First of all, always use any vocal strengthening routine that you’re comfortable with and that you believe in (exercises, warm-ups, etc.) Suck on room temp water as much as you can (avoid flavorings, lemon, etc.) Hot or Cold anything effects cord tension. Our pitch relies on the right amount of vocal tension. Think of your voice as you would any other muscles/tendons. When you’re in a hot tub, we relax and stretch. When we’re cold, we contract/restrict. Both effect our range. Room temp’ water only! Avoid sugar, caffeine—that includes tea/hot tea. Hot tea w/lemon is good temporary relief, but… The lemon may help strip the cords of the bad stuff, but it also strips the good stuff (like cleaning your car with something that’s also stripping off the wax). Honey is a great, natural antiseptic, but can create more phlegm in your esophagus. Advil Congestion is great because it helps reduce swelling and fights congestion at the same time and has a less drying effect than other decongestants. As with any drug, compliment it with lots of water because most, if not all drugs we put in our body have a drying effect. Avoid throat lozenges, sprays, etc. Will dry you out even more… even the sprays that claim they’re good for your voice. I learned that the hard way and from a voice guru at University of Texas. Sleep! Steam. Face steamers help a lot. Gargle with a cap full apple cider vinegar and/or olive oil. Mucinex does wonders accompanied with lots of water. One other tip we picked up from Prince (it’s in his contract)… Munch on some Tostitos about an hour before show time. The texture and light salt helps clear some of the crud off the cords. It works! There is a something you can find at a health food store called “Throat Coat. It’s a tea. Works for some folks on short notice.