Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the oral delivery of temporally increasing concentrations of capsaicin, its derivatives, and analogs (collectively, "capsaicinoids"), to provide oral or pharyngeal analgesia while minimizing sensations of nausea and burning associated with the oral administration of capsaicinoids. The methods and compositions described herein soothe and relieve oral or pharynx pain. In one embodiment, one or more capsaicinoids are dispersed within a lollipop, with successively decreasing concentrations of capsaicin from the center out to the periphery, and administered to a patient in need of amelioration of oral pain. Alternatively, the capsaicinoid can be dispersed, with decreasing concentrations from the center to the periphery, in a tablet, caplet, lozenge, troche, pill, candy, or similar formulation.