Natural Remedies for the Voice as the Temperature Drops

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Except for singers, that is. The crisp autumn air always brings me a sense of peace and comfort, yet I become flustered trying to sing an aria while sneezing or noticing my throat feeling oddly reptilian. Singers unfailingly have a remedy to get the vocal cords healthy again promptly (whatever the season may be), but will they help us in the long run? Many throat lozenges and sprays have proven to give people excessive dry throat over time (gasp)! While there are some great herbal sprays out there, I truly believe nature knows best. Here are some of my favorite remedies that I hope may also help you!

* This is counterintuitive if you are allergic to any of these ingredients or these methods do not work; there are many other options available! Also, this is not solely for singers-everyone should have a happy, healthy voice!

WARM TEA AND ROOM TEMPERATURE WATER (THE ULTIMATE HEALERS): Add some fresh lemon, honey, licorice, chamomile (before bedtime- you may get sleepy), and/or ginger:

I always add these ingredients freshly chopped and ground in my tea, however, you can find these ingredients in many throat coat teas at your local grocery store (Yogi throat comfort tea is wonderful)!

And here is the best part-they are healers for many ailments and allergies.

* Apple cider vinegar is great, if you can handle it.

LOCAL HONEY: Honey can be taken on its own or in a cup of warm tea, but a tablespoon a day keeps the doctor away. Make sure it is local and seasonal honey; this will knock out all those nasty allergens! Many doctors are still unsure about this completely lessening allergens, but honey has been incredible for me and many other musicians I know. It is worth a shot! Start off with half a tablespoon for a week and gradually increase to 1 tablespoon.

STRETCH YOUR VOCAL CORDS: Yes, I know that is all you ever do. People remind me everyday that vocal exercises are bizarre, but it is important to stretch the muscles in our throat like we do with the rest of our body: sore or otherwise. I heard this tip once and I promise-it is the best feeling ever. I am never going back. Stick your tongue out (with a clean napkin or something) and lightly pull it in different directions for about 5 seconds. After, open your mouth really wide and do a vocal yawn silently. Everything feels so open and free, and you may even feel the need to start singing again! Which brings me to the next point...

VOCAL REST AND ZZZ'S: Practice what I preach? Not always. As a musician you will find resting your voice or getting those necessary hours of dreaming can be difficult, but this will help your body recover. Bring something to write so you can avoid using your voice and coming across as a "diva" (I put diva in quotations because diva once was a compliment, rather than an insult. The Italian word means goddess/female deity, for all of you wonderful dìvi). When you are not practicing, singing, teaching, or whatever it may be, take at least 10 minutes between where you are on designated vocal rest. Talk to no one and let no one talk to you, shield yourself in armor, my dear rock (Paul Simon knows what he's talking about here).

STOP WHISPERING AND LISTEN TO YOURSELF: This one is probably the most confusing. Whispering can actually damage the vocal cords more due to squeezing them tighter than a normal speaking voice. In addition, many people do not pay attention to their normal "speaking voice". I have noticed many Americans, in particular, "sit" on the voice. We talk lower than what might actually be comfortable, rather than at a pleasant-feeling middle part of the range. There is no need to sound like a squeaky mouse (I am guilty, sorry,I naturally have an obnoxious voice), for the reason that it can also be damaging. Just keep it in a comfortable zone. Try to make the voice more resonant and forward, as you would when you sing. Look into a vocal coach and a speech doctor specialist if you want an in-depth look at what you are doing with your voice during normal conversations and how it is impacting your health.

WARMING UP...AND DOWN:

So we all warm up but rarely do we talk about warming the voice down. If you were just singing some Die Fledermaus your voice is probably wanting a break, no matter how skilled you are at that ending. Let your voice relax slowly, with some gentle hums and warm downs. Have a little Zen moment and "woosah", as I always say. Your voice will thank you.