The only thing that helps me get my voice back after I begin to really lose it (usually I go back and forth between hoarse, mute, and squeaky for about 6 weeks before I realize I can't sleep it away) is a good, old-fashioned dose of steroids. Prednisone or a similar corticosteroid will reduce the swelling and relax the vocal cords, and I swear, I start getting my voice back the next day. You still need rest and it takes some time, but there's no more flip-flopping back and forth between progress and regression. In a few days you should feel good as new. (For infections, I get it prescribed with a Z-Pack - I think it's about 5 days worth of a broad spectrum antibiotic that kills everything and keeps working after the pills are gone. Together,these drugs make me feel better almost instantly. Might take 2 weeks more to be in peak shape though.)