Somehow, every year students come back form their holiday break and promptly fall into what I call "The Crud." I always hope it won't happen, but it always does, and the studio becomes a petri dish of viruses for several weeks.

For the uninitiated, "The Crud" consists of the following: runny nose, sneezing, fevers, aches, pains, sore throats, coughing and other cold/flu symptoms that are no fun. Of course, it's winter and it is only to be expected that colds will be upon us, but somehow it always seems that they get passed in the studio with more frequency - sometimes just bouncing back and forth between students in a seemingly endless stream of tissues and cough drops.

The average American adult will suffer from 2 viral upper respiratory infections (or URIs) every year. (*1) A sore throat, runny nose, aches, pains and fever can accompany these infections, however they usually will dissipate after 4-5 days without medical intervention. A bacterial URI typically lasts longer, and may require antibiotics to clear up the infection. Other causes for sore throats and hoarseness include allergies, acid reflux, dry air, mouth breathing (particularly at night), or abuse of the mechanism by yelling, screaming or over-singing.

Obviously, bacterial infections need to be addressed by a doctor and may require treatment with antibiotics or other prescription medications. For those unfortunate enough to have a garden-variety cold, before reaching for over the counter medications, there are numerous homeopathic remedies that can be used to help alleviate hoarseness and sore throats in cases that are not severe. Here are just a few that you may want to try:

1. Wash Your Hands and Disinfect Common Areas (doorknobs, keyboards, phones, etc)

2. Keep Nasal Passages Clear – Two of the most common causes for sore-throat pain are postnasal drip and a dry throat that results from sleeping with your mouth open when your nasal passages are blocked. Decongestants, especially those containing pseudoephedrine, may be helpful in stopping the flow. Using saline nasal spray can help make breathing easier promptly though temporarily, and it's probably worth investing in a humidifier to run in your bedroom at night. Alternatively, you can run a hot shower and place wet towels over air vents to help disperse humidity into a dry hotel room.

3. Physical Rest – this can give you more energy to fight the infection.

4. Gargle - there are lots of these variations:

a. Gargle raspberry tea - Raspberry leaf tea can make a great gargle. (To make, pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 teaspoons dried leaves. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Allow to cool.) If you also have a fever, the gargle can be used as a fever-reducing drink as well.

b. Gargle with sage - This curative herb is a great sore throat gargle. Mix 1 teaspoon in 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Add 1 teaspoon each cider vinegar and honey, then gargle four times a day.

c. Gargle with turmeric - Mix together 1 cup hot water, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gargle with the mixture twice a day. If you're not good with the gargle, mix 1/2 teaspoon turmeric in 1 cup hot milk and drink. However, it is important to note that turmeric stains clothing, so be careful when mixing and gargling.

d. Gargle with warm saltwater - Make a saline solution by adding 1/2 teaspoon salt to 1/2 cup of very warm water and gargle every 3 to 4 hours. This will help cut phlegm and reduce inflammation.

e. Gargle with Listerine - Another good gargling fluid is Listerine mouthwash. If you share the product with anyone else in your household, don't drink straight from the bottle; instead, pour a small amount into a cup (and don't share that, either).

f. Gargle with Cider Vinegar - This sore throat cure is found in several different homeopathic remedies. Mix 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 8 oz. of hot water. Gargle or drink as desired, but make sure it is still hot.

5. Horseradish – This Russian sore throat cure mixes 1 tablespoon horseradish, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon of ground cloves and warm water. Mixing the honey and horseradish with vodka as a shot is another Russian home remedy.

6. Citrus – Lemon or lime juice mixed with a teaspoon of honey and warm water can act as a diuretic and temporarily take down swelling.

7. Pineapple – The enzyme Bromelin helps reduce swelling and can take the sting away from a sore throat and is found naturally in pineapples. Bromelin is available in pill form from health food stores, but you can drink fresh juice or eat the fruit for the same anti-inflammatory benefits.

8. Drink Aloe – There are a number of different aloe beverages available on the market today. Aloe acts as a moisturizer for dry throats. If you have pasteurized aloe, mix with a fruit juice to make the flavor more palatable. Keep in mind that a little aloe goes a long way.

9. Licorice – The Italians swear by licorice for sore throats and coughs and sell lozenges at the pharmacy containing licorice extract. The American version would be something similar to “Fisherman’s Friend.” It acts as a cough suppressant and helps soothe irritation.

10. Drink Hot Liquids – This provides a benefit similar to placing a heat pack on an injury.

11. Hydrate – Hydration helps thin the mucus and flush toxins. Water is best, but juice or other liquids work as well. Be sure to watch the acid levels if you suffer from reflux or GERD. Also note, it takes 30 minutes for a glass of water to begin to hydrate the vocal folds. (*2)

12. Steam – One old-fashioned remedy for a cold or sore throat is a steam tent -- sitting with your face over a bowl of steaming hot water and your head covered with a towel to keep the steam in. Adding 1 to 2 drops eucalyptus oil can be soothing. Alternatively, hot showers provide the same benefits.

13. Garlic - This Amish remedy can treat or prevent sore throats. Peel a fresh clove, slice it in half, and place 1 piece in each cheek. Suck on the garlic like a cough drop. Occasionally, crush your teeth against the garlic, not to bite it in half, but to release its allicin, a chemical that can kill the bacteria that causes strep. While effective, this is not ideal for singers who have to be in close contact with their colleagues.

These are just some of the homeopathic remedies for congestion and colds that are available to you. Try some and see if they help you feel better the next time “The Crud” has gotten to you!

Footnotes:

(*1) Deirdre D. Michael and George S. Goding, “Dispelling Vocal Myths, Part 3: ‘Sing Over Your Cold!’” Journal of Singing 68, No. 4 (2012): 424.

(*2) Jeffrey L. Webb, “Promoting Vocal Health in the Choral Rehearsal.” Music Educators Journal 93, no. 5 (May 2007): 27.