7 Amazing Vocal Remedies For Singers

Keeping your voice healthy & happy comes down to a few very important things: Lots of sleep (time to rest and repair), Healthy vocal technique (to ensure that you are avoiding vocal strain when singing and speaking) and Hydration.  A hydrated voice= a happy voice.

Today I’m going to share some great vocal remedies for singers to help you keep your voice hydrated while performing and practicing. These remedies can save the day when your voice isn’t at 100% and you have to make it through a performance or rehearsal.

The goal is to keep the vocal cords hydrated and the throat lubricated and moist. Vocal fatigue is most often caused by dry vocal cords rubbing against each other as you sing or speak. Keep in mind, nothing you drink will actually come in direct contact with your vocal cords BUT drinking lots of water keeps them hydrated.

1.) Warm Water, Honey & Lemon

This is my number one go to for vocal relief. I always have a mug of warm water with honey and lemon as I teach and sing throughout the day. Muscle function in your throat can be inhibited by very cold water, so warm (but not hot) water is best. The honey coats the throat and creates a protective cushion. The acidity in the lemon helps get rid of any phlegm that might be hanging around.

2.)Asian Pear & Lotus Root

This recipe was given to me by a Chinese herbalist & Acupuncturist for voice restoration.

Blended:

Asian Pear (1)

Lotus Root (1/2)

Coconut milk or Almond Milk (Don’t use real dairy- it will cause unwanted phlegm)

Ginger Slices (2)

Lemon Juice (1 tsp)

The asian pear, lotus root, and coconut milk coat the throat. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and has an awesome way of opening up the sinuses. Lemon reduces phelgm.

Lotus root can be found at most asian markets. You can use regular pears if you can’t find asian pears (also called apple pears).

3.)Thayer’s Slippery Elm Lozenges

I love these little guys! Slippery Elm is a mucilaginous herb. It coats your throat and helps reduce vocal fatigue. Here’s a link- Thayer’s Slippery Elm Lozenges

 4.) “Singer’s Saving Grace”

Whenever my voice is under the weather (cold, allergies, over use), this little bottle is my saving grace. I only use this when I am performing and I need to bring out the big guns. I will warn you- it is not delicious. But, it works! Here you go- Singer’s Saving Grace

5.) Throat Coat Tea

You can find this tea at most drug stores or online. Throat Coat has slippery elm, marshmallow root and licorice root. All  mucilaginous herbs.

When I perform, I bring a mixture of Throat Coat, honey & lemon in a big water bottle. Gigs can last 3 or 4 hrs and you’ve got to keep your vocal cords hydrated and protected from damage.

Get Throat Coat Tea Here- Throat Coat

6.) Aloe Vera Juice/Gel

I love Aloe. It is an awesome plant. I would take a bath in aloe every night if I could. Great for the skin, the gut and the throat. I prefer to drink straight aloe vera juice/gel. Sometimes I add water, but I find the thicker the better.

Aloe is great for hydrating and healing. I sip a small glass of aloe at the end of my teaching day. It soothes and helps heal any irritation or inflammation in my throat.

My favorite brand is Lakewood Organic. You can find it here- Lakewood Organic Aloe Vera Gel

7.) Personal Steam Inhaler

A personal steam inhaler is a nice way to stay hydrated. It’s great for congestion relief as well. I use mine for 15-20 min. once a day. Usually before I start teaching in the afternoon. I also use it before a performance. Here is the model I use- Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler 

I know these vocal remedies for singers will make your vocal cords happy! Did I miss anything in my list?

Tell me what you use to keep your voice hydrated in the comments section.

 

 

8 Comments

  • Annie

    Reply Reply January 8, 2017

    What about VocalEZE spray? I was thinking of purchasing this. I have never used anything like this for my voice before, and since these precious chords are getting older :-), I want to take care of things properly!

    • Meghan Nixon

      Reply Reply January 18, 2017

      Hi Annie. I’ve never tried VocalEze, but I imagine it’s probably similar to Singer’s Saving Grace and other throat-coating sprays. I recommend trying a few different ones and seeing what you like the best.

  • Donna

    Reply Reply June 2, 2017

    I have found pineapple juice helpful but I don’t know if there is any scientific reason to support this.

    • Meghan Nixon

      Reply Reply September 26, 2017

      Thanks for the comment Donna- I have heard the same thing about pineapple juice. I think it just coats the throat better than other juices do.

  • Laura Fritzky

    Reply Reply September 18, 2017

    MEGHAN IS CORRECT. AS A PROFESSIONAL VOCAL COACH OF 38 YEARS, THE SPRAYS ARE GOING TO VARY. I PERSONALLY RECOMMEND THE SPRAYS THAT ARE NOT ALCOHOL BASED. ALCOHOL DRYS YOU OUT. Try finding one like Entertainer’s Secret or the ones that have a glycerin base. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

  • Ellen

    Reply Reply October 20, 2017

    I’ve been asked to play a big part in an upcoming Christmas program that will be attended by over a thousand people at each performance. I’m not a performer, my voice is super unreliable, I’m just a mom who happens to be able to sing. LOL! I’m doing what I can to get my voice as healthy as possible in the short amount of time I have, but I don’t know now what I’m doing. My question has to do with the version of each product you’ve listed. You’re not the only one to recommend them. Does it matter what flavor of Thayers? (Original, tangerine, maple…)
    I ordered singers saving grace, but didn’t know to look for alcohol free. The citrus honey was recommended, but doesn’t have the ocea root, does that matter?
    Help!!! I’m so afraid I will get up there nd croak!

    • Meghan Nixon

      Reply Reply November 15, 2017

      Hi Ellen! Congrats on your role in the Christmas program 🙂 It doesn’t matter which flavor of Thayers you use- I like the original flavor best. The Singer’s Saving Grace is a great product for keeping your voice going during a performance- any flavor with do. Really though, the simplest and best remedies are warm water with honey and lemon and/or Throat Coat Tea. Break a leg!

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