Sore Throat SOS: Voice-Saving Remedies Every Voice Actor Needs
A dear friend of mine, Natasha Marchewka, was deep in the trenches of a stubborn, long-lasting cold. Her throat was raw, her voice had all but vanished, and of course she had a calendar full of sessions. Classic timing, right?
Sure enough she said panic was about to set in when she remembered me (smile). Being a friend and fellow voiceover queen, I was able to swoop in like the “vocal angel” with some vocal health remedies. I had a throat-saving game plan.
My remedies? Lifesaving. My tone? Loving but firm. And the results? Immediate. Within 24 hours, she went from sounding like a gravel road to delivering a clean, clear take.
Now, I want to continue to pay it forward. Whether you’re battling a cold, stuck in allergy season, or just trying to keep your sound sharp, these are the go-to tips every voice actor should keep in their vocal toolkit- especially when your livelihood depends on your voice!
1. The Soothing Power of the Ginger-Honey-Citrus Elixir
This right here? A warm, throat-hugging miracle.
You’ll need:
- Fresh ginger (grated) or ginger extract
- Squeeze of orange or splash of OJ
- 1–2 tablespoons of manuka or raw honey
Stir it into hot water and sip slowly. Ginger reduces inflammation and cuts through phlegm, citrus boosts your vitamin C, and honey coats and soothes your throat. Pure magic.
Keaver’s Pro Tip: Place a spoonful of the honey-ginger mix under your tongue every couple hours. Let it dissolve slowly for a natural lozenge effect.
2. Gargling: The VO Secret Weapon
Gargle every 30 to 60 minutes with warm water and kosher salt. It draws out infection, reduces swelling, and keeps bacteria from spreading.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s one of the oldest, most reliable ways to reclaim your voice.
3. Total Vocal Rest
No talking. No whispering. No “just one line.”
Use a notepad or your phone to communicate. The less strain, the faster the bounce-back.
Rest your voice like your career depends on it—because it does.
4. Steam + Sweat Method
Get that steam going:
- Use a humidifier or breathe in steam from a boiling pot
- Rub Vicks on your neck/chest
- Wrap your throat in a hot towel
- Get in bed, comforter up to your neck, take a quick nap, then steam shower
- Toss on a hoodie and gently sweat it out
You might feel like you’re in a DIY sauna, but your throat will thank you.
5. Let That Mucus Move
Keep tissues handy and let your body do what it needs to do. Blow your nose, spit that phlegm, and don’t hold anything in.
Each trip to the bathroom is a vocal health opportunity: gargle, hydrate, release.
6. Water > Everything Else
Take your meds if prescribed. Then hydrate like you’re auditioning for a water commercial. 8–10 bottles a day. No excuses.
Water keeps mucus thin and cords flexible. Coffee and soda are not your friends today.
7. Allergy or Cold? Same Strategy, Different Intensity
That honey-ginger-orange tea? A daily go-to during pollen season. Pair it with salt gargles and humidifier sessions when you’re full-on sick. Walk outside. Light exercise if you’re up for it.
Consistency makes all the difference.
8. When You Have to Record
Sometimes the deadline doesn’t move. If you must record:
- Gargle before AND after
- Sip elixir throughout
- Warm up gently
- Rest completely afterward
Deliver it. Then disappear.
Your Vice Deserves Care
You can’t pour from an empty vocal cup. Colds, allergies, and sore throats are frustrating, but they don’t have to derail your career.
With a few tools, some old-school remedies, and the wisdom of those who’ve walked this path, you can recover faster and protect your power.
If this helped you, share it with a fellow voice actor, audio pro, or anyone who depends on their voice for work. Save this blog for the next time the tickle turns into trouble. And don’t forget to follow @Keaversvoice for more voice-first wisdom and vocal care gold.
Call to Action: Remember to wash your hands. And mask up. Follow me for more great tips!
Subscribe to our blog here for more tips and information.
Recent Comments