Zicam is a zinc-based product which can really help too.

A sore throat is usually the result of post-nasal drip (over-abundance of mucus accumulated in your sinuses, dripping on the back of your throat).  So if you treat the sinus issues, you can often get rid of the cause of the sore throat.

Also see remedies for Laryngitis, below.

"When the pipes get scratchy I like to use the following:

 

3 tablespoons liquid honey

2 ounces of lemon juice (pure)

2 teasponns of granulated sugar

1 Xtra large cup

 

Boil water, add ingredients, pour hot water in cup, stir until honey is disolved....drink it while it is hot and drink it as hot as you can stand without burning your mouth.  Do this once every 2 hours on gig day and your scrathy throat will be clear."

"I recently lost my voice due  to a chest infection, which I have been prone to all my life. I am a chronic asthmatic and bronchitis sufferer.

I could hardly speak on the first day of this ailment, and had to sing in two days time. It was an important 'gig' so I knew I had to do something drastic.

Firstly, I stopped talking, refusing phone calls etc,I gargled with salt water (lots of salt) every three to four hours. Then I realised the antibiotic properties of honey (not the supermarket types, but the varieties straight from the aparies) and took one dessert spoon every three to four hours. I also took Paracetamol [Paracetamol is a safer alternative to aspirin. The main brand name we have in Australia is Panadol, but there are also many generic versions. Panadol is manufactured by a world wide company, and perhaps you may recognise paracetetamol by that particular brand name.] as much as was allowed by the manufacturer (normally two tabs every four hours).

For the first time in my life I was not running to the doctor for prescribed antibiotics, and guess what? I was able to sing on the night."

"I am a preacher and recently I had an attack of laryngitis. I could just whisper. I remembered that I use to use apple cider vinegar mixed in water to drink, but hadn't used it with water for a good while. I added two teaspoons to a glass of water with just a bit of honey. I drank that about three times a day. In two days my laryngitis was almost gone. For people who think they could never drink vinegar mixed in water, they should remember that the honey smooths out the taste of the vinegar. It works!!"

An opera singer says:

"First, I have to realize that if I have a throat problem and I have to sing in the next 7-10 days, I MUST go to the best ENT (otolaryngologist, or "Ear Nose and Throat") doctor I can find. There are several in NYC that treat professional singers [Dr. Libin, Dr. Slavitt, Dr. Jahn are among the best in the New York metropolitan area]. If it's an emergency and I've lost my voice, my doctor will give me strong antibiotics if needed, a shot in the butt of steroids, Predisone and nasal spray. Having been prone to allergies which turn into upper respiratory infections all my life, this is a step I must not ignore. It may be the only way I can get through my performances.

"But if I can, I prefer to treat myself naturally first. Salt water can be very soothing. Gargling with warm salt water is widely known, but I also use a neti pot to rinse my sinuses with warm salt water. You can buy a pot and instructions on the internet or you can get a small plastic one at most drug stores these days. Another popular product for saline nasal rinsing is NeilMed's Sinus Rinse, available online or in drugstores.

"I also like natural products I can buy in health food stores, like Singer's Saving Grace, an inexpensive throat spray (tastes awful, but it really works!) and Thayer's Slippery Elm Throat Lozenges.

"Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory. It can help reduce swelling in your body and your throat. I like to make ginger tea. Buy fresh ginger root at the grocery store. Slice off several thin slices of the root, put it in your mug, and pour boiling water over it. Add honey if you like. Let it steep for a while and drink it. It's a little tingly, and very soothing.

"Yogi Tea also makes several teas I enjoy: Cold Season, Throat Comfort and Breathe Deep. You can find these teas at most health food stores and now many grocery stores. These are great to use any time you feel bad."

At the first sign of a cold, try Zicam and Airborne, both available at drug stores. Zicam is zinc-based, and Airborne is herbal. Great products!

As well, there's a great herbal formula available at most health food stores and online: Wellness Formula. Got a runny nose? Start taking this right away. It's got dozens of good herbs (Echinacea, Goldenseal, etc.) as well as garlic, so it's kind of stinky, but very effective.

And don't forget the Vitamin C!

Check out this informative article about keeping your "broadcast voice" healthy--great for all who use their voices professionally.