When viewing the recently-released documentary series about Geaorge Harrison, I learned that, during a relatively debauched period of his life when he abused his throat badly enought to affect his singing, George regularly gargled with a honey-and-vinegar solution before going on stage. Start with enough hot water to dilute the honey so that the vinegar can be easily stirred in. Tastes sorta like salad dressing.

When I discussed this with friends, more than one person was already familiar with this remedy, and several noted that they added red pepper (e.g., Tabasco or a similar cayenne-pepper sauce like Crystal or Louisiana brand). Tastes like extra-spicy salad dressing...

I also heartily endorse Thayer's Slippery Elm lozenges, in the old-fashioned-looking package, as mentioned above. When my local health-food store was out of stock, I looked it up on the internet and bought a case which has lasted me for a while.

I might add that my usual vocal problem is not illness-related, not mucous buildup or anything like that, but simply the effects of singing much too loud and at too great a length when performing with our local punk-rock sea-shanty ensemble: the Valparasiso Men's Chorus, Destroying Vocal Chords Since Twenty-Aught-Whenever...