You’ve worked hard on your technique, you’ve had a terrific audition, and you’ve finally (finally!) landed that choir solo, that lead role in the musical, or that lead singer job in a local band. You’re warmed up and ready to go, and on opening night you have a sore throat. There is no question that sore throats affect both professional and amateur singers, at the highest levels and in local community theater. And a sore throat at the wrong time can ruin a singing career. If you have a sore throat that you just want to get rid of, here are some natural home remedies to try:

Cayenne pepper. Many people use cayenne pepper as a gargle: about 1 teaspoon of cayenne in 4 oz. of warm water. The amounts can be adjusted for your tolerance level. According to those who use the remedy, it usually works even when antibiotics have failed, but it may take a few tries. Most who gargle successfully do so every fifteen minutes or so until the pain is gone.

Apple cider vinegar. This is a popular folk remedy, and doctors suggest there’s some basis for it: The acidity of the vinegar should kill sore throat bacteria on contact. To use this remedy, mix one teaspoon to two tablespoons (as strong as you can take) of vinegar with water. Gargle and then swallow twice every hour. Remember to wash your mouth with water after gargling to prevent the acidity of the vinegar from damaging the enamel of your teeth.

Cayenne pepper and vinegar. For those who really like punishment, try combining hot apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper. Instead of gargling, drink the mixture. According to those who use the remedy, it will dislodge mucus in the back of the throat, clearing the airways.

Saltwater. To try this remedy, combine a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with the entire mixture. Repeat several times a day, or until your throat improves. The idea behind this is that the salt dilates the capillaries in the back of the throat, increasing blood flow and bringing more bacteria-fighting antibodies to the area.

Honey is often used as an additive to help soothe the throat. Try it with a tablespoon of lemon juice, in hot lemon or chamomile herbal tea, or mixed with the hot apple cider vinegar remedy.

Lemon. Lemon is also a highly touted cure for a sore throat. You will find it recommended to gargle with a tablespoon of lemon juice, add a drop or two of lemon juice to hot water, or drink herbal tea with lemon and honey. It is recommended to add honey for a lemon cure, because it makes the taste more bearable. The honey also soothes a sore throat, while the acidity of the lemon kills bacteria, making honey and lemon a good combination.

I give you ginger Peel a ginger root and cut it into thin slices. Boil the slices in water to make ginger tea. Add a tablespoon of honey, drink a cup, and then gently clear your throat. This tea should make the back of your throat tingle, and the throat clearing at the end should dislodge any loose mucus. This tea can soothe your throat and help you get your voice back if you have lost it.

Licorice. For this cure, you’ll be using a real licorice sprig, not a sweet licorice stick. Peel the skin off the stick, then suck or chew it. The herb should soothe a sore throat over time.

Soy sauce and lime. This is a Javanese cure that is a different version of the honey and lemon cure. Combine the juice of one lime with one teaspoon in one tablespoon of soy sauce and drink. Those who recommend this cure say that a tablespoon of the mixture is enough to cure a mild sore throat.

To moisten. Sore throats are often caused by postnasal drip, which can leave your throat dry, scratchy, and irritated. Also, the dry air alone is enough to cause a sore throat along with a nasty cough. If the air in your house gets dry in the winter, and if you heat your house it does, try using a humidifier in your bedroom. Moist air might be all you need to get rid of a sore throat or cough.

There’s no question that a sore throat could put a serious damper on your singing ability. Try these home remedies to get rid of that sore throat fast, but don’t expect them to work right away; there is no such thing as a miracle cure. Also, if you find that your sore throat lasts for more than two weeks, regardless of what you try, you should see a doctor. Severe sore throats can indicate strep throat, bronchitis, and other more serious infections that need to be treated with antibiotics.