Besides getting enough rest, these remedies might help you feel better: 1  Stay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. 2  Rest. Your body needs to heal. 3  Soothe a sore throat.
The active ingredient in the Ricola cough drops is menthol, with 4.8 mg of menthol in each drop, according to Ricola. The menthol serves two purposes. First, it can help suppress a cough. Second, it can lessen pain you feel in the mouth and throat. Inactive Ingredients
Smith Brothers menthol introduced in 1922. The Smith Brothers were makers of the first cough drops produced and advertised in the United States, becoming one of the most famous brands in the country in its day. 1  1 History.