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NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Consumer preferences in the cough, cold and flu category continue to shift with many of them looking for “cleaner” products that deliver convenience, transparency and dependable symptom relief without compromise.
Boiron, the world leader in homeopathic medicines, is helping meet these evolving needs with its latest addition, ThroatCalm Spray, a unique, plant-powered alternative for sore throat relief.
“Boiron’s ThroatCalm Spray is Boiron’s newest addition to the cold and flu care market, offering a targeted solution for sore throat relief. This cooling mist works on contact to soothe sore throat discomfort without the numbing effects of traditional throat sprays or lozenges. Every spray delivers plant-powered active ingredients, including echinacea, known for its soothing properties,” says MaryEllen Tefft, vice president of sales for FDM at Boiron USA. “The formula is benzocaine-free with no artificial flavors, colors or dyes, making it an appealing choice for those seeking an alternative to conventional throat treatments,” Tefft adds.
The spray’s light, mint-like herbal flavor is said to be both refreshing and gentle, providing an enjoyable experience during relief. “It’s a perfect solution for those on the go, with a unique nozzle that allows for gentle, precise application. Recommended for adults and children ages 12 and up, ThroatCalm Spray is both HSA and FSA eligible, offering a cost-effective and accessible option for consumers,” she explains.
“With its focus on plant-based active ingredients and its convenient, user-friendly design, Throat-Calm Spray is a great example of how the industry is innovating to meet the demand for products that provide relief without harsh ingredients.”
Tefft says experts are predicting that the cold and flu season in 2025 will resemble pre-pandemic patterns in terms of timing, with peak activity anticipated in January and February. “Severity levels are also expected to align with those earlier seasons. The CDC recently reported that current illness incidence levels are at 6%, which is higher than this time last year, supporting predictions of a more active season.”
She adds that this activity is being driven by lingering effects from previous flu seasons, the emergence of new flu strains and fluctuating immunity levels. “As a result, there’s an increased demand for cold and flu products, including over-the-counter medications like decongestants, pain relievers and cough syrups, as well as more holistic and wellness products such as vitamins, immune boosters and homeopathic medicines. In addition, we’re noticing a trend where the cold and flu season is starting earlier and may last longer in some regions, which could lead to a more sustained sales cycle throughout the peak months.”
Tefft notes that there is a clear trend of more consumers seeking homeopathic products for cold and flu relief. “The pandemic accelerated this trend, as more people sought self-care options at home and became more conscious of the ingredients in their products. Consumers are increasingly turning to remedies that align with their preferences for plant-based, organic and holistic approaches to health. This includes homeopathic medicines; herbal supplements like elderberry, echinacea and garlic; as well as other better-for-you options such as honey-based products like Boiron’s Chestal Honey cough syrup. The demand for these nonconventional medicines reflects a growing interest in preventive care and a desire for products with fewer artificial ingredients. We are seeing a noticeable shift toward these types of remedies, particularly among consumers looking for gentler ways to manage their health during cold and flu season.”
Homeopathic medicines like Boiron’s Oscillococcinum and ColdCalm are increasingly providing solutions for consumers seeking flu and cold relief, especially those who prefer products with plant-based and other pure active ingredients. Oscillococcinum, for example, is a popular choice for flu-like symptoms, helping to alleviate body aches, headache, fever, chills and fatigue associated with the flu. Its gentle, nondrowsy formula appeals to consumers looking for an alternative to conventional over-the-counter medications. Similarly, ColdCalm offers relief for common cold symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion. Both focus on providing symptom relief without drowsiness or known drug interactions with other medications or supplements.
