Can you tell me about the best over-the-counter medication for sore tonsils or sore throat?

Salt Water: For significant sore throat with swollen tonsils / lymph nodes – see physician ; get a strep throat test/ culture. If you have strep throat, antibiotic therapy is imperative to prevent future complications. Consider tylenol (acetaminophen) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Saltwater gargles: mix 1 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water – gargle with aloe vera juice twice a day. Gargle several times a day.