuries but weren't combined together to make a cough drop until the 19th century. One of the first favored cough drops were the Smith Brothers' cough drops. James smith was supposedly working at a restaurant when a "journeyman" introduced him to a recipe to a cough reducer. He then mixed a batch in the kitchen and was quickly able to sell them. He began advertising in 1852 when demand for the product grew.

Medicated Cough Drops

Medicated cough drops have some effect. The 'Menthol' compounds are local anesthetic agents which can temporarily "numb" the nerves in the throat that are irritated by the cold symptoms and provide relief. Although medicated cough drops help, you do not want to use them if you are a singer because they will dry the vocal cords. You will most likely want to use a Ricola because they are non mentholated and they oil the vocal cords.

Ingredients

Sugar
Corn Syrup
Acids
Colors
Flavors
All of these ingredients make up a major portion of the cough drop.

Sugar is responsible for the Physical Structure of the cough drop along with its sweet taste. Corn Syrup is the main component. It is a mixture of sugars that are composed of Polysaccharides, Detrose, and Maltose. It is used mainly to control the crystallization of sugar. It also reduces the formation of dust from sugar in the blending stage. It provides some sweetness and body. To make the cough drops appealing to the eye, dye is added. This includes Red #40, Yellow #05, Yellow #06, and Blue #01. Natural colorants like Caramel are also used. Using these dyes, the most favored cough drop colors red and blue are born.