The aim of the study is to show non-inferiority of an echinacea/sage spray compared to a chlorhexidine/lidocaine-spray in the treatment of acute sore throat during five days of treatment.

Main outcome parameter is the non-inferiority in number of responders between the two treatment groups. A responder is defined as a reduction by 50% of the total baseline score taken prior to treatment start. The symptoms are assessed with a symptom score.

Further secondary parameters are :

Responders during at day 4 and 5, single symptom scores during 1 to 5 days of observation, pain at begin and end (100mm VAS), assessment of efficacy by physician and patient, consumption of rescue medication

Assessment of safety by physician and patient, frequency of adverse events

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 12 years;
• Acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis with symptoms of throat pain and inflammation of the pharynx and/or tonsils;
• Onset of sore throat less than 72 hours before inclusion ;
• A Tonsillopharyngitis Severity Score ≥6;
• Written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Analgesics <12 hours;
• Antibiotics <24 hours; t
• Topical throat pain medication <4 hours;
• Systemic corticosteroids within the last month;
• Symptoms of primary bacterial pharyngitis or secondary bacterial infection;
• Serious illness such as tumors; allergy to one of the ingredients; pregnancy or lactation;
• Hypersensitivity to ibuprofen;
• Participation in another clinical trial in the previous 30 days.