University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

see: Singers Packet (Voice Clinic Handouts); Management of Xerostomia

Homeopathic Throat Soothers 

1. Gould's Gargle

   1. Ingredients: 

      1. Half tsp salt

      2. Half tsp baking soda

      3. Half tbsp. Karo syrup

      4. 6 oz warm water

      5. Mix  all ingredients and gargle in small amounts for two minutes. Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes after gargling. Use to relive dry/scratchy and/or sore throat. Developed by Dr.Van Lawrence, Otolaryngologist.

2. Throat Coat Tea. Traditional medicine. Active ingredient: slippery elm bark.

3. Echinacea. lozenges or liquid, with or without goldenseal.

4. Slippery Elm Lozenges.

5. Papaya products. Reduce acid reflux.

6. Water. It is essential to keep the entire body, including vocal folds, hydrated. The best way to do this is by drinking water. It is better to sip water throughout the day than to drink an entire glass of water all at once. Drinking large quantities of water may put unwanted pressure on your stomach and increase your chance of acid reflux.

7. Direst steam inhalation.

8. Vaporizer or cool mist humidifier. Humidify air in your living spaces during then winter months. This will, in turn, decrease the chance vocal fold tissue dehydration.

9. Portable Steam Inhalation - one example:

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