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.