I like Bucca in strong coffee myself--amaretto too!  However, being a public speaker I'd have to say MJF's advice is very good.  I was also taught that coffee stripped the vocal cords of mucus which kept them lubricated and less prone to injury and fatigue.

My singing has similarly been outlawed but for speaking I use a product called Thayer's Slippery Elm Throat Lozenges.  Speakers and opera singers have been using them since the 1800's.  They are categorized as a gentle demulcent and are menthol and gluten free.  I get 24 lozenges for about $2.79 at my local health-food/vitamin store.

http://www.thayers.com

Not all who wander are lost...

Proud Member of The Americana Music Association

Thanks, McStringer. A couple years back, my undergrad school brought in some vocal health specialists. I'm surprised I remember any of it, but it helped that they backed it up with memorable "larynx-cam" video-- ewwww.

For Rodeostu-- http://www.mysmilies.com/

Enjoy.

Seems like a hot topic!

There's a local guy here on Long Island that developed a herbal vocal spray, and it really works.  I've been using it as needed for a while, and it really helps when you feel your throat getting dry.  It's called Dolce Voce, which means sweet voice in Italian.  Now if i only had a sweet voice! 

lespaul57
keep the music in your ear and the wind in your hair *****