How To Recover Quickly If You Lose Your Voice

Recover your voice as soon as possible with these techniques.

Instructions

• Step 1: Gargle with warm salt water, or use a neti pot to rinse out your sinuses with warm salt water.
• TIP: Avoid gargle solutions containing aspirin, which may cause inflamed tissues to bleed.
• Step 2: Concoct a healing tea with 3 tablespoons of liquid honey, 2 ounces of lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Drink it while it’s hot and repeat every few hours. You’ll be talking again in no time.
• FACT: Did you know? Frequent yelling can damage vocal folds and cause temporary or permanent changes in vocal function and voice quality.
• Step 3: Use lozenges to soothe inflamed throat tissues and help you avoid clearing your throat too often.
• TIP: Skip alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen acid reflux and dehydrate tissues, further irritating vocal cords.
• Step 4: Visit the doctor if you think you've lost your voice due to a respiratory infection. They may prescribe antibiotics to help you heal.
• Step 5: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to prevent your sensitive vocal tissues from dehydrating. Inhale steam from a vaporizer or a pot of boiling water every hour or two.
• Step 6: Avoid environmental irritants, such as smoke and exhaust, which irritate the throat and vocal tissues and impede recovery.
• Step 7: Rest your vocal cords and don't strain yourself by trying to speak.