Singers - which tonic do you use?

[alabamaalan]

When you start losing your voice and have to sing.

My DW is scheduled to sing at our zoo Wednesday night and is starting to lose her voice. She does not appear to be sick otherwise.

She has had problems in previous winters but this year was diagnosed with asthma. Since she has started using her medication and inhaler she had not had the throat problems again until now.

Everyone has their own remedy for a hot liquid they like to use, so I am curious as to what some of yours are.

 

[tc]

I drink any hot liquid. Avoid caffeine. Honey in it helps. Also avoid milk products, it tends to coat, and not allow your vocal chords to vibrate effectively. Also drink plenty of water days before performing.

My favorite is Celestial Seasonings Peppermint tea, with honey added.

I hope she feels better.

 

[KingsFanInRI]

try about 5-7 parts water to one part aloe vera juice. It seems to work for me. I don't sing much anymore, but when I was singing I started to have a throat problem that seemed to be minimized greatly after I tried the AV juice (which you can get at WalMart).

I know, I know. It sounds gross, but it's not half as bad as you would think. I would not go so far as to say that it tastes good, but there are far worse things you could drink.

 

[JohnMouse]

AngieBelle should read this post....if she has to sing at an audition or something this could be good advice for her.

 

[sandramaac]

I studied voice for 10 years. Here is a gready remedy.

What you don't want to do is coat the cords in any way. Honey, milk, sugar are all no-no's. What I do (a trick taught to me by my voice teacher) is make a cup of tea and dissolve a Halls drop inside of it. The vapors really open up the throat and nose area, and it is very soothing. I used this remedy many years ago, 4 hours prior to an opening night for a production of the King and I (I was appearing as Anna), where I came down with a sore and scratchy throat. It worked like a charm and I have used it ever since. Try not to keep clearing your throat, this irrates the cords, and try not to talk. Rest is also best.

 

[Nutsy]

Water with a touch of lemon & honey too if you like............

 

[disykat]

I second the no sugar, don't coat your throat advice. I use warm water only.