Pharm Aid: Who's got the best cough drops?

Let's face it: Slathering yourself in hand sanitizer and desperately trying to avoid those "achoo-ing" around you doesn't always work. Inevitably, you'll get a cold.

 And while we all know there's currently no cure for the common cold, there are a few things -- like cough drops -- that can help us feel a little better. But do cough drops really help you get better faster?

Experts say yes. Though ingredients can run the gamut (some good, some worthless) their primary purpose--lubrication, can actually help. That's because cough drops increase saliva production, which in turn soothes the throat, naturally lessening coughs. But are some drops better than others? Interestingly, few professional publications like Consumer Reports have reported on them. Fortunately, we were able to suss out some common threads in user reviews.

Best overall cough drop: Fisherman's Friend

After scouring the web, we've deemed Fisherman's Friend Original Cough Drops (about $3 for a pack of 40 drops) the overwhelming winner. Numerous reviews from enthusiastic fans at Drugstore.com, Amazon.com and Epinions.com say this powerful product easily tops the competition when it comes to suppressing coughs, soothing sore throats and stuffy heads. It isn't the tastiest drop, though. One reviewer, while a staunch supporter, says "its taste may be a little strong for the faint-hearted."

Still, about 36 reviewers at Drugstore.com stand behind this product. Two dozen Epinions.com reviewers also agree, giving the drops four and half stars out of a possible five. One user claims "it stops a sore throat immediately" while all reviewers state it does "wonders" for those plagued with pesky coughing. One downside: This brown cough drop is only available in one very distinct flavor: licorice/menthol, so if it doesn't suit your palette, you're out of luck. Bonus: These cough drops also are all-natural -- they contain no artificial flavors or ingredients.

Runner up: Halls Mentho-Lyptus Drops

Unlike many of the candy-like picks on the market today, this tasty cough drop's "vapor action" claims actually ring true, according to reviews. Like Fisherman's Friend, Halls has science on its side. Their metho-lyptus cough drops are comprised of two study-backed ingredients: menthol and eucalyptus--both proven to open and soothe sinuses by liquefying mucus and sapping tissue irritation.

Reviewers at Epinions.com in particular rave about Halls Mentho-Lyptus drops, calling them "economical" (a bag of 40 retails for around two dollars at most stores) and "highly effective." They give Halls four stars out of five--citing the line's honey lemon and strawberry flavors as their best tasting. Users there and at Amazon.com say these "hard to beat" cough drops effectively soothed their parched throats, relieved mild coughing, and helped pry open moderately stuffed sinuses. That said, many users say they didn't provide relief for very sore throats or severe congestion.  However, it should be noted that neither Halls nor any other cough drops are truly designed to be used for these kind of extreme purposes. They're not a substitute for heavier-duty OTC cold/decongestant meds. Halls are available in a variety of other flavors including Cherry, Ice Blue Peppermint, Spearmint and Tropical Fruit.

 For additional cold-fighting tips, check out About.com's cold and flu guide, as well as our reports on dehumidifiers, and multivitamins.