Good Vocal Health
I get asked quite often about my tricks for good vocal health, especially when a singer is working through illness. I am not a medical professional, but I do have a few ideas that work well for me.
Get Extra Rest
This may seem obvious, but your voice is the first part of your body to show signs of fatigue or illness. Sleep really helps!
Drink Lots of Water!
You will need more than usual. Your body needs help flushing out harmful germs and extra mucous. Water helps to prevent your voice from drying out. I suggest 80-100 oz. of water each day, especially in dry climates.
Avoid Things That Will Dry Out Your Voice
Medications with antihistamines dry out everything, which is great for runny noses, but not for singers. If you need to sing, a decongestant is a better solution. Of course, always talk to your doctor if you are unsure what to use.
If you need something to suck on, avoid cough drops containing menthol. Better ideas below.
Caffeine - this is a diuretic and will dry you out. Find energy in other ways.
The Magic of Salt!
Clearing your throat loudly can be harmful to your voice and can create more phlegm each time. A vicious cycle! Instead, keep a small ziplock bag or container like this one filled with table salt handy. A small sprinkle of salt sucked on at the back of the tongue can instantly help dissolve extra phlegm and calm down your coughing reflex. It’s natural and really works like magic!
Some of My Favorites
Instead of Menthol, I suggest sucking on sugar free candies or lozenges. There are some that are specifically created for a dry mouth that contain xylitol. This ingredient creates more saliva in the mouth and is also great for your teeth! Lozenges with glycerine in them are great as well and can help lubricate the throat.
ACT Dry Mouth Lozenges - Honey Lemon or Mint, I especially like these because the flavors are very mild.
Xylimelts - These are small and can fit in the side of your cheek between your gums and your molars for continued use while you sing or speak.
Halls Sugar Free Vitamin C Drops - These don’t have menthol and are preferred for singers to cough drops.
Grether's Pastilles - These last surprisingly long in your mouth. They are kind of like sucking on a small gumdrop, but are sugarfree!
Ice Cube Gum - This also has xylitol as the sugar substitute. I like to chew this gum after meals and just before I warm up my voice.
A Few Other Helpful Tools
Sleep with a humidifier.
Hot Lemon and Honey - I make this with 12 oz. hot water, 1-2 Tablespoons of lemon juice, and 2 Tablespoons of honey. This is a very soothing drink during periods of vocal fatigue.
Use a nasal wash 1-2 times a day with this bottle (much easier to use than a nettie pot)
Personal Nebulizer - Some people call it “Vocal Mist”. If you live or travel to a very dry climate or spend time in air conditioning, this can give your voice a little extra moisturizing when you need it. And it is very portable. Distilled water is recommended, but water from a purchased water bottle can be used in a pinch.
Saline for Nebulizer - For years doctors have recommended the benefits of sea air for the lungs. This occasional addition to the nebulizer creates a similar effect. It does a great job of thinning mucous and naturally helping in the healing process.
Again, these are just suggestions that have worked for me. Always refer to your physician for questions.
Happy Singing!