I have just recently come down with a sore throat, feels raw. a productive cough which causes a tremendous amount of pain along with ear pain. Do you have any home remedies I can try? I also don"t have much of a voice either.

One of the best, and easiest, things you can do for all of these symptoms is to take advantage of steam. You can take a hot shower and linger, inhaling the steam, visit a sauna (if you are feeling up to it), or boil water and place it in a bowl to inhale. You can also sleep using a humidifier. Add eucalyptus essential oil or menthol crystals for some extra penetrating power. Steam should help soothe inflamed memebranes of the sore throat and loosen phlegm, making it easier to cough out and to drain from your ears.

You can also make a mixture of hot water, lemon, and honey and drink to soothe your sore throat. Gargling with salt water may also help. I know it is not a "natural" remedy, but this one works - to numb your throat if it is extremely raw, gargle with benadryl syrup (do NOT swallow) 4 to 6 times daily.

Coughing is a natural and protective reflex. The only reason to treat a cough is if it is so disruptive you are unable to get enough rest or if you have some important talk you must give. Otherwise, let you body do what it naturally does. It will clear out your lungs and move out infection.

If your symptoms last longer than one week, or you have a fever greater than 101 degrees fahrenheit, consult your regular healthcare professional.